In today’s competitive travel market, having a comfortable bed and some free chocolate bars thrown in is not enough to satisfy the typical Airbnb guest. In order to stand out, the rental property must have quirks that will make hard-to-please guests click that book button. If you’re wondering why, the short answer is – millennials.
According to an Airbnb report, the platform’s growth was propelled by millennial travelers (ages 18 to 35 years old) and that by 2025, millennials will account for 75% of all consumers and travelers. To date, millennials make up the majority of Airbnb guests, with roughly 60% of guests who have booked an Airbnb property falling into this category. Airbnb also shared that over 80% of millennials search for new and unique travel experiences, as they are more personal and adventurous.
If you own a property that you’re considering to list or is already listed on Airbnb, it would be useful to know what types of distinctive features Airbnb guests seek out when booking a property. This information can help you increase the popularity of your listing and your Airbnb occupancy rate.
Here are some examples of quirks Airbnb guests look for.
Instagrammable Appeal
These days, if it’s not on social media, then it probably didn’t happen. A majority of travelers document their trips by posting pictures on Instagram. The more amazing the photos look, the more they serve as #travelgoals for other people. It is then important for millennial travelers to have “Instagrammable” areas that are photogenic and visually attractive enough to gain likes and new followers. Having this unique edge is one of the primary reasons why travelers prefer to book an Airbnb home instead of a hotel anybody can access.
Rental properties that are structurally different will definitely stand out. Examples of these types of rentals include caves, castles, treehouses, and pods. If it is just a common house or apartment, having an area or features that can be considered as Instagrammable would definitely help such as accent walls, hammocks, vintage bathtubs, fireplaces, kitchen islands, and exposed beams. A piece of furniture and décor that wouldn’t normally be present in a typical hotel room are also great additions.
Green Features
Does your Airbnb property run solely on solar power? Did you use 100% reclaimed wood and local materials in building your rental chalet? Or maybe your property is so energy efficient that it produces more energy than it consumes? Properties that feature sustainably designed architecture and environmentally-friendly amenities are what many Airbnb guests look for.
The reason for this is that millennials who comprise a huge chunk of Airbnb guests are considered the “green generation”. According to several studies, 90% of millennials will buy from trustworthy brands that are environmentally and socially conscious. Moreover, 75% of millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable products. This means that adding sustainable elements in your home like solar or wind energy, LED lighting, recycled furniture, and organic materials can make your property more appealing to guests.
Related: Ideas for a Green Remodel of Your Investment Property
Smart Home Automation
When you’re in a strange home, trying to figure out how everything works can be frustrating. This is the reason why many Airbnb hosts get carried away with trying to be the perfect host so they print out lengthy manuals and instructions to guide their guests during their stay. While this may seem like a well-intentioned gesture, the reality is, nobody really likes to read while on vacation. Even in your own home, when was the last time you actually read a manual from cover to cover?
An increasing number of Airbnb guests are therefore veering towards rental properties that feature smart home automation systems. Even if it is just as simple as having a smart electronic lock, it gives the guests the convenience of not worrying about losing the physical key. Having a tablet, which acts as a centralized control panel for smart devices, is a definite advantage for guests because they will be able to control the lighting, temperature, television, and other electronics, without wasting their time on figuring out which remote control or buttons to use.
Aside from being a technological convenience, having smart controls is another example of how sustainability influenced modern home design. The environmentally conscious home dweller now recognizes how these smart features can help conserve energy. An automated system can prevent wasted use of lighting, heating, and cooling, which can result in reduced carbon footprint and lower utility bills.
Stunning Views
Guests are always on the hunt for rental properties with amazing views. Houses with ocean views, rooftop access, or overlooking an iconic landmark are always in demand and can also fetch a higher price. Having spectacular views instantly provides a holiday ambiance and can make the guests feel that they are on a 5-star property.
For instance, even if your room for hire is very plain and basic, it will still be in demand if it features a balcony with an obstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. This popularity also extends to beachfront properties and apartments with skyline views.
Related: 8 Things Airbnb Guests Will Expect From a Vacation Rental in 2019
Interesting Historical Tidbits
If you’re traveling to Scotland, you can rent an 18th-century castle that was frequented by Mary Queen of Scots for $114 a night just outside Edinburgh. In England, there’s a manor attic listed on Airbnb where Irish author Bram Stoker was inspired to write the Gothic novel Dracula. If you are more into pop culture, Tony Stark’s lakeside cabin in Avenger’s Endgame is available for $800 a night in Fairburn, Georgia.
These fascinating pieces of information are just examples of what would attract Airbnb guests. If you have a property, it would serve you well if you dig up on the history of the place and check whether someone famous used to stay in the house or if it was a part of something significant.
Making Your Airbnb Property Standout
With over six million listings on Airbnb to date, it can be challenging to make your property stand out. Therefore, knowing what Airbnb guests are looking for and understanding their wish lists can help property owners like you make your rental property more desirable.
This article has been contributed by Emma Metson.