What makes a 5 star experience?

Question

Hey longtime STR investors, I’m in the planning stages of turning a property I own into a STR. As I’ve analyzed other listings around me they all appear to have similar capacity (1-2 beds, 1-2 baths) as my own. Also, the majority of them appear to be operated by mom and pop outfits. My question is what are the things I should pay attention to and really nail in order to have my listing stand out\ make my listing the first choice when people visit the area? Thanks!

Michael Baum · Answer

I do actually. I wouldn't mind having some high end fancy places but I am not sure I would be the best host for fancy people! :)I like hosting families that are working hard for their get-a-ways. I love providing places they can relax and have a good time and feel they got a good deal.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Best practices as a start - that is pro photos, well thought and complete listing details, well decorated, amenity rich, etc.To me, 5 stars is perfect. That includes, but not limited to:- Smooth Check In- Fast and efficient communication- Meticulous cleanliness- Everything in working order- Smooth Check OutEven if you do everything right its impossible to expect all 5 star reviews, but if you do everything right you will do better than most and should be successful, assuming you are in an area with demand and you are priced right. Best of luck!

Monique P. · Answer

Good question Zach!-Offering a pet friendly property will help you stand out. -Providing amenities that your competition doesn’t offer. -The more reviews you quickly accumulate helps push your property to top of search results. - Keep studying your competition all the time, it’s how you get better and better.- Under promise and over deliver. The algorithm favors these and tips others have shared. Good luck!

Patricia Andriolo-Bull · Answer

It is much more simple than this. What do you expect in a 5 star stay and do that. Make sure nothing is dated. Cleanliness is key. And most importantly - communicate (I have a guidebook but that doesn’t make stays a 5 star experience, communicating clearly and honestly and be responsive to guest needs, that makes a 5 star stay). Lastly, make everything easy for your guest. Check out my website reviews (these are every review I’ve received, I don’t post only the good ones). This is all I focus on and it works well. www.labellavitaonmarco.com

Robert Olinger · Answer

@Zach Strong think through the entire experience. I believe bathrooms, kitchen, and bed experience are key to nail. Take time to be sure each has something to make it high end. Get great soaps and towels (we use the ikea sheet towels), go ahead and have solid kitchen. Equipment (great coffee maker, more than just the essential pots and lPans) as these upgrades are relatively inexpensive given how positively guests respond to them. Last, listen to the guests. Ask them if anything would be helpful during their stay. Most will say nothing, so assume those that do say something often are speaking for all your guests.

Mya Toohey · Answer

@Zach StrongHello!!! I have managing STRs for 10 years now. I am in the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete Area (BEACH VIBES here) LOL!!! You can find great info here on BP and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. 1.Check Zoning and regulations and state licensing (don't take other peoples advice, get the facts from your local zoning board, State business regulations and City, even County and Fire Dept) 2.Make sure no changes are going to be made in the rules.3.CONSULT a Lawyer and an Accountant. I suggest to Get an LLC just for your management of the property. Last thing you need is to be sued for your personal assests.4.Does the profit make sense? After all costs and your time as manager...Does it make sense...It is very time consuming...If you have ever rented Long Term, take those questions and you get 20x more in inquiries and questions once there...Speak to a few Management Companies, I KNOW you want to do it yourself but time is money. If you are an investor and have Management Company, or CO-host (VA) they have systems that rank your property higher and will bring you MORE money even though you are paying them. Big companies use Hosting sites that you can ask about..they rank higher and therefor bring you more bookings and more money. AND they handle the workload so can go out and find more deals.I know its basic, but I have watched so many STRs come and go in my area over the last 4 years,only for the owners to have to sell or lose money. I hope that gave you some insight on how to start...5.

Gi'angelo Bautista · Answer

For the 5 star experience, you will really want to hit on all points that Airbnb has for the 5 star rating. If you do, your listing may become a guest favorite, which will increase it's SEO. You may have different OTA's in your location.Some major items to manage really well are:- Cleaning- Maintenance- Check-in - Communication- AmenitiesTo make your listing stand out, here are a few things to pay attention to:- ProfessionalPhotos - Manage this process and figure out your Hero photo and the next 4 photos before hand- "Unique" Interior designed home (furniture and finishes). Do not furnish the home like a staged home to sell. Be creative.- Nice coat of paint and/or murals- Extra Amenities such as jacuzzi, pool, basketball court, bocce ball, arcade games, and etc

Michael Baum · Answer

Location plays a big role @Zach Strong and capitalizing on that.For example, a lake front property will need a nice clean beach area, seating etc.Generally speaking, make it homey. Cater to your guest demographic. We cater to families, extended families and older groups. We have a long bike trail in front of our house along our beach. Make the kitchen great. Plenty of everything for people to cook. Quality furniture, games for rainy days, decent linens, comfy beds etc.Think of the things you want in a place.

Alyson Gordon · Answer

Assuming you have a desirable location, a beautifully designed home and great photography will go a long way to get you bookings, while a clean home and good service will keep you booked. It may be worth hiring a designer unless you have an eye for design, especially if its your first STR. There are a lot of free shopping lists online that you can use to make sure you don't forget anything. Happy to chat further as I'm not too far away from you in Pittsboro!

Zachary Cain Humphrey · Answer

5 star experience really bulls down to what are you seeking to offer as a host , and are you doing the best at the level you wish to be offering? For example... is your property a budget apartment for rent for 75$ a night or do you have a 5 million mansion? Either property can both produce 5 star stay's. What is your guests expecting from you and are you meeting that expectation?