21 Airbnb Tips To Set You Up For Success, Make You A Super Host, And Get Awesome Reviews • Inspired Design Talk

Looking for Airbnb tips that’ll set you up for success? These resources will help you get super host status and awesome 5-star reviews!

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Airbnb Tips

There are many valuable tips and lessons we’ve learned since we first hosted on Airbnb in 2019. Some we learned from guests and others from experience.

In my opinion, the best way to start something new is to go all in and learn as you go. There’s no way to have all the answers or be fully prepared for new opportunities.

Is it scary to host your home or property the first time? Absolutely!! But the rewards will outway the fear, I promise!

As Quincy Jones says “Don’t become a victim of paralysis by analysis“. Many times we get in our own way and stop ourselves from taking the leap because we overanalyze.

That said take a chance and try something new like opening up your home to travelers from all over the world. In the process, you just may cross paths with someone that’ll change your life forever!

This post is all about Airbnb tips.

Airbnb Tips Q&A

Whenever family and friends hear that we’ve hosted with Airbnb they always asked the same questions. Since I’m sure you’d like to know as well let’s get them out of the way.

Below are the top three questions I get asked on a regular basis.

How do I get good at Airbnb?

To get good at Airbnb do your research and list your property! This is the overly simple answer to the question but in all seriousness, you have to get the property listed to learn what your guests want and need.

The saying is true “You don’t know what you don’t know”. I can give you all the advice and tips based on my experience as a super host but every space and location is slightly different.

What works for our room listing in NY and my husband’s apartment in the Dominican Republic is similar but different. For this reason, I recommend getting your place as ready as you can and then listing it.

You can always edit the listing, images, and amenities. The only way to learn is by taking action and doing.

How much does the average Airbnb Host make?

How much you make on Airbnb will depend on the location, rental price, and duration of stay. To attract better guests do not be the cheapest Airbnb in your area.

If you rent your room for $100 per night every weekend of the year you can make over $15,000. An apartment that rents for $50 a night the entire year can make over $18,000.

In your home, you may not want long-term rentals. In a separate property, you’re probably ok with it. The moral of the story is how much you make will depend on many factors that you can tweak as you go.

If your goal is to rent 52 weekends of the year that means you literally only need to attract that many people. When you think of how many people are in the world you’ll see it as an achievable goal.

Do you pay tax on Airbnb income?

Yes, my friends, you do! Even if the property is overseas! Consult with your account for your own situation but in my experience, ALL income made through Airbnb MUST be claimed.

It’s imperative that you keep good records of all expenses. Repairs, supplies, and marketing can be written off on your takes.

Typically the more expenses, you have the fewer taxes you pay.

Become An Airbnb Host

If you are interested in listing a room in your home click the link below. Adding passive income to your revenue stream is a great way to beat the current inflation situation. Just saying!!

airbnb host information

Airbnb Hosting Resources

During the past three years, I’ve documented our experience with Airbnb hosting. I’ve also created an ebook and welcome book to help others with their journey.

I’ve covered in-depth everything you need for an Airbnb bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, and more! I have checklists and downloads all to help you get started.

Since you may be feeling overwhelmed I’m going to break down the awesome Airbnb resources and point you in the right direction.

Airbnb Ebook

The Airbnb ebook is the first place to start your hosting journey. It has the 20 secrets we’ve learned that have helped us become super hosts.

shop etsy

This book will teach you the things to look out for and how to set yourself apart from everyone else. We always want to be the unicorn in the field of horses.

Airbnb Welcome Book

Every Airbnb needs a Welcome Book in my opinion. It sets expectations and creates a pleasant experience for you and your guests.

Things that are included in the welcome book are:

Host introduction
Wifi Password
House Rules
Emergency & Safety Instructions
Transportation
Amenities, Food & Drinks
Getting Around
Fun Activities
Household Instructions
Check-out Process
Guest Book Sign-In

You can create your own or make your life easy by purchasing a template. The one I designed is in Canva which is a FREE and easy program that you can use to edit your Welcome book.

shop etsy

If you just want to grab the bonus Welcome book printables you can download those below for FREE.

Sharing is caring my friends!

These can’t be edited but you can totally print and handwrite your revisions. They can also be used as inspiration to create your own.

Airbnb Bathroom Artwork

One way to set your space apart is with original artwork. Don’t skimp on the artwork and don’t be boring! Add personality and fun with cute sayings and quotes that’ll inspire your guests to be the best version of themselves.

Remember happiness attracts happiness so create an environment that makes your guests feel safe and loved. It’s just the vibe… you’re not actually hugging them or anything lol.

Here’s the artwork I created for our bathroom. Head to Etsy for an easy DIY project that will add a [email protected] ton of personality to your Airbnb bathroom design.

buy on etsy

We already had the frames so this was a super inexpensive update that made a big impact. If you need to buy the frames Amazon has a lot to choose from.

buy on amazon

Print your bathroom download on 11″x17″ paper and add in the 12″x16″ frame above. This artwork is sure to be a conversation starter.

Airbnb Bedroom Essentials Tips

If you are hosting guests in a spare bedroom you’ll need the usual essentials plus extras. This is especially true if they don’t have access to the main house.

The Ultimate List Of Airbnb Bedroom Essentials (For Five-Star Ratings) is the resource you’ll need. It has everything we have in our Airbnb and what we’ve added along the way.

1. Upholstered Channel Headboard // 2. Table Lamp // 3. Modern Nightstand // 4. “Wifi Password” Framed Whiteboard // 5. Brass Gold Table Lamp // 6. Modern Acrylic Armchair // 6b. Sheepskin Chair Cover // 7. Black & Brass Desk // 8. Abstract Wall Art // 9. Duvet Cover // 10. Sheet Set // 11. Performance Sheet Set // 12. Duvet Insert Comforter // 13. Curtain Rod // 14. Mattress Cover // 15. Pillow Protector in White // 15b. Gel Pillows // 16. Mattress Bed Skirt // 17. Digital Alarm Clock // 18. Area Rug // 19. Gold Over-the-Door Mirror // 20. Metal Garment Rack // 21. Inhale Exhale Repeat Print // 21b. Decals Inhale Exhale Art // 22. Storage Bench // 23. Lumbar Pillow Covers // 24. Decorative Throw Pillows // 25. Faux Fur Throw // 26. Luggage Rack

The above bedroom essentials will create a space similar to the one in our home. It has a neutral color palette that’ll appeals to a large audience.

airbnb tips bedroom with two beds, white bedding and wood floor

When designing a 5-star Airbnb it should feel better than a hotel. That said think of your favorite hotel stay and make it better!

Airbnb Bedroom Amenities

For those with a single bedroom, you’ll want to add in some extra amenities to make guests feel welcomed. Little things like a fridge, microwave, and coffee station will make a huge difference.

airbnb tips roundup of bedroom essentials

Keurig // Electric Kettle // Tea Set // Mini Fridge // Microwave // Steam Iron // Ironing Board // Hair Dryer // Grab Bar // Hamper // Charger // Lock Box // Draft Stopper // Door Draft Stopper // Fire Stick // Towels // Bath Mat // Scented Oil

The majority of the items above are from Amazon which makes ordering a breeze. We added a lot of these extras as we went along so if you start out having them you’ll be ahead of the game.

Airbnb Bedroom Design Tips

There are two ways to approach your Airbnb design. The first is to stay neutral and appeal to EVERYONE. The second is to Go Bold or Go Home and appeal to the COOL kids.

You know those kids that had that something special that everyone wanted to be a part of. That’s the second approach.

This design is perfect for attracting the fashionista who is looking to take Insta-worthy photos. It has that wow factor that’ll make a statement when scrolling the Airbnb app for a place to stay.

1. Aspen Platform Bed, Evergreen // 2. Mid Century Modern Nightstand // 3. Alpine White Pearl Small Wood // 4. White Faux Fur Cushion Bench // 5. Velvet Wingback Chair // 6. Martini Table // 7. Black Geometric Wallpaper // 8. Modern Sputnik Chandelier // 9. Matte Brass Table Lamp // 10. Gold Round Wall Mirror | 11. Full Length Mirror Standing // 12. Bedroom Artwork on Canvas // 13. Lips & Lashes Wall Art // 14. Cappa Curtain Rod // 15. Colorblock Panama Curtain // 16. Modern Ombre Area Rug // 17. Open Wall Mount Ladder Bookshelf // 18. Velvet Pillow Covers // 19. Pillow Cover, Maza Style, (12″ x 40″) // 20. Moody Blush Tibetan Sheep Pillow, Ombre // 21. Reversible Luxury Sherpa Blanket // 22. Body Flower Vase

A bold design like the one above will attract attention and get bookings. Just remember to carry the theme throughout your space.

Airbnb Bathroom Essentials Tips

In an ideal world, you have a bedroom with a separate entry and a private bathroom that ONLY guests use. For example, if you own an entire house but it has a master bedroom with an en-suite and a door to the outside it can be split into two rentals.

This is fabulous for getting the most bang out of an investment property. Even if you don’t have this type of set up there are bathroom essentials you’ll want to include in your home.

1. Cotton Ball Canister // 2. Short Etagere // 3. White Bath Towels // 4. Tote Basket // 5. Hair Dryer // 6. Shower Curtain | 7. Bath Shower Liner // 8. Curtain Rings // 9. Curtain Rod // 10. Washcloth Set // 11. Grab Bar // 12. Hand Towels // 13. Black Hand Towels // 14. Shower Mat // 15. Bath Mat // 16. Over the Door Hook // 17. Door Mirror | 18. Soap Dispenser // 19. Hydrangea Silk Flower // 20. Ring Holder // 21. Small Trash Can // 22. Draft Door Stopper // 23. Bath Mat // 24. Storage Basket Hamper // 25. Night Light // 26. Door Noise Blocker // 27. Bowl Brush and Plunger

Again we learned about many of these from our guests. When we first hosted we didn’t have the door strips at the bottom of the floor.

We realized this after our guest stuffed towels under the floor. Clearly, they didn’t feel safe with the gap under the door. I wouldn’t either!

Google to the rescue and we ordered the draft door stopper. Just cut it down to fit your door and you’ll add privacy that guests will appreciate.

Airbnb Bathroom Extras

If you are just starting out and want to add these as you go it’s understandable. Just know the more extras you have the better the experience and reviews.

When you first list your property it takes a minute for the Airbnb algorithm to show you some love. Just like any other platform, there are best practices to follow so people find your listing.

1. Shampoo and Conditioner // 2. Dove Body Wash // 3. Sunscreen // 4. Moisturizing Lotion // 5. Contact Case // 6. Contact Solution // 7. Scented Oil Plugins // 8. Toilet Paper // 9. Dawn Dish Soap // 10. Sponge // 11. Hair Ties // 12. Febreze Air Freshener // 13. Hairspray and Mousse // 14. Hand Sanitizer // 15. Disinfecting Wipes // 16. Toothpaste // 17. Fire Extinguisher // 18. Cotton Balls // 19. Cotton Swab // 20. Disposable Toothbrushes

Obviously, the most important thing in this roundup is the shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toilet paper, and air freshener. Many of the other items are totally extra but will make your guests feel special.

Anything you can add to make your Airbnb feel better than a hotel is a win. Just think of what makes you feel comfortable when you are away from home and add it in.

I promise these little touches will go a long way!

For more details and helpful tips click the images above. It’ll take you to the detailed post where I discussed each area of this roundup.

If you have any questions be sure to reach out. I’d love to help you get started in your Airbnb hosting journey. : ))

Airbnb Apartment Listing

Side note if you are looking for an Airbnb to stay at in the Dominican Rubliblic check out our listing. It’ll give you a real-life experience and inspiration for your Airbnb design.

View On Airbnb Modern Apartment in Santiago 10 min from Airport

Have an amazing day full of Unicorns & Rainbows!

xo Nicole