Awesome AIRBNB HACKS in 2023 (For Guests and Hosts)

Last Updated on June 19, 2023 by Rental Recon

We’ve done our research, and we’ve compiled a list of 10 easy hacks for Airbnb guests to help you save money and have a great stay, and a list of 20 incredible Airbnb hacks that all hosts need to know- start saving money, keep your calendar booked, and make your guests want to leave those critical GREAT reviews by using these hacks today!

Here are Our Top Airbnb Hacks for Vacation Rental Guests:

• Rent an Airbnb with a kitchen
• Book a longer stay for a discounted rate
• Ask for a discount
• Find out what’s included in the booking
• Book with Superhosts
• Use Google Street View to scope out the place
• Book a new property
• Look for Airbnb discounted gift cards
• Search for rentals that offer an early bird discount
• Book an Airbnb Experience

Here are each of the Airbnb guest hacks explained:

Guest Hack #1: Rent an Airbnb with a Kitchen

One of the biggest reasons travelers choose Airbnb vacation rentals over hotels is that they want a well-equipped kitchen to cook in to save money or because of dietary restrictions. Buying groceries locally and dining in will save you a significant amount of money and help you stick to a healthy diet.

Guest Hack #2: Book a Longer Stay For a Discounted Rate

Check the listings to see which rentals offer a multi-night discount. Some offer a 10% weekly (7 nights) and a 10% monthly (28 nights) discount.

If your schedule allows, this could help you save money or get an extra night out of the stay, for example, 7 nights instead of 6.

Guest Hack #3: Ask for a Discount

If the listing doesn’t mention a discount for longer stays, feel free to ask the host for one! It doesn’t hurt to message the host and ask; just be sure to do it politely.

Also, Airbnb rentals have different prices based on high and low season. If the rental is not booked and it’s high season, ask the host if you can get it for the low season price.

Another strategy is to look for last-minute rentals that aren’t booked yet. Hosts have been known to drop their prices significantly the closer the reservation is to the date of arrival.

Doing this research takes some time, but most of the time, hosts are open to negotiation, especially if they will lose money because no one staying in the rental. 

Guest Hack #4: Find Out What’s Included in the Booking

Some hosts stock their rental with snacks, breakfast foods and coffee, bottled water and other drinks, and even toiletries, saving you money and time.

Also, check to see what amenities are included in your stay. Some rentals charge extra for using the pool, tennis courts, and other on-site activities, but some hosts include this in the rental price.

Guest Hack #5: Book with Superhosts

A Superhost is someone who goes above and beyond in their hosting duties. Superhosts earn this status from Airbnb by receiving positive reviews, being responsive, and avoiding cancellations where possible. They have a 4.8+ overall rating, 10+ stays, <1% cancellation rate, and a 90% response rate. Airbnb checks all hosts every three months based on their previous 365 days of hosting. 

Superhosts don’t want to lose their status so they will be top-notch hosts. They won’t cancel a booking on you and you can bet they will be very responsive to your requests and messages.

Guest Hack #6: Use Google Street View to Scope Out the Place

Use Google Maps to scope out the rental property and the surrounding neighborhood before you book. You can check out how far away the restaurants, parks, stores, entertainment venues, and grocery stores are and what transportation options you have.

Guest Hack #7: Book a New Property

This Airbnb listing promotion allows hosts to easily apply a 20% discount to any eligible listings for the first three bookings if the host opts in. While it’s generally wise to book a rental that has plenty of good reviews, you can save a pretty good chuck of change here.

Also, while it may be a new property, it might not be a new host. Check their profile to see if they have other rentals; they might even be a Superhost.

Guest Hack #8: Look for Airbnb Discounted Gift Cards

You probably won’t believe me when I tell you that big box stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other similar stores sell discount Airbnb gift cards!

You can save a few bucks off the face value of these gift cards. Check in the stores or even online to grab these gift cards and make your vacation even more affordable!

Guest Hack #9: Search for Rentals That Offer an Early Bird Discount

Some listings offer a discount if you book the rental early. This works if you know your travel plans a few months in advance. Even if a discount is not listed, you can always ask the host if they could provide one. It saves you money and helps them secure a renter early.

Guest Hack #10: Book an Airbnb Experience

For an additional price, you can go on experiences with local hosts. These experiences are one-of-a-kind, immersive activities, such as tours, events, classes, foodie events, scavenger hunts, parties, etc. Here’s your chance to live like a local.

Here are Our Top Airbnb Hacks for Vacation Rental Hosts:

• Automate messages to guests.
• Emphasize the unique qualities of your Airbnb.
• Create a buzz by linking your listing to social media.
• Link your property description to upcoming events or local attractions.
• Be strategic with price in order to rack up good reviews.
• Offer deals so guests will extend their stay.
• Override your 2-night minimum to make more money.
• Respond quickly to every guest.
• Check-in with your guests before encouraging them to leave reviews.
• Provide as much detail as possible in your listing.
• Provide a sofa bed to accommodate more guests.
• Provide lightning-fast Internet service.
• Give your guests access to a washer and dryer.
• Avoid the hassle by using an electronic key lock.
• Get a different mailbox.
• Buy amenity items in bulk.
• Eradicate odors with an ozone machine.
• Provide vouchers, coupons, or tips for local attractions.
• Be Flexible with Your Check-In and Check-Out Time.
• Don’t underestimate the power of the thoughtful touch.

We’ll break down each one of these Airbnb host hacks below in more detail:

Host Hack #1: Provide Automated Messages On Airbnb

When you automate messages on Airbnb, you don’t have to worry about missing any important details when your life gets super busy. You can automate check-in instructions, check-up messages (to see if your guest has settled in well), or check-out instructions.

It might take a little bit of work on the front end, but it’ll save you time, energy, and hassle as you take on more and more bookings.

All of these programs offer automated messaging and other handy tools for Airbnb hosts:

Host Hack #2: Emphasize the Unique Qualities of Your Airbnb

In your listing, make sure you highlight the aspects of your place that no one else has. Maybe you’ve got a hot tub, or a cool fire pit, or a special music room, or a theater room… or maybe you’ve got a small place with a ton of small, cozy touches.

If it makes your place special, emphasize it! Also, make sure to take pictures of the unique aspects of your Airbnb and feature them in your listing.

Host Hack #3: Create a Buzz by Linking Your Listing to Social Media

Create an Instagram or Facebook account for your Airbnb. It’s been rumored that Airbnb provides an SEO listing boost for hosts who can bring in outside guests from social media platforms.

In your guidebook, tell your guests that they can post pictures from their stay on your social media page.

Get creative and make a cool hashtag that guests can use. They’ll feel special, and you’ll gain attention for your Airbnb.

Host Hack #4: Link Your Property Description to Upcoming Events or Local Attractions

Do this, and your listing will pop up when guests search for a place near the local attraction that they’ve planned on visiting.

For example, this summer, I’m taking my family to DC, and when I was on the search for a cool Airbnb to rent, I was sure to search for places that mentioned being close to the White House or the Smithsonian.

Your guests may not be familiar with the area, so linking to events and attractions will help them choose a place that they’re sure is close to the places they plan to visit. And, hopefully, that place is yours!

Host Hack #5: Be Strategic with Price in Order to Rack Up Good Reviews

If you’re new to Airbnb and you want to build your reputation as a host, check out the competition and consider lowering your nightly price in order to book your calendar out quickly.

Once you’ve been booked for a few weeks and you’ve racked up good reviews, you can raise your price to make more money.

Host Hack #6: Offer Deals So Guests Will Extend Their Stay

Sometimes guests want to extend their stay but can’t because they’ve already come close to reaching their max vacation budget.

Offering a discounted 4^th or 5^th night will bring you more money and your guests will be pumped about extending their stay and saving money. Everybody wins.

Host Hack #7: Override Your Nightly Minimum to Make More Money

Speaking of filling up your calendar and making more income, once you’ve booked up your calendar, try overriding your minimum stay length in order to offer guests who are passing through town a chance to stay at your place.

Those one-nighters between longer guest stays don’t bring in any revenue unless you stay on top of your calendar and offer them as an option for guests. You may find that they get booked quickly because so many other Airbnbs have two-night minimums and won’t budge.

Host Hack #8: Respond Quickly to Every Guest

No one likes to be kept waiting. As a hospitable host, you’ll want to make sure you’re responding to your guests (or potential guests who ask you questions) quickly.

It can mean the difference between a good review and a bad one and could cause potential guests to book elsewhere if they don’t hear from you. Communication is key!

Host Hack #9: Check In with Your Guests Before Encouraging Them to Leave Reviews

Almost anyone who is considering renting your Airbnb will look at guest reviews. That’s why you should make sure you’ve made your guests happy before encouraging them to leave a review.

During their stay or before they check-out, ask if there is anything you can do to make their stay better and address it immediately. This shows your guests that you care about more than just a profit!

Check Out These Other Rental Recon Articles:

• 
  Sign Up on Airbnb (Host & Guest Discount)
• 
  The Best Airbnb Message Templates for Hosts (2023)
• 
  Design an Eye-Catching Vacation Rental Logo in Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rental Property Owners

Host Hack #10: Provide as Much Detail as Possible in Your Listing

When guests are searching for a place to stay, they know that a host means business when they see a detailed rental description. The more information, the better.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re organized, and that your listing doesn’t drone on and on. But your guests will know that you’ve got nothing to hide if you let them know all the details before they book. They know what they’re getting, and you create trust between you and your guest.

Host Hack #11: Provide a Sofa Bed to Accommodate More Guests

A sofa bed is an easy way to increase your Airbnb’s occupancy, and it will lead to more bookings. With a sofa bed, your one-bedroom has just been turned into a two-bedroom (technically), and you’ll be able to accommodate your potential guests’ varied situations.

Host Hack #12: Provide Lightning-Fast Internet Service

These days your guests expect lightning-fast Wifi. That’s all there is to it. We know that you may not have the ability to provide this access to guests due to your location (maybe you’re in the boondocks and your service is spotty); however, if it’s possible, upgrade to the good stuff: the fastest service possible for your area and a super-fast router like this one. Guests will expect it, and you want to be able to deliver.

If it’s just not doable for you, make sure your listing description clearly states your Internet status. Upfront communication is always a good thing.

Host Hack #13: Give Your Guests Access to a Washer and Dryer

Sometimes guests are forced to pack light, especially when the cost of checked and carry-on luggage has increased (it never stops, does it?). If it’s possible, provide these guests with access to a washer and dryer.

If you rent out a portion of your home as an Airbnb, consider providing limited access to your own washer and dryer. You can set up rules so that your guests don’t take over (for example, guests may do laundry from 8-1 pm).

Host Hack #14: Avoid the Hassle by Using an Electronic Key Lock

Your guest has lost his key and it’s 1 am. Need I say more? Installing a key lock with a programmable code will save you tons of trouble.

It’s worth the cost. Trust us. You won’t have to worry about meeting up with guests at check-in or check-out, and you don’t have to worry about the guests locking themselves out of the house. Check out our article on the 11 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts Here.

You might also consider providing a back-up manual key lock-box in case guests have issues with the electronic lock. It would save you a trip to the property!

Host Hack #15: Get a Different Mailbox

If you Airbnb a home, remove your standard mailbox and install a mailbox that requires a key to get access to the mail.

In the event that a guest decides to overstay his/her welcome, and tries to create tenancy, they can partially do this through having their mail sent to the home. Eliminating this option makes it that much harder for the squatter to claim tenancy.

Host Hack #16: Buy Amenity Items in Bulk

Think about all of the items that you have to replace before a new guest arrives: coffee, coffee filters, sugar, salt, pepper, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap.

Instead of purchasing these items in single-use containers, consider buying them in bulk and refilling them between guests. You can even buy attractive containers, label them, and refill them each time. They’ll look nice and you’ll save money.

Host Hack #17: Kill Those Pesky Smells

If your previous guest smoked in the bedroom or cooked liver and onions the night before, you may need something to kill those lingering odors.

Try an ozone machine like this one. These will eliminate or get rid of most of whatever smell you want to eradicate. Just be sure no occupants are in the room/ space when the ozone machine is operating, and follow all manufacturer safety recommendations.

Host Hack #18: Provide Vouchers, Coupons, or Tips for Local Attractions

In many cases, guests book Airbnbs so that they can explore the area. When you go out of your way to provide money-saving tips, coupons, or vouchers for local attractions (even restaurants), you show your guest that you care about every aspect of their stay.

Another tip is to give your guests a list of all the popular destinations in your area and a map of the surrounding area showing where these destinations are in proximity to your rental.

Host Hack #19: Be Flexible with Your Check-In and Check-Out Time

Surprise your guest by messaging them 24 hours before their check-in time and offer for them to check in an hour earlier or check out an hour later, or both. Your guests will feel like you are giving them special treatment. A satisfied guest leaves a good review.

Host Hack #20: Provide a Small Treat or Welcome Letter

Airbnb Superhosts understand the impact that a special touch has on the guests’ evaluation of your Airbnb. Provide a small treat for the weary guests’ arrival, or write them a “welcome” or “thank you” letter.

In my travels, these are what I remember most- the hospitable hosts who have gone the extra mile to make me feel welcome in their home.

Bonus Hack:

Don’t Use Airbnb at all! Use your own WordPress site with pictures, and subscribe to a service like OwnerRez – vacation rental software!. Their widget will integrate directly into your WordPress post, to provide a booking calendar and payment. You can also integrate your Airbnb calendar into the OwnerRez calendar so you don’t get double bookings!

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