We used AI to read through 190+ comments on a Reddit where Airbnb hosts and guests talked about the small things that make a stay great (or ruin it). Then we checked the findings against what we actually see managing apartments in Prague.
So, here’s what guests keep saying.
Get the basics right first
This is the part many hosts can underestimate so before adding cool features like Netflix to your Airbnb, get the basics right as it can help fight those 1-3 star reviews when the basics are missing.
Smell
There was one consistent feedback that came up again and again and that was people want “fresh, clean air,” not air freshener covering up something else.
Several people said they’d trade every amenity in the apartment for a place that just smells clean. And a lot of them specifically called out strong chemical cleaners such as heavy bleach as a turnoff.
Clean doesn’t mean it smells like a hospital but actually the fact your can’t smell anything at all.
Quality of sleep
Your next biggest investment, not in terms of financial investment but rather strategical, are curtains.
Blackout curtains and on every window.
This doesn’t have to do only with guests that can be jet-lagged but you should consider light sleepers or simply people who just prefer total darkness and not wanting to wake up with the first sunshine.
Some bedrooms can be further affected if facing the east and are more prone to the first rays of morning light.
Kitchen essentials
If your listing sleeps 6 then you need at least:
- 6 plates
- 6 bowls
- 6 sets of cutlery
And you get the idea…
Christmas dinner with mismatched plates because the apartment didn’t have enough.
It doesn’t matter if your previous guests had some accident and broke a plate or a glass, you have to restock before your next guests arrive. Ideally, always keep a backup of a few essentials that you know can be broken.
What else you should or shouldn’t do?
A kitchen that actually functions, with properly sharped knives, pots and pans that aren’t heavily scratched, salt, pepper and sugar are expected. If you can supply some basic oil then you are going the extra mile and can expect some positive feedback.
Nobody expects a fully stocked pantry but a burnt pan you can’t cook in can show up in your reviews, as a comment or photo.
Wi-Fi
Just make an easy password or a QR code taped up somewhere obvious.
Nobody wants to type a 16-character password with three symbols on their phone at midnight.
Small things that get you 5-stars
Once the basics are covered, this is where you can take it a step further and win people over.
- Charging ports and a lamp on both sides of the bed.
- A luggage rack. Sounds minor but can also save you from having to repaint parts of the wall regularly.
- Real coffee pods or a proper coffee maker with actual grounds.
- Hooks for jackets, wet towels, bags and more. It’s really a no-brainer and helps guests a lot more than you can imagine.
- A short local guide with a few restaurant picks in the area.
- A proper hairdryer that actually works and a proper bathroom mirror.
If you made it so far
Every one of these fixes can range from inexpensive to complicated but what it requires is someone actually walking through the apartment as a guest would and noticing what’s missing, which is exactly what we do for the properties we manage.
And we believe that’s the difference between an apartment that gets booked again and again, and keep a high overall rating.
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