Staying in a hotel makes you a better Airbnb host.
In the hospitality world, hotels are king. They will always Airbnb hosts #1 competition when a potential guest searches your area for a place to stay.
I recently spent 3 nights at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California, and here’s a few of my takeaways as an Airbnb property manager:
-Try and Trust Your Guests
Simply, there were not a lot of rules at the hotel. The amenities (gym, pool, hot tub) and all grounds were open from 6a-2a. There’s public fireplaces to hangout at. They simply ask to not smoke in the rooms because its ‘stinky’. They set a vibe and tone and a sense of is trust instilled in the guests to keep the peace and respect each other and the space. Airbnb has a bad rep for having too many rules and it made me reconsider which of mine are necessary and which are micro-manage-y.
A quick look at our room upon check-in. The first impression is so important: it can make or break a stay.
-Amenities Matter Most
I loved that there was a gym. We had a garden fireplace room, which I also loved having. There were high quality pillows that made me re-consider my pillows at home. I spent a ton of time at the pool and the loungers had a sun-shade that I didn’t know I needed. These are the things that will make me re-book when I come back to the area, and that stand out when I think about the overall experience. Amenities will always add value: if you want to charge as much as hotels do, you have to provide as much too, or offer something else with comparable value. Can’t add a pool? What about an outdoor ice plunge tub or a sauna?
Overview of amenities at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
-I Missed Having a Kitchen
The mini fridge was so full of consumables for purchase we had no where to put our leftovers. There was no coffee maker? Which was a first at a hotel for me. Also no microwave. We got by. But—if you are spending more than a couple nights, or bringing kids, you will end up spending a small fortune on food and drinks. Airbnb’s (usually) have a kitchen space, which is a huge plus. It adds a lot of value for many guests, especially those travelling in groups or families or for longer periods of time. What type of guest you are appealing to, and how long they’re likely to stay, is an important thing to consider when designing and adding amenities to your Airbnb.
-It’s Hard to Match the Customer Service
Need a number for pizza at 11pm? You can call the 24/7 lobby. Want to get your room cleaned and fresh towels delivered? Just call and let the desk know, there’s no cleaning charge. Though you can call your Airbnb host at 11pm for a simple question, most guests are much more hesitant (myself included), because they think they’re bugging the host. That’s not necessarily the case, but having an easily accessible local guidebook, and over emphasizing to your guests to reach out if they need anything at all goes a long way. Though you probably can’t offer free cleaning or an endless towel supply, make sure you are providing a cleaning kit and enough of everything for each person so your guests are comfortable and can clean up after themselves during their stay.
The world of Airbnb is an ever-changing landscape, and it helps to have professionals in your corner to make sure you are providing a great product for your guests. This is what will set you apart from your competition and help you to earn a profit on your real estate investment. Guest House Airbnb Management based out of Niagara Falls, Ontario manages properties with a hospitality focus that aims to provide a consistent and seamless stay for every guest. If you are interested in learning more about our services, click here to connect.
