Why High Airbnb Hosting Standards Are Worth It (and Easier Than You Think!)
Many new hosts assume that maintaining high Airbnb hosting standards is overwhelming. But I’m here to show you why these details actually make your life easier—and your business more successful.
With over a decade of hosting experience, my business partner and I have welcomed tens of thousands of guests and earned thousands of five-star reviews. Our rentals consistently generate over $1.5 million annually. Along the way, guest feedback and questions have helped us refine our approach, proving that exceptional hospitality isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart, thoughtful choices that keep guests happy and your business thriving.
We’ve rounded up all of our Airbnb Hosting Must-Haves right here in our Amazon Store. Click here to grab everything you need to curate your property and start earning 5-star reviews.
Why Airbnb Hosting Standards are a Non-Negotiable
- Why Airbnb Hosting Standards are a Non-Negotiable
- The Forgot Something Basket Debate
- The Duvet Dilemma
- Adapting to Changing Airbnb Hosting Standards
- Handling Small Losses: Chargers and Supplies
- Conclusion
Why Airbnb Hosting Standards are a Non-Negotiable
We run a hospitality-based business. For us, brand standards are essential. They have been this way since we got started.
We respond to every single comment. We love them all, even the ones where people challenge us. When a guest leaves an Airbnb review, we think about it.
Some comments say our methods cost too much. Others question the logistics. Some doubt the effort and quality can be consistent. But we know better and love having those conversation. Let’s start off by better clarifying the type of properties we are work with on a day to day.
Our Focus: Not High-End Luxury
Most of our rentals average $97 a night. Our sweet spot are one-bedroom, one-bathrooms. They’re in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
They are nice in terms of being clean and cute. This daily rate does not include the cleaning fee. So, this gives us some room to maintain Airbnb hosting standards such as paid cleaning and even having inspectors that go through after the cleaners have left.
Coffee Station Setup
One comment said: “I’m stressed just reading about all the coffee you give.” “Having a stock set of bath towels is challenging.”
I need coffee and because of this want it at every place I stay at. I used to only offer regular coffee. Then I saw how that was not welcoming to all guests. So making a proper coffee station is non negotiable to us as it supports better hospitality.
So now, we include regular coffee, decaf coffee, and tea. It’s one trip to the store. After that, it’s just refilling. It’s about building a system. It’s a small upfront investment, but easy after.
Consistent Linens
The commenter also shared challenges with towels. We need to figure out why towels are hard to stock. A stocked coffee bar is a starting expectation nowadays.
You got to have systems. I used to print out checklists. Then I’d put them in picture frames and would tape dry erase markers to it so that on the glass, I could check off on that checklist to keep things consistent and efficient. If you have problems keeping towels, you must use something similar.
Figure out where things go wrong. Who is dropping the ball? Is it the laundromat? Is your machine not good enough? We have at least three sets of every linen from bed sheets to hand towels. This will include backup linens so we always have clean items and can get them swapped in time.
The Forgot Something Basket Debate
Another comment: “A guest took all my ‘forgot something’ items. I question if it’s worth it.” If you’re new to rentals, let’s clarify what a “forgot something” basket is. We give a basket with things guests may forget. Think about what you can ask the front desk for at a Hotel – that is what this will replicate.
To make it easy for you, we’ve rounded up the must-have ‘Forgot Something’ basket essentials into a free guide—grab yours right here!
These items include; toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, lotion, deodorant, among a number of other helpful options. This helps them from being frustrated and keeps the travel momentum going without extra problems. Most items are bathroom related. Here is an idea of how to create and manage yours, it’s that simple:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select a location like a bathroom or nearby. |
| 2 | Add essential toiletries in bulk. |
| 3 | Regularly check and replenish items as needed. |
Calculating Replacement Costs
Of course, we don’t know what was in the basket. At hotels, I sometimes take shampoos or makeup wipes that are fully available in my room. We have the chance of someone taking everything in our budget, knowing guests may want all items. But it is extremely uncommon that people take all the q-tips given as an example. But that’s built into our Airbnb hosting standards and cost models.
Adding up our basket items, it would cost around $17 to completely replace. I know because I’ve done the math. I buy these items in bulk on Amazon, only using some per unit. I include full bottles of lotion and spray deodorant, bought in sets of three.
So replacing my whole basket would cost around $20 per property. But after years of doing this, I’ve had it happen only rarely.
We’re all about knowing your numbers and making smart financial moves—grab our free Know Your Numbers guide right here!
Mindset Shift: Guest Needs Over Losses
Switch your thinking. Instead of being upset someone might have used everything, Maybe this guest needed them.
Sure, possibly they needed it more than getting a full restock ready for the next guests. Questioning it takes focus off awesome guests. Think of those who need something. Instead of the one person who might have. Maybe you can adjust your vetting process and see what kind of red flag you missed ahead of time, to possibly avoid this down the road.
The Duvet Dilemma
A host commented, “I don’t use duvets because my cleaners don’t like them.” You have options. But here is a breakdown between triple sheeting and duvets so you can best decide yourself what works best for you.
You can do triple sheeting: This involves a flat sheet on top and bottom around the duvet.
Or you can use duvets with duvet covers. This needs you to insert a duvet. Duvet covers take work to put on. We are Team Duvet but a cleaner is a critical part of the process of a rental experience.
Comparison: Duvet vs. Triple Sheeting
| Aspect | Duvet with Cover | Triple Sheeting |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Cozy and warm, often preferred for a luxurious feel. | Smooth and crisp, similar to a hotel bed. |
| Ease of Use | It might get too hot at times. Can be difficult to insert duvet. | Easier to make the bed, faster laundry process. |
| Maintenance | Cover is easy to remove and wash; protects the duvet. | Requires washing all layers more often; can be bulky. |
| Aesthetics | Provides a plush, inviting look. | Gives a clean, streamlined appearance. |
Avoiding Dictation by Team Members
You should not let staff define business standards. There’s a risk when letting cleaners guide your core method. This includes choices like paying with trackable payments for taxes. Don’t agree to only payments in cash based on their requirements.
Your team can advise, but you choose. You’re in a hospitality business. Decide what aligns with your goals. Talk to new cleaners early about must-haves. Using duvets makes cleaning easy, and it keeps up great Airbnb hosting standards.
One hospitality essential is ensuring your space is fully prepped and ready for your guests. We love to utilize an inspector to check out our property and make sure it’s 100% guest ready before every stay. Check out our post on inspectors right here.
Adapting to Changing Airbnb Hosting Standards
A host said, “35 years ago, coffee was not given, so I didn’t add it.”
You must change as a host. Things change fast. Expectations of guests have increased greatly, even compared to last year.
You must adapt with changing guest demand. This can seem like added costs but will support more future profit and growth, but without evolving in how to manage these standards, it could create financial problems long term. Look at other businesses and be prepared to adopt trends like AI early.
Keeping Up with Guest Expectations
Some old vacation spots made you bring linens. Now I can notice when it is required, and so do our guests. Consider guest demands and what other homes in the area do. Guests expect basic comforts. This include things like linens, utensils, and items like soap in showers. We do not want you ignoring new features.
Guests do not like to pack added linens and things like a simple coffee machine for brewing a cup of drip coffee will make them enjoy the experience a lot more.
Handling Small Losses: Chargers and Supplies
A final comment, “Guests will take your chargers,” referring to giving chargers.
Chargers are not being stolen. If so, they probably needed it. We embody hospitality to such a point, if our own devices were to die, we would get anxious, and would feel like there would be major safety problems to think about. We always want our phones and personal devices fully charged.
Embracing a Hospitality Mindset
We don’t want guests to feel panicked about forgetting chargers. We want guests to call for help. Putting the safety and health of them will have long lasting impacts that support your repeat rate and improve overall feedback. Little charges walking off do occur once in awhile, but that cost of doing a hospitality based business.
Thinking guests are stealing reveals a mindset. Not adapting for 35 years reveals resistance. Or seeing difficulty highlights fear. This way of looking at business restricts growth. Change to think people over profit, and revenue follows.
High Airbnb Standards = Better Ratings
We outperform due to Airbnb hosting standards. Great reviews point out the extras. Visitors appreciate small things that enhance a stay. Added work bears rewards through hospitality with these experiences for the visitors. Do what boosts satisfaction as hospitality, and should include small but important details.
Hosts increase their game. If not, others will easily surpass them. We want hosts not to hold back as caring is reflected by adjusting with great hospitality. Elevate your service, be amazing. Title: Top Airbnb Hosting Standards To Transform Stays
Calling All Hosts: The Hosting Handbook
If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!
Happy Hosting!
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