8 Airbnb Ideas: Creating the Ultimate Five-Star Experience

So you’ve officially launched your Airbnb. With the initial set-up complete, the hardest part is finally out of the way. Congratulations!

Now comes the fun part. Owning an Airbnb means remaining flexible, creative, and eager to stay up to date with the latest travel trends. With people coming in and out, there’s no shortage of chores to do and changes to make.

On the lookout for Airbnb ideas to enhance your space? Boost your offering? Win out over your competition?

Here are 8 Airbnb Ideas For Creating the Ultimate Five-Star Experience:

1.   Provide a Welcome Pack

When guests stay at a hotel, they have access to a front desk, room phone, and concierge service. They won’t expect these things when staying at an Airbnb, but having access to similar resources will feel like an added bonus.

One easy Airbnb idea is to bundle these perks together into one cohesive welcome pack. Consider adding:

  • A short bio about you and your relationship with your city

  • A list of emergency-related details like fire extinguishers, important phone numbers, and local hospitals

  • A gift like a bottle of wine, treats from a local bakery, or fresh flowers

A nice welcome pack will set the tone for the rest of their stay.

2.   Include Basic Amenities

It might be an added cost on your end to include complimentary amenities, but the resulting positive reviews will set you up for long-term success.

Think about the amenities a hotel might offer: a few free snacks, an extra toothbrush, and small bottles of shampoo and conditioner. If you buy these items wholesale, you’ll quickly absorb the cost.

Here are a few other Airbnb ideas for amenities that go above and beyond:

  • Coffee grounds and an easy-to-use coffee machine

  • A good hair dryer in the bathroom

  • Quality kitchen tools like sharp knives

A little extra thought can go a long way.

3.   Reduce Clutter

Although Airbnb started as a residential rental service, most guests don’t actually want to feel like they’re living in someone else’s home.

So, what makes a lived-in bedroom different from a hotel room? This one is simple: clutter.

Try and put yourself in your guests' shoes as you walk through the space. What feels out of place? Unnecessary? A little too used?

Closets and drawers should be empty, and rogue toys and memorabilia should be removed. The bathroom and kitchen in particular should feel organized and store only what’s needed for a short stay.

4.   Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

If you're the one cleaning the Airbnb between guests, odds are you’re missing at least a few key spots. For 5-star service, investing in a professional cleaning service is essential—especially post-pandemic.

Like in a hotel, your guests don’t want to be reminded that other people have stayed there before them. Any signs of previous residents risk making your current guests feel uncomfortable, but a sparkling clean space quickly puts them at ease.

Here are a few areas to focus on:

  • The toilet, shower, and other bathroom surfaces

  • The bedroom, especially the bed and the sheets

  • Corners and baseboards in each room

After all, one of the areas for review on Airbnb is cleanliness. Earn 5-stars every time by leaving it to the pros.

5.   Enhance the Lighting

One of the easiest Airbnb ideas for enhancing your space is investing in better lighting. No one wants to relax under fluorescent beams or get cozy with overhead bulbs. Make each guest feel at home with just a few lighting tweaks.

First, try experimenting with different types of lamps. If you don’t already have one on each nightstand, start there. For common areas, give your guests the option to flick on a standing light or floor light.

To go the extra mile, install blackout curtains in bedrooms. Your guests will enjoy both the extra Zs and the added privacy. If your Airbnb is on the ground floor or looks out onto a busy street, blackout curtains in the common areas are a nice touch.

6.   Create an Inclusive Tourism Guide

Make it easy for guests to fall in love with your Airbnb by making it easy to explore the area. Provide a quick list of your favorite local recommendations for restaurants, activities, and sightseeing.

Keep in mind that your guests could be visiting from anywhere in the world. If you have the resources to do so, consider getting your guide translated into a few different languages.

7.   Focus on the Bed

No matter what your Airbnb guests get up to during their visit, each one will end their day in the same place: the bed. Perhaps more than anything else, a 5-star sleeping experience is critical.

The mattress or mattress topper should show no signs of wear and tear. Similarly, the bed frame should be sturdy and free of creaks. If it has a headboard, that should be cleaned between guests.

Of course, you can’t forget about the sheets. They need to be high quality, deep cleaned for every stay, and fresh to the touch.

Time for a sheet upgrade? Check out this blog post to find the best sheets for your Airbnb rental.

Finally, don’t forget about the pillows. They’ll also need to be cleaned between guests. Click here to learn more about pillow washing.

8.   Invest in an Airbnb Laundry Service

Staying on top of Airbnb laundry is no small feat. If you’re struggling to keep up (or don’t have the skill to do it well), it might be time to switch to a commercial laundry service. Outsourcing to a professional laundering service not only saves you time and stress, but also ensures each sheet and towel come back feeling hotel-quality.

Convenience for you aside, your guests are sure to appreciate this small but mighty change.

As you continue your search for easy Airbnb ideas, don’t discount the importance of crisp sheets, fresh towels, and clean pillows. Looking for a Denver Metro-based laundromat to help? WaveMAX Thornton has a commercial laundry service specific to Airbnb rentals.

Instead of Googling ‘laundry near me,’ head to our website to see how professional laundry can enhance your guest experience.