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How to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out

The Airbnb market has grown to millions of listings worldwide, which means hosts have to do more than just offer a place to stay. Today’s guests are looking for rentals that feel stylish, comfortable, and convenient. 

If you want to make your Airbnb stand out and earn five-star reviews, it’s all about the details. Here are a few ways to take your property from average to unforgettable.

Design With Intention

Good design is one of the most effective ways to make a rental memorable. Guests are drawn to spaces that feel welcoming, stylish, and well put together. Even on a budget, you can use color, lighting, and decor to create the kind of atmosphere that inspires glowing reviews.

If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at this guide on how to decorate your Airbnb. Thoughtful design choices can turn an ordinary property into a destination in itself. From accent walls to cozy rugs, the right details help your listing stand out in photos and make guests feel at home.

Add Affordable Extras

Guests notice the little touches that make their stay easier. Stocking your kitchen with a few extras doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider adding a simple coffee maker, like a Nespresso or other pod machine, along with tea bags and an electric kettle. These small upgrades are cost-effective and give your rental a polished, guest-ready feel.

You don’t need to overspend to create an inviting space. Guests appreciate convenience, and being able to make a quick coffee in the morning can set a positive tone for their entire stay. Small gestures like this often translate into better reviews and more repeat bookings.

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Keep It Spotless

Nothing ruins an otherwise great rental faster than dust, stains, or lingering odors. Cleanliness is one of the top factors guests mention in reviews, so it should always be a priority. While it might be tempting to handle the cleaning yourself, keeping up with professional standards can be tough, especially if you have a busy schedule or multiple properties.

Hiring a service like Sparkly Maid ensures your Airbnb is consistently pristine. Professional cleaners know how to tackle every corner, from bathrooms to kitchens, so guests walk into a spotless space every time. This not only saves you hours of work but also builds trust with guests who want to feel confident that their rental is clean and well cared for.

Focus on Guest Convenience

Travelers appreciate rentals that make their stay as smooth as possible. Offering flexible options like early check-in, late check-out, or even a simple baggage drop can make a huge difference. Many guests arrive at odd hours, so self check-in with a secure lockbox or smart lock is another feature that adds value.

Don’t forget the basics, either. Reliable Wi-Fi is non-negotiable for most travelers, whether they’re working remotely or streaming a movie after a long day of sightseeing. These small conveniences are often what set highly rated rentals apart from the rest.

Create an Experience, Not Just a Stay

When you combine thoughtful design, useful extras, spotless cleaning, and guest-friendly convenience, you do more than just host; you create an experience. In a crowded market, that’s what helps your Airbnb stand out and keeps guests coming back.

Paying attention to these details can boost your reviews, improve your occupancy rate, and ultimately make your property more profitable. With the right approach, your Airbnb can feel less like a side project and more like a destination travelers remember long after they leave.

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Karen LeBlanc

Karen LeBlanc is an award-winning travel journalist and storyteller, honored with two Telly Awards and four North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awards for The Design Tourist travel show. As the show’s host, producer, and writer, Karen takes viewers beyond the guidebooks to explore the culture, craft, cuisine, and creativity that define the world’s most fascinating destinations.

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