Running a short-term rental means more than offering a bed for the night. Guests today expect comfort, cleanliness, and convenience from the moment they arrive. A smooth check-in, a well-prepared space, and thoughtful touches can make all the difference.
If you want five-star reviews, you don't need to spend a fortune or completely renovate your property. What matters is creating a space that feels cared for. When guests feel comfortable and things work as they should, they're far more likely to leave positive feedback.
The good news is that many of the features guests appreciate are easy to set up. It's about consistency, cleanliness, and paying attention to the kind of details that make travel easier for others.
Start with the Basics: Comfort and Cleanliness
You can't get five-star reviews without a clean and comfortable space. Every surface, floor, appliance, and soft furnishing should be cleaned between stays. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like handles, remotes, and light switches. The bedding should be fresh, and towels should feel soft and well-kept. These may sound basic, but they're what guests notice first.
Comfort matters just as much. If your rental includes a bed that's too soft, too firm, or worn out, it will show up in your reviews. Sleep quality is a common topic guests mention, and the bed is something you want to get right.
This is why many hosts choose to upgrade to a hybrid mattress. A hybrid mattress combines memory foam with support layers, offering a balanced feel that suits different sleep styles. Some even go for a bamboo hybrid mattress, which adds breathable, eco-friendly materials to the mix - great for guests who prefer a cooler, more sustainable sleep option. It's a great choice for hosts who want to offer something that feels both modern and functional.
A good mattress won't just improve sleep - it shows guests you've thought about their stay. Even if you don't hear it in person, it's often the kind of detail that appears in reviews and makes your rental stand out.
Design for Function and Flow
You don't need to be an interior designer to make a space feel welcoming. What matters is that everything is easy to use and in the right place. Guests should be able to move around without bumping into furniture or searching for basic items. Keep walkways clear and avoid over-decorating.
Stick with light, neutral colours to make the space feel brighter and more open. Add lamps or wall lights for softer lighting options - guests often prefer this over harsh overhead lights. Make sure there's somewhere to place luggage, somewhere to hang coats, and enough space in the bathroom or kitchen for everyday use.
Storage helps too. A few hooks, a shelf, or even a basket for loose items can go a long way. These simple touches help guests settle in and use the space as if it were their own, even just for a few nights.
Add the Extras That Guests Appreciate
Once the basics are covered, it's time to think about small touches that help your property stand out. These extras don't need to cost much, but they show guests you've put thought into their stay.
Start with the kitchen. Leave a few essentials like tea, coffee, sugar, salt, and oil. These are items guests often forget to buy, and having them available can be a pleasant surprise. A small welcome basket with snacks or local treats also goes a long way.
In the bathroom, keep spare toiletries on hand - mini soaps, toothpaste, or shampoo. You don't need a huge stock, just enough to help someone who's forgotten something. Include a hairdryer, a full-length mirror, and somewhere to hang wet towels.
Tech-friendly touches are popular too. Provide fast Wi-Fi, a phone charging cable or two, and instructions for the TV or any smart devices. If your rental has a keyless entry system, that's a bonus. Guests appreciate not having to coordinate key handovers or worry about losing them.
It's the mix of comfort and thoughtfulness that often leads to better reviews. People notice when things are made easier for them.
Create a Local Experience
One reason guests book short-term rentals over hotels is the chance to feel more connected to the area. You can help by offering a bit of local insight. Share a printed guide with your favourite coffee shops, parks, scenic spots, and places to eat. Keep it honest - don't just list the tourist traps.
If you can, include local artwork or small decorative touches that reflect the location. These give your space more character and help guests feel like they're getting a unique experience.
Even small things like books about the area, local maps, or seasonal guides can add value. Guests appreciate knowing where to go and what to do, without having to spend ages searching online.
Keep Communication Clear and Friendly
Good communication is one of the easiest ways to improve the guest experience. Reply to messages quickly and give clear check-in and check-out details. If a guest asks a question, be helpful and straightforward. It doesn't take much time and often makes a big difference.
It's also useful to send a quick message after check-in. Ask if they've settled in alright or need anything else. This small gesture shows you're paying attention, without being too involved.
If something goes wrong during a guest's stay - like a lightbulb going out or a minor appliance issue - handle it quickly and politely. People are often understanding as long as they feel looked after.
Setting up your short-term rental for success isn't about being flashy. It's about creating a space that feels clean, thoughtful, and easy to enjoy. When you give guests what they need to feel comfortable and relaxed, they remember it.
A solid night's sleep, a smooth check-in, and a few extra touches can be the difference between an average stay and one that earns five stars. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and treat your rental like a place you'd want to stay in yourself.