How to make your Airbnb SUPER unique?

[Michael Hyun]

Hi all,

I used to have a STR in JT and one thing that I realized is that travelers are looking for EXPERIENCES and UNIQUE, INSTAGRAMMABLE highlights when looking for an Airbnb. I want to know what are some of the MOST unique things that would boost your listing's desirability. I'm talking about SUPER unique. For example, I've been obsessed with the idea of a UNIQUE hot soaking tub. A lot of guests book a place if it has a nice outdoor hot tub or soaking tub. But I want to take it a step further and maybe build like a "UFO soaking hot tub". Or perhaps an indoor slide - yes, like a playground slide.

I want to hear some CRAZY unique things that I haven't seen in other Airbnbs. Please help me out! The crazier the better!

[Carolyn Fuller]

I just spent 6 weeks traveling and staying in Airbnbs, some of which could be described as insanely unique experiences. And you are right that their appeal from the get-go was their uniqueness. I came back home determined to improve my 4.89 rating to better compete with my neighbors who have a 4.96 rating and I'm well on my way to that goal. Since mid April my ratings have gone from 4.89 to 4.91.

Here are my take-aways from all of this. I don't think you can create the kind of uniqueness that attracts guests without being in a unique environment. For most locales, I think it makes more sense to concentrate on what you think guests most need. That often can be a great shower, great bed and a washing machine and dryer. If you are aiming for guests who stay a week or longer, a well equipped kitchen is a must. 

I'm in a totally non-unique environment. But another thing I noticed about one of the 5 star Airbnbs where we stayed was that they had a knock down gorgeous fresh flower arrangement that it took me two days to even notice! They also offered us, upon arrival, fresh baked croissant from a local coffee shop. Not only was the croissant much appreciated but knowing where to get more was even more appreciated. I came home and switched my treats from being fresh flowers from the super market and reasonably expensive store bought chocolates to being freshly roasted coffee beans from a local coffee shop down the street and homemade ice cream from a local award winning ice cream shop up the street or freshly baked croissant from the French bakery around the corner. All of these items are now often mentioned in reviews. The fresh flowers and chocolates were never mentioned once in the 5 years I was leaving them out for guests. 

The other thing I started doing with phenomenal results was a suggestion I got from a Bigger Pockets participant. One or two days into a guest's stay, I send off a message "Hey [guest first name], It's Bill & Carolyn. How's your stay? Do you need anything? Don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything you need." It is stunning how successful this message is. 

If you still want to create something unique, focus on what you'd find both unique and appealing. If your heart's desire is a crazy hot tub, go for it, but not because it is crazy unique but because it will attract guests who enjoy the same kinds of things you enjoy.