All Forum Posts by: Erica Dike

🚨 DISCLAIMER - This post isn’t for you if:

❌ You think a vacation rental is just a place to sleep.

❌ You furnish with the cheapest finds, not a strategy.

❌ You believe all guests are the same and unique design doesn’t really impact revenue.

❌ You’re unfamiliar with an analytical approach to design and assume insights like these are just opinions, not proven strategies.

❌ You think using emojis means I copied this from somewhere—I’m just a millennial who likes to keep things engaging.

BUUUT if you’re an investor who wants to attract high-paying guests, increase your nightly rate, and create a rental that markets itself, keep reading.

A question I get A LOT is: “How can I market my vacation rental?” My answer is always a mix of: You’re overthinking it and work smarter, not harder.

A lot of investors are sold on the idea that STRs are a passive income source—which, to an extent, they can be. If you include a low-maintenance marketing plan into your vacation rental, you’ll attract high-paying guests without constantly grinding to fill your calendar.

I’ll get back to that in a minute, but first—let’s talk about your reviews. Reviews can make or break your STR—obviously. But not all 5-star reviews are created equal. If your guests are leaving standard 5-star reviews, that’s great—but if those reviews could apply to any rental in your area, you’re still competing on price.

If they’re leaving raving reviews, your property becomes the go-to choice—at premium rates. Here’s the difference:

A 5-Star Review Validates It reassures potential guests that your listing is as advertised—which is great, but also expected. These reviews typically highlight:
✔️Location
✔️ Cleanliness
✔️ Host communication

Nice to have, but not enough to differentiate your property in a competitive market.

A Raving Review Markets It goes beyond the basics and helps future guests see the one-of-a-kind experience that only your rental provides. This type of review sells your property before price even becomes a factor. Instead of “great location,” they say:

Here's where your Low-Maintenance Marketing Plan comes into play👇🏾

If you’re only getting standard 5-star reviews, it means your guests had a good stay—but they also have other options. To market your vacation rental on autopilot, you need:

✔️ Scroll-Stopping Design – Your space should stand out instantly and reflect your guest's needs.

✔️ Unique Amenities & Experiences – Raving reviews happen when guests feel like they got something they couldn’t find anywhere else.

✔️ A Tailor-Made Stay – When guests feel like your property was designed specifically for them, they won’t just leave a raving review—they’ll be grateful to pay higher nightly rates for that experience.

Your STR isn't just a stay, it's an experience. The better the experience, the higher the price tag.

Investors who take the time to design with their ideal guest in mind don’t just get better reviews—they command higher rates without competing on price.

Think of the BEST review your STR has received. Did it highlight an experience that made your property stand out? If not, what’s something unique to your rental (and your rental only) that guests can rave about?

I get where you’re coming from, but I think there’s a misunderstanding. Your ideal guest isn’t just a specific demographic—it’s about the experience they’re looking for.

For example, guests booking a cabin aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They’re looking for an escape from reality, a chance to immerse themselves in nature. When you design with that in mind—an outdoor dining table on the deck to enjoy stunning views over dinner, a decked-out game room for in-house entertainment since they’ll be tucked away in the mountains, cozy nooks for reading or morning coffee, and a fire pit for late-night conversations under the stars—it enhances that experience and makes your property stand out.

At the end of the day, people book based on how a space makes them feel, not just because it has a bed. Properties that intentionally create a memorable experience stay booked, even in competitive markets.

I appreciate the feedback, Travis! Definitely not my intention for it to come across that way. This is the same kind of content I share on my socials—just summarized here (and with emojis since there aren’t bullet points…Type A problems lol).

I always aim to share insights that help investors think strategically about their STR design. But I'll keep your perspective in mind for future posts. Thanks for letting me know how it landed!

Completely agree, Alice! Keeping your ideal guest in mind when making design decisions is key. There’s always going to be some overlap—because at the end of the day, humans have basic needs. But the real difference comes down to what actually drives revenue.

For example, splurging on a mural in a one-bedroom rental for travel nurses won’t necessarily increase bookings (unless they’re influencers and you have a social media strategy for your rental). But investing in a massage chair? That’s something they’d actually use and would influence their booking decision.

That was really my point—being intentional about design choices that add real value. And you nailed it. Thanks for sharing your take!

I get that there’s only so much I can share in a post, but my goal here is to provide insight—not to sell anything. My point was that designing for ‘everyone’ can create inconsistencies in guest experience, reviews, and ultimately, revenue. On the other hand, when you design strategically for a specific type of guest, they’ll not only pay your desired rate but also return and recommend your property.

I go deeper into this on BiggerPockets Episode 933, but I completely understand if not everyone finds this info relevant. No hard feelings if it’s not for you! That said, just to clarify—drumming up business here isn’t my goal. When you Google Airbnb Interior Designer, I come up as the #1 result, so I don’t need to self-promote in forums.

For context, I was a business analyst at NASA before transitioning to hosting and then designing full-time. I've seen firsthand how many STR challenges—from low occupancy to poor guest retention—can be solved through strategic interior design. It's not the same as residential design; you're designing for guests you don't know, and your space needs to market itself to hit your revenue goals.

I wasn’t expecting my posts to be controversial, but I respect different perspectives. My approach here is simple: take what’s useful, and if it’s not for you, no worries!

Yes, there will definitely be overlap, but the key here is the experience each type of guest is looking for. A business traveler may appreciate a washer and dryer, but it's not necessarily a must-have when choosing a vacation rental for a short stay. What they care about more is being close to a convention center with easy parking, a workstation, an iron board for last-minute prep, etc. On the other hand, a digital nomad looking for a place to WFH for a few weeks will prioritize a private, immersive experience in the location, like cozy lounge seating on a deck to enjoy a mountain or beach view.

So while many of the items you mentioned are desirable across the board, it's about tailoring the space to what each group values most based on their needs. 

Think of it this way: in a large house, if you want to attract families or groups instead of party-goers, you wouldn’t stick several queen beds in one room. Families value both space to gather and privacy, so they wouldn’t want to share a room with two other couples. Party folks, on the other hand, don’t mind sharing a room for the sake of the fun vibe. 

There’s room for versatility, but being intentional with the amenities that align with your guest’s specific purpose will make all the difference in attracting the right guests at your desired rate.

I think it's actually super cool and unique to have a fireplace in an attic studio—definitely adds character, which is always a win for STRs! If the fireplace is just in a spare area of the property, I’d leave it as a decorative feature to enhance the cozy vibe. But if it’s in the main living area and the space is already tight, then getting rid of it could help you maximize the layout. With your plan for a mini-split, the space should stay warm enough without it.

Visiting parents and college sports fans are coming to town no matter what, so the key is making your STR feel like the obvious, no-brainer choice. Strategic design tailored to their needs will not only attract them but also show the value in choosing your rental over a basic hotel.

For parents visiting students, they want a cozy home-away-from-home where they can relax and spend quality time with their child. Some design and amenity ideas:

+ Welcoming living space with plush seating for family hangouts

+ Coffee bar or stocked tea station for early mornings before campus events

+ Dining table or breakfast nook perfect for family meals

+ Dedicated workspace for parents who need to check in on work

For sports fans, tap into their game-day energy and make your STR the go-to spot for a fun, convenient stay:

+ Big, comfortable seating & a great TV setup (think oversized couch, streaming sports channels)

+ Game-day essentials like a mini fridge stocked with game-day snacks/drinks

+ Outdoor space with a grill & seating for pre- or post-game gatherings

+ Good parking (sports fans hate scrambling)

+ Team spirit decor touches (subtle, not tacky—think framed sports prints, not full-on mascot murals)

Your design & reviews will do most of the marketing but to market directly to these guests:

🎯 List your STR on sites where parents and alumni book (if allowed)

🎯 Partner with local businesses—coffee shops, sports bars, or tailgate services—where your ideal guests hang out

🎯 Optimize your listing title and description with phrases like “Perfect for Visiting Parents & College Game Days”

🎯 Time any discounts/promotions around major campus events—homecoming, graduation, big rivalry games

Think of it this way, you’re not just offering a place to stay—you’re creating an experience they’ll want to book again and again. Who’s your main audience right now—parents, fans, or a mix of both?