Bed and Breakfasts have always been a great alternative to traditional hotel stays. They feel more welcoming, comfortable, and far less distant than huge chain hotels or motels, and with the rise of services like Airbnb it’s easier than ever to turn an otherwise unused space into something that will bring warmth and comfort to others, and make some money for you in the process. But where does that feeling of warmth come from? How do you make someone’s first experience of your space that of coming home?
Depending on the needs of the space, you want to convey, bright, comfortable, and welcoming all in that first impression
First, you need to understand the needs of your target guest. What are they looking for when booking a short stay in another person’s house or apartment? Privacy? A place where they can come and go as needed without feeling like an intruder? Socializing/entertainment options outside of their own room — if someone is coming to town for a quick business meeting, they might not want to spend their evenings out on the town but may gravitate instead to spaces where they can decompress and enjoy the quite moments of life. You should identify what needs you want your space to fill, and what information you should provide your guest about external facilities and activities to enhance their experience.
Once you know what your guests are looking for, it’s time to start designing and decorating. It’s best to think in terms of layers of comfort and familiarity. Start with basics like a comfortable bed and pillows, a full set of sheets and towels, a good air conditioner or heater depending on the time of year, nice furniture for relaxing in, etc. If you have an office space that’s separate from your guest bedroom, consider providing a small table with one comfortable chair where they can work if needed. While it might seem strange to include something like this in an Airbnb rental, it can serve a dual purpose in that you might have friends or family staying with you from time to time and they’ll appreciate the extra space.
You want a space that feel like you can step into it as if it was your own, a space that feels like it was waiting for you.
Next consider the walls of your guest room — what’s on them? As noted above, many people are looking for familiar comforts when staying in someone else’s home rather than something new and unfamiliar. Photographs of friends and family, artwork that is personal to you, or items that have a special meaning can help to create that sense of home away from home. If your rental is in a tourist area, consider adding some local flair in the form of art or souvenirs; this can also help guests feel more connected to their surroundings and give them ideas for things to do during their stay.
Finally, don’t forget the little details that can make all the difference. A basket of fresh fruit or vegetables, a selection of teas and coffees, some nice toiletries in case they forgot something — these are all small touches that can make guests feel welcome.
If all of this seems like a lot of work, it is. But here at Payneless we have the experience and the skills to easily transform your space to fit the needs of any kind of traveler you want to appeal to. We start the process with an initial meeting to determine your wants and needs for the space, and then we work with you to craft a space that fits your needs and the needs of every traveler you host.