Airbnb Tips for Hosts and Guests

Airbnb is a company that connects private hosts with potential guests who want to explore new places. It lets people rent out their homes, apartments or even their spare room in order to generate extra income or make room for guests when they are not there themselves. Airbnb provides an online platform where people can list, find and book accommodations around the world, whether it's a room in someone's home, an entire house, an apartment or villa. We have used Airbnb several times as guests and have often thought about renting out our home whilst we are away. If this is something that you are thinking about, read on for some airbnb tips for hosts and guests.

A modern open plan living room and dining room space. There is a grey sofa with a marble coffee table, brown leather chairs opposite and a black crochet pouffe. Just in shot is a wooden dining table with black chairs.

How to Become an Airbnb Host

People choose to become an Airbnb host for many reasons, some to make a little extra money by renting out a room, some by letting their holiday home whilst they aren't using it, and others who use it as a total business opportunity, buying homes with the purpose of renting them out as Airbnb rentals. You can just sign up on their website, tell them if you want to let a whole property or part of, share some photos and house rules and decide on a price. If it seems like a lot of effort and you don't know what you are doing, consider using airbnb management services who will do all the legwork for you, including writing an engaging description and taking professional photographs.

Management services are also a great way of avoiding having bad guests. Prospective guests can be vetted before they stay and they can also deal with any difficult Airbnb guests for you during their stay.

All bookings include a cleaning fee, charged to the guest which can be set by you so you don't need to worry about cleaning the property yourself, unless you want to. The cleaning fee will pay for a cleaner to come in and refresh the property ready for the next guest.

What Equipment Will I Need As An AirBnb Host

The first thing that you should invest in for your listing is a reliable WiFi connection. It's good practice to invest in a modem that supports gigabit speeds. This way, all guests are guaranteed fast internet speeds at all times. You will also need to provide bed linen, furniture, a fully stocked kitchen equipment and utensil wise as well as a fridge and freezer. Go the extra mile and provide some extra special touches such as a welcome basket, plenty of toilet paper, towels and fuel for the fire if there is one. The best airbnbs are the ones that provide the little extras and luxuries so it is a good idea to go that extra mile - you will reap the benefits in positive reviews, which in turn will encourage more bookings.

A small double bedroom with white bed linen and two towels rolled up at the end of the bed. There are two windows with the curtains drawn and a folding chair and bedside table in the corner of the room.

Airbnb management services

I've often thought about renting out our family home during the summer as an Airbnb property while we travel but I'm always put off by how much effort I perceive it to be. I wasn't aware that you could use Airbnb management services to make the whole thing go smoothy. For a percentage of your earnings per rental they will help to write engaging description, take professional photos and depending upon which package you book, they will manage the booking from the start to the finish. GuestReady is one such service and I was so impressed that they also include a cleaner and clean bed linen in one of their packages, as well as meeting your guest personally at the door and arranging for key collection when your guest leaves. It sounds like it really takes the stress out of renting out a home and enables you to get more done.

GuestReady is available all over the UK, Europe and the Middle East, so you can enjoy their holiday home management services in Dubai just like you can in Lisbon, or Paris, or London. This is great if you have a holiday home somewhere like Dubai or you have a portfolio of properties to rent out across the world.

If you want to take a really hands off approach to renting out your property on Airbnb a management service is definitely the way to go. You have a property manager, professional photographer and Airbnb listing tips from the professionals to help you to make money through the rental business. They can help you to be the best host and property owner, deal with any issues such as property damage and work with you on a pricing strategy and is a really easy way to generate Airbnb income and be a good host without having to do anything. It is especially a great option for new hosts who are just getting to know the market and what is needed.

Booking an Airbnb as a guest

I am a huge fan of Airbnb and we have booked several breaks with them over the years. I find with four children and a dog, a home environment is the most relaxing and comfortable place to stay, and Airbnb is perfect for finding a beautiful rental property in great locations. Often there will already be all the paraphernalia you need for children - a baby bath, baby gate and toys. If the home that you are staying in is a family home I always find it is well suited to us and the best way that we can have a relaxing break in a home away from home. The little things that are often provided like this are really useful as a family staying away from home and you don't find in a hotel room and go a long way to making a trip with children much easier.

You can find properties to rent all over the world through Airbnb. You will be able to see photos of the property and also read reviews from other people who have stayed there. I always find that the reviews are central to making a final decision about where to stay - the good reviews can let you know a lot about the property and the area and the negative reviews generally speak for themselves. I only choose places with great reviews and we haven't had a problem with anywhere we have stayed. Bad reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt sometimes though - if it is only one bad review it might just be a hard to please customer. There is often lots of useful information in the description such as distances to the nearest public transport and recommended places to eat and drink.

I use the Airbnb app to search for places to rent that are nearby where I want to stay. You can look at a map which helpfully labels the price for each night by each property. It is worth bearing in mind that there is usually a service charge and cleaning service fee levied by the host so this will add onto the cost a little bit. Make sure that you pay attention to check in and check-out times too - often the owner will come to meet you at the property to transfer the key - you won't want to keep them waiting around.

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