Does Your Airbnb Work For Who You Want To Host?
As a designer, there are a lot of things that I notice when I step into an Airbnb. It is great to see a beautiful home, but that is not all you need to be a good Airbnb.
The first thing you need to think about is what kind of guests are you wanting to host? There is a big difference between having a space for a business traveler and being in a location that is common for large groups. Once you know who will be staying in your home, you need to think big picture. There is more to Airbnb design than just interior décor. You have to make sure it can function properly for the type of guests you want to host.
In this blog, we will talk about some important details for setting up your rental for large groups. Having been on bachelorette parties of all kinds, I have come to realize what some of the most important features of a great Airbnb are.
Existing Layout of the Home
If you have a home that is 2-bedroom/1 bath, it is obvious that you can’t host a large group. You need to keep in mind how many people you would feel comfortable sharing your home with. You don’t want guests to feel cramped or like they did something wrong by bringing too many people into your home. On the two trips that immediately come to mind, we had 10 girls, but it was very apparent which Airbnb was equipped for that number of guests and which was not.
Living Room
When you have a large living area, use it! Make sure that there is ample seating, especially if you have space for more than just a sofa. Swapping out a typical coffee table for an ottoman can provide additional seating. If you do not have much space, be sure that the furniture you can fit is inviting so guests still want to hang out in this room.
Airbnb Pro:
Poufs, accent chairs, and even additional pillows that could be used on the floor were great items to have in the living area to use
Airbnb Con:
An old/worn out, uncomfortable sofa was the only piece of furniture in the living room
Dining Room
A large dining table is a great feature to have for traveling guests coming with large groups. If your home has the space, be sure to have a table with the most seating possible. If you cannot fit exactly the number of people your house can host, have a few additional dining chairs available. The opportunity to all sit down together for breakfast or dinner is very appealing to potential guests.
Airbnb Pro:
A large, long dining table with plenty of seating was provided for meals together as a group
Airbnb Con:
Although there was no space for a dining table, even the kitchen island did not have enough seating to be utilized
Bedrooms
Make sure you are not trying to squeeze as many guests into one bedroom as possible. If the room allows, it’s great to have two double beds to host more guests. If the size only fits one bed, don’t force it! This is the space where guests are looking to relax and rest, no one wants to feel like they are on top of each other while winding down for bed.
Airbnb Pro:
There was the correct amount of beds in each room, including some with two double beds or a small pull-out couch
Airbnb Con:
Multiple bedrooms with double beds pushed together because there was no appropriate space
Bathrooms
If you are looking to host a larger group like bachelorette parties, the according number of bathrooms is a must. Not saying every bedroom needs its own bathroom, but if 10 guests are using the only bathroom in the house, it is going to cause some issues. Bathrooms are not unusually something that can be changed easily, so don’t put yourself in the situation of having angry guests because there was not enough breathing room for the maximum number of people your listing advertised for.
Airbnb Pro:
If there was not a bathroom attached to the bedroom, there were not more than 1 or 2 rooms sharing the space
Airbnb Con:
All bedrooms hosting 10 guests were sharing a limited number of small bathrooms
Outdoor
Having another living space outside is a huge perk when finding the right Airbnb for a group. Should you have the opportunity, create a cozy outdoor environment for your guests to enjoy. Speaking from experience, on trips like a bachelorette party, it can be so helpful to have another area that works as an additional living room for the duration of the stay.
Airbnb Pro:
The outdoor living space had plenty of furniture and tables to be used when we wanted to be somewhere other than inside
Airbnb Con:
Though there was an outdoor patio, there was no furniture set up to be used and it was a missed opportunity
In Conclusion
Guests will love a home that looks stunning and has beautiful interiors, but if it does not function in the way they are planning, their trip will not be off to a great start. With a few simple changes or additions, you can easily transform any home into a perfect vacation spot with plenty of amenities. Whether you’re looking to host small groups or large ones, being aware of what works best will ensure great experiences for everyone involved!
