In this second part of my top tips for Airbnb’s and holiday rentals, I’d like to share with you my room-by-room checklist of amenities, to help you make a warm and lasting impression for your guests.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
What to provide
As you know, a host is not just providing a roof over your guests’ heads, you are also shaping their experience while staying with you. A clear idea of your target market and what your direct competitors offer is crucial to help prioritise what to provide for your guests. (see Part One). The better we can put ourselves in the minds of our guests, the better we can pre-empt these needs. It is incredibly helpful to pack an overnight bag and stay in each property you are offering. This helps assess any issues that need addressing, which amenities need improving or removing.
Images: Catriona Archer and Pinterest
Keys
An eye-catching keyring is helpful. Fluorescent key holders can be a godsend for late home-comers. I find it helpful to light the Key Safe and the door lock, if off the main road, to further aid those late nights or winter evenings (Solar powered or sensor lights are helpful). It’s best not to have any reference to your property on the keyring should the keys fall into the wrong hands.
Images: Catriona Archer and Pinterest
In the Hallway
- If your property offers a hallway, then a seat near the door is welcome bonus to greet your guests and encourages them to take their muddy shoes off at the door.
- People won’t necessarily predict the English weather! Consider adding a couple of umbrellas, and perhaps even some inexpensive rain-macs and wellies.
- Is part of your accommodation’s USB that there’s a pool or lake nearby? if so, perhaps include some bathing towels.
Image: Catriona Archer
In the Kitchen and Dining Room
- It is essential to have Smoke Alarms throughout the property and Carbon Monoxide Detectors near any gas appliances, Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket.
- Appliances chosen should to be as easy to use and as easy to clean as possible (see Part One) about the House Manual).
- Most people now offer separate recycled and standard bins, clearly labelled to make life easier for your guests and for you on changeover days. There are lots of creative and stylish ways of labelling these – from laminated card to waterproof stickers.
- You may want to consider a simple-to clean coffee machine as a welcome addition. When choosing the make, consider the coffee pod price and availability in your area. Less expensive pods can be bought in most supermarkets, such as LOR pods for Nespresso machines or Nescafe pods for Dolce Gusto machines – Other brands are also widely available. Or perhaps you prefer to supply a cafetiere and packet of fresh ground coffee? Be sure to include any filters and other supplies required. (See Welcome Pack).
Image: Catriona Archer
- Some other condiments are often supplied or gained over time, but I find that guests expect salt, pepper and cooking oil at the very least.
- Dinnerware: Two sets of cutlery, dinner plates, side plates, bowls, mugs, Tumbler and wine glasses are recommended per person. This way one set can be washed at any given time. It’s worth buying extra dinnerware, especially glasses and mugs, and have them stored away ready for when breakages occur.
- Egg cups
- If an oven is provided as part of a kitchenette, always protect the oven trays with tin foil to help Service turnaround.
- Plenty of tin foil.
- Baking tray and earthenware baking dish.
- Pots and Pans – Selection of 3 sizes and lids is usually adequate. Nesting pans are helpful to minimise storage. Pans with glass lids are more effective when cooking.
- Mixing/serving bowls: At least two or three nesting bowls use less storage space. I often style the kitchen or dining area with at least one large decorative bowl, for guests to use for fruit, or perhaps serve a salad or hot meal in.
- Set of cooking utensils, including at least a hand whisk, spatula, selection of mixing and serving spoons and cooking tongs.
- Large sieve, grater and colander.
- Chopping boards: At least one large and one medium sized dishwasher-proof anti-bacterial chopping board should be enough. Or consider chef-style coloured boards that are clearly labelled for each food type.
- Set of kitchen knives: At least one large knife, one small, one medium perforated and a bread knife. These should be sharp and kept safely in a drawer divider or knife block. (Though beware – I recently stayed in an Airbnb whose knives were so sharp, they should have had a warning sign!).
- A few tupperware containers in various sizes. Preferably ones that stack easily, to save on space.
- Large tray. Be sure this is easy to clean and in-keeping with the overall look of the accommodation!
- Padded potholders and dish towels. I tend to veer for a plain, mid-to-dark colour for longevity. With extra’s for when they are being washed.
- Paper kitchen towel.
- Use protective place mats for furniture throughout the accommodation. Selecting the right size and style for your overall scheme is a nice finishing touch.
- Most clients I work with avoid providing any real candles inside their properties to avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. A well-designed space usually has plenty of other types of atmospheric lighting instead, helping remove the need of candles. If you prefer, an alternative could be providing battery-operated candles.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
Utility products
This obviously depends on the type of accommodation you are providing, but this could include some or all of the following:
- Hand soap dispenser (Liquid soap can be bought in bulk and filled during changeover).
- Washing up liquid, and brush/sponge.
- Dishwashing tablets (If required). At least one tablet per day.
- All-purpose cleaner.
- Extra bin bags.
- Carpet cleaner.
- Cleaning cloths.
- Rubber gloves.
- Extra Lightbulbs.
- Broom, dustpan and brush.
- Floor mop and bucket.
- Hoover (If not brought on-site on changeover days).
- Iron and ironing board.
- If buying Roman Blinds or curtains, go for ones with black-out lining to ensure that even your most sensitive of guests receive a good nights sleep. Sleeping eye masks might be a thoughtful addition if this is not possible.
- A good night’s sleep is intrinsic to your guests’ experience. Go for the best quality mattress you can afford based on your nightly rate. At least, offer a single pocket sprung mattress with topper, or splash out on a memory foam mattress such as Simba and Eve. A waterproof protective fitted sheet is a must – Always buy a spare of these.
- Bedding: A 200 thread count for bedding is a good general benchmark. When it comes to bedding choice, I find it best to stick to white, as this can be bleached and boil washed. I would suggest only using patterned or coloured bedlinen if there is a very good reason to do so -for example, if it ties-in with a very strong overall scheme. Colour and texture can always be added in your throws and other accessories.
- Pillows: I tend to go for one firmer and one softer anti-allergy pillow for each guest on the bed. A handy transparent zip-sealed protective bag is helpful to store unused pillows.
- Bed throw – machine washable. This is a great styling tool and helps protect the bedding.
- Extra blanket, ideally stored in a zip-sealed protective bag.
- Full-length mirror. This could also be situated in the hall.
- Hair dryer. Preferably one in each bedroom.
- Bedside table and bedside light per person.
- Be sure there is an easy-accessible plug socket either side of the bed for phone alarms and iPads.
- Dresser or shelf for personal belongings.
Interior design and styling by Catriona Archer
In the Lounge
You may want to consider:
- A phone/laptop charging station.
- Various plug adaptors for those traveling from abroad – fastened down to avoid being taken.
- A small desk or workspace if you attract guests staying for business reasons.
- Books add a welcoming touch, especially if highlighting the local area. Often, a sign encouraging guests to take or swap paperbacks is welcomed.
- Perhaps a few local magazines, but I’d suggest only a few – Be sure to keep these relatively up to date.
- Playing cards and/or board games.
- Basket of children’s games, (Personally, I’d avoid colouring books and crayons to minimise damage and few children like using a book that has been partly used by a previous guest).
- A blanket (machine washable) and a few decorative cushions on the sofa. No need to go overboard with the cushions – There’s the Service turnaround time to consider!
Styling by Catriona Archer
In the Bathroom
Depending on the type of accommodation you are providing:
- It is worth considering a shaving/toothbrush plug socket in the bathroom. Alternatively, an adapter could be left in the bedroom for guests.
- Bath Towels (2 per guest: 1 large, one small).
- Towel hooks or rail.
- Plenty of toilet paper.
- A magnified makeup mirror is a nice touch.
- Individually wrapped mini soaps or opaque soap dispenser at shower, bath and basin (Clear dispensers can look messy when not full).
- 2 x toothbrush holders by the sink makes a thoughtful addition.
- Shampoo and conditioner: Either individual 20ml bottles or in larger wall-hung dispenser.
- Body wash – Either individual 20ml bottles or in larger wall-hung dispenser.
- Shower shelf or hanger (for toiletries).
- Shower cleaning squeegee – preferably attached to the shower wall.
- Pedal bin with lid and liner.
If providing a private bathroom, I find it better to leave the towels there rather than in the bedroom. Most people prefer towels to be plain white and fluffy – This is not the time for pattern! You can always add an accent colour to the hand towel or wash cloth: I would suggest a neutral shade.
Image: Catriona Archer and Pinterest
Toiletry Pack
For a truly luxurious feel, perhaps include some or all of the following:
- Cotton buds and cotton wool.
- Emergency nail kit.
- Emergency sewing kit.
- Individually wrapped shower cap.
- You may also wish to add an emergency holiday kit of sample-size toothpaste, toothbrush, disposable razor and female hygiene items.
First Aid Kit
Better safe than sorry! Don’t forget to include your contact details, along with that of the Emergency Services and local Hospital on the lid as well as in the House Manual.
If you would like to read more… (see Part Three).