The benefits of guests who stay longer: attracting long-term bookings
If you have been an Airbnb host for a little while you will understand the amount of effort that goes into preparing your space for a new arrival. There are sheets to be washed, floors to be vacuumed, a new welcome package to be prepared – as well as a whole lot of liaison with your guest to ensure they know where they are going and how they will be getting the keys when they get there. If you are doing this every few days it can be exhausting. Why not consider opening your listing for longer stays?
[bctt tweet=”If you have been an Airbnb host for a little while you will understand the amount of effort that goes into preparing your space for a new arrival. ” username=”GuestReadyNow”]
What is a long-term booking?
Many hosts are initially concerned about the thought of having a guest stay for more than a couple of nights with them. What if the guest is noisy? What if they don’t get along with other people in the household? It’s always good to remember that Airbnb is based on a review and rating system that allows hosts to get a pretty solid idea about their guest before they accept a booking or have them walk through the front door.
As a host, you not only have the power to vet guests, but also to limit the length of their stay. If you are someone who usually limits the stay to 2-3 nights, why not start by testing a week-long stay? If that works, you can extend the terms for however long you like – keeping in mind that there are restrictions that are in place for longer-term rentals in certain parts of the world.
There are many travellers who want to spend a week or two in a city and would prefer not to hop from Airbnb to Airbnb…why not encourage them to stay with you?
How to attract guests that stay longer?
There are a number of ways to get the attention of travellers who are seeking a longer stay in a particular location. The best way is to give a decent discount and to make sure you mention it in your property description.
You also need to ensure the space is suitable for longer stays. For example, if someone is going to stay in your spare room for a week, you will need to create space in your pantry and fridge for their food and beverages – as well as allow them access to the kitchen for cooking.
If you are renting out a flat or studio space, make sure you provide all the basic amenities. Remember that this will be your guest’s ‘home’ for a week or two, so they will need access to laundry facilities and hanging space for clothes. You should also consider parking arrangements.
All of this should be mentioned in your description. For example: “Guest parking available at no extra cost” or “Washing machine and dryer with clothesline provided for guests”.
Amenities checklist for long term stays:
- two sets of sheets
- several towels depending on number of guests
- dishwashing liquid plus cleaning items
- dustpan and broom
- vacuum cleaner
- kitchen utensils
- pots and pans
- Tupperware
- plates, glasses, bowls, coffee cups
- laundry basket
- washing tub
- laundry detergent
- hand soap
- additional blankets
- garbage bags
The benefits of longer stays
If you create a low-maintenance space that is easy for guests to take care of during their stay, chances are you will much prefer taking on longer-term bookings. Yes, you might be getting slightly less each night but you’ll have better income security if you know you’ll have someone stay with you for 3 weeks and then another person stay for a month etc.
As we have already mentioned, there’s also the benefit of having less housework to do when it comes to cleaning and laundry. You will not be constantly arranging key pickups and drop-offs. You won’t have to explain your house rules every second day. And when it comes to your neighbours, you are more likely to get their approval if there are fewer new faces coming in and out of your apartment on a daily basis.
Longer term bookings are also ideal for hosts who enjoy taking time off to go travelling. It allows you to earn a decent income for the entire period that you are out of the country – as well as the comfort of knowing your house is being lived in and taken care of while you are away.
[bctt tweet=”Longer term bookings are also ideal for hosts who enjoy taking time off to go travelling, allowing you to earn an income for the entire period that you are out of the country” username=”GuestReadyNow”]
Making your home long-term ‘ready’
Turning your Airbnb into a long-term ‘ready’ property does require some effort. If you’d like a hand working through your checklist and updating your House Rules and property description – contact the GuestReady team today.
