Airbnb Hosting Tips

Use natural daylight for all photos — turn off overhead lights and open curtains wide.

Shoot from corners of rooms to show maximum space; always include bathroom and kitchen.

Write your title to highlight the single best feature: 'Sunlit studio with sea view, Worli'.

Update your description for every season — monsoon coziness, summer pool access, festival ambience.

Add local highlights: distance to airport, proximity to IT parks, nearest metro station.

Enable Airbnb Smart Pricing as a baseline, then override during major local events (IPL, tech conferences, festivals).

Set your minimum price at 110% of your breakeven — don't let the algorithm go too low.

Offer a weekly discount (10%) and monthly discount (20%) to attract longer stays with less turnover.

Study competitor listings in your building or street — adjust if you're consistently 20%+ higher.

Price higher on weekends and lower on Sunday–Tuesday nights to fill the whole week.

Send a personalised welcome message within 15 minutes of booking — it sets the tone.

Leave a handwritten welcome note and a small welcome gift (biscuits, local snacks, tea).

Create a clear, photo-illustrated house manual — WiFi, AC, geyser, key return, checkout time.

Check in proactively on day 2 via Airbnb message: 'Everything going well? Let me know if you need anything.'

After checkout, message guests thanking them and asking if all was well — before leaving a review.

Use a message template tool (Hospitable, Smartbnb) to automate check-in instructions 24 hours before arrival.

Always communicate through the Airbnb app — never outside it for payment or booking discussions.

If a guest has an issue, acknowledge within 30 minutes and resolve within 2 hours wherever possible.

Respond to all reviews — professionally and graciously, even the critical ones. Future guests read your replies.

Use a professional cleaning service — not a friend or relative. Consistent quality matters for reviews.

Create a cleaning checklist and inspect the property before every new guest arrival.

Stock consumables in bulk: toilet paper, soap, shampoo, washing liquid, bin bags.

Keep a maintenance contact list (plumber, electrician, AC technician) for fast resolution.

Install a smart lock or key safe — eliminates key handover logistics entirely.

Add amenities guests search for: fast WiFi (test and display actual speed), Netflix, a proper workspace.

Achieve Superhost status — it requires a 4.8+ rating, <1% cancellation, and 90%+ response rate.

List on multiple platforms (Booking.com, MakeMyTrip Holidays) and sync calendars via iCal.

Offer early check-in / late checkout as a paid add-on through Airbnb's extras feature.