Hosting a vacation rental can be a rewarding experience, but even seasoned hosts can overlook crucial details that impact a guest’s stay.
These small oversights can lead to big headaches—not just for your guests, but for you as well.
Here are five surprising things hosts often forget to do and how you can avoid turning your hosting dream into a nightmare.
1. Double-Check the Cleanliness of Hidden Spaces
You might think your rental is spotless, but have you checked the spaces guests rarely use? Dusty ceiling fans, grimy baseboards, and cluttered closets can leave a bad impression. Guests notice the little things, especially when they’re paying for a premium stay.
Pro Tip: Partner with a professional cleaning service like Cleanbnb, which specializes in short-term rental cleaning. They’ll handle deep cleaning tasks you might miss, leaving your space immaculate for every guest.
2. Provide Clear Check-In Instructions
There’s nothing worse for a guest than struggling to access the property after a long journey. Yet many hosts forget to provide detailed check-in instructions, including backup options if something goes wrong with a keyless entry system or lockbox.
Avoid the Nightmare: Send check-in details well in advance, and include photos or videos for added clarity. Ensure guests have a way to contact you if they experience issues.
3. Stock Extra Supplies
Running out of essential items like toilet paper, dish soap, or light bulbs can frustrate guests and lead to negative reviews. Hosts often forget to stock extras or don’t realize how quickly these supplies can run out.
Avoid the Nightmare: Keep a “host kit” with extras of all essentials. Better yet, hire a cleaning service like Cleanbnb to handle restocking between stays, ensuring you’re always prepared.
4. Test All Appliances and Electronics
Imagine your guest’s disappointment when the coffee maker doesn’t work, or the Wi-Fi is spotty. Malfunctioning appliances and electronics are common complaints, and they’re often preventable with a quick test before check-in.
Avoid the Nightmare: Regularly inspect and test all appliances, from the toaster to the streaming service. Replace or repair anything that isn’t working perfectly.
5. Prepare for Unexpected Weather
Guests may not think to pack for surprise rain or chilly nights—and many hosts forget to prepare for these scenarios. If your outdoor space gets soggy or the home feels drafty, it can lead to discomfort and disappointment.
Avoid the Nightmare: Provide weather-friendly amenities like umbrellas, extra blankets, and clear instructions for operating heating or cooling systems. Make sure outdoor areas, like patios, are usable even in less-than-perfect weather.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a vacation rental is a juggling act, and even small oversights can lead to big problems. By focusing on these often-forgotten details, you can avoid hosting nightmares and create an exceptional guest experience.
Want to simplify the process and ensure your property is always ready for guests? Trust Cleanbnb to handle the cleaning and preparation, so you can focus on delivering memorable stays—and earning those 5-star reviews! Get a quote today.