First-Time STR Host – Would Love Feedback on My Airbnb & VRBO Listings

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First-Time STR Host – Would Love Feedback on My Airbnb & VRBO Listings

Ravi Ramu
Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes

Hi BP community,

I’m a first-time short-term rental host and recently listed my property on both Airbnb and VRBO. I'm learning as I go and would truly appreciate your expert feedback to help me improve. I'm open to all suggestions on how to make the listing more appealing and boost bookings.

https://airbnb.com/h/elkwoodchalet

https://www.vrbo.com/4557454

Thanks so much in advance for your time and help!

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Renee Krystek
Interior Decorator · Chicago, IL · Member since 2025 · 31 posts · 40 votes
1y

This looks so great and shows how important intentional design is in short-term rentals.

The layout looks super functional, open, and airy. It feels cohesive, like someone had a clear vision for how guests should feel and move through the space.

Lighting is another strong point. It makes the space feel welcoming and elevated.  It's funny how many people overlook bedside lighting. I am a big before bed reader, and find small lamps super important once I am there.

It shows how much design can impact the overall vibe and guest experience. The property makes you want to hang out, relax, and really enjoy being there. Definitely something more STR owners should prioritize.

I agree with @Trent Reeve about wanting more color or art on the walls but I can see how it might be difficult with the A frame slanted walls. I agree that a peel and stick wall paper, mural, or even a soft tapestry like art that can be secured at the bottom and top might help. I enjoy the pops of color but maybe adding in a pattern with color vs a solid could also help visually. Such a small critique as everything looks great!

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    1y

    You did a fantastic job!

    Great professional pictures and staging. 

    Great Description.

    I love your first photo that shows multiple shots and the name of your cabin.

    Great amenities and pictures of these.

    Fantastic job!

    I just looked at the Vrbo link.

    1Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 716 posts · 645 votes
    1y

    just a few thoughts taken with a grain of salt.

    1 - too many pictures. im a big believer in less is more. for example, you have 10 pictures of the game room, 7 of the kitchen, you have a picture of just a nightstand with a lamp. also, add captions to pictures so people know what they are looking at.

    2 - get something on the walls. they are plain, get something on there that will help people remember your place as they sift through multiple properties. Maybe artwork, maybe a mural (happywall.com has some murals/wallpaper for example)

    3 - your listing shows 8 people, but for eating you only have 6 seats. what happens if 8 people are there? where do they eat?

    4 - that lighted mirror/dresser table, to me, isnt a dedicated workspace. I am a remote worker many times and that would not work. 

    5 - you say that all cars need to be registered, but dont mention any fees. If there is a fee, you need to have that amount in the description now I believe.

    Now after all that, great looking place, good use of outdoor space, great area pictures. maybe add a high level picture that shows the property in relation to any attractions or hotspots (lake, ski lift, casino, family attractions) so people can see they are in the middle of everything. 

    2Reply
  • Renee Krystek
    Interior Decorator · Chicago, IL · Member since 2025 · 31 posts · 40 votes
    1y

    This looks so great and shows how important intentional design is in short-term rentals.

    The layout looks super functional, open, and airy. It feels cohesive, like someone had a clear vision for how guests should feel and move through the space.

    Lighting is another strong point. It makes the space feel welcoming and elevated.  It's funny how many people overlook bedside lighting. I am a big before bed reader, and find small lamps super important once I am there.

    It shows how much design can impact the overall vibe and guest experience. The property makes you want to hang out, relax, and really enjoy being there. Definitely something more STR owners should prioritize.

    I agree with @Trent Reeve about wanting more color or art on the walls but I can see how it might be difficult with the A frame slanted walls. I agree that a peel and stick wall paper, mural, or even a soft tapestry like art that can be secured at the bottom and top might help. I enjoy the pops of color but maybe adding in a pattern with color vs a solid could also help visually. Such a small critique as everything looks great!

    2Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Renee Krystek 
    Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! I'm really glad the lighting stood out — your point about bedside lamps is a great reminder, especially for guests who love to read. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for future updates. Appreciate your kind words!

    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @John Underwood 

    Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! I'm really glad you noticed the first photo with the cabin name — I wanted it to make a strong first impression. Appreciate you taking the time!

    0Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Trent Reeve

    Thank you so much for the detailed feedback — really helpful stuff! 

    1. I don’t currently have space for 8 at the dining table, but we do have extra chairs available. 

    2. The table with the lighted mirror is actually a dresser, but I appreciate your point — we do have a desk setup in the main bedroom that I’ll make sure to highlight better. 

    3. Good catch on the parking — I’ll clarify that in the listing. 

    4. The idea of showing the property in relation to nearby attractions is a great suggesstion. I’m definitely going to work on that. 

    Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this!

    0Reply
    • Trent Reeve
      Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 716 posts · 645 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Ravi Ramu:

      @Trent Reeve

      Thank you so much for the detailed feedback — really helpful stuff! 

      1. I don’t currently have space for 8 at the dining table, but we do have extra chairs available. 

      2. The table with the lighted mirror is actually a dresser, but I appreciate your point — we do have a desk setup in the main bedroom that I’ll make sure to highlight better. 

      3. Good catch on the parking — I’ll clarify that in the listing. 

      4. The idea of showing the property in relation to nearby attractions is a great suggesstion. I’m definitely going to work on that. 

      Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this!


       for the desk setup, in your Airbnb listing, it is listed under the Bedroom 3 description, that is why i mentioned that dresser. After going back, i do see the desk in the master bedroom pictures. I didnt mean to come off too critical if i did. Just thinking about feedback I received on my properties when i launched them, from guests. They definitely wont hold back. also might want to consider adding "Where you will sleep" in the Airbnb listing, so people will know there is a sofa bed. I saw the sofa bed listed in the VRBO listing, but not the ABB listing.

      2Reply
  • Monique P.
    Member since 2023 · 88 posts · 62 votes
    1y
    Wow, nicely done!  I agree with John, there are so many things you did right especially as a first time rental host! 

    I agree with Trent, if you can add some more artwork on the walls that will help. It can be tricky with an A frame, looks like it will work in the game, dining & living rooms though.

    Loved reading your description but i wanted to read more. Lol. You could carry that same playful language by captioning all your photos. Rather than saying "exterior" or "property grounds", maybe consider something like "grab the marshmallows & head to the fire pit".

    Since you allow 1 dog maybe consider allowing 2 dogs to increase bookings? A lot of families have more than 1 dog, that way you'll capture a bigger audience. You can always change it later as you get more bookings.

    The check in time of 4pm is standard for a lot of rentals... how would you feel about changing it to 3pm while you're a new listing to encourage more bookings? You can always change it later.

    Always check your rates against the competition while you're brand new, you want to be sure you're not charging more than others while you wait to build up reviews.

    These are tiny little things, just trying to be helpful but it's hard because you did a wonderful job Ravi! Now you just have to wait for it to roll in. 

    Good luck! 
    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Monique P.
    Thank you so much for the kind words and thoughtful suggestions! All of your ideas are super valuable — I’m noting them down and will work on implementing them. I love your idea of playful photo captions — "grab the marshmallows" made me smile! I’ll consider adjusting the dog policy and check-in time as well. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this — it means a lot!

    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Trent Reeve
    Not critical at all — I truly appreciate you taking the time to point that out! You’re right, the desk being listed under Bedroom 3 must’ve caused the confusion, and I’ll fix that right away. Great catch on the sofa bed too — I hadn’t realized it was missing from the Airbnb “Where you’ll sleep” section. All of this feedback is super helpful, especially before guests start weighing in. Thanks again!

    1Reply
  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Found this at the end of your Airbnb Amenity List:

    Not included

    • Unavailable: Hair dryer
    • Unavailable: Shampoo
    1Reply
  • Sameul Ahsan
    Real Estate Agent · Worcester, MA · Member since 2024 · 107 posts · 45 votes
    1y

    I love the overall vibe! Great job putting the listings together — here are just a couple of small suggestions:

    1. In one of the photos, the lamp appears to be touching the ceiling and slightly tilted. Adjusting this could make the room feel more spacious and polished.

    2. The description feels a bit AI-generated (Chat GPT)— you might consider adding a more personal touch to help guests connect emotionally with the space. A short story or memory about the home can go a long way!

    You're off to a fantastic start — wishing you lots of bookings ahead!

    1Reply
  • Jules Aton
    MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Agree with the others, the renovation is nicely done and pics are great. Whatever is going on over the washer/dryer stuck out as weird to me. Not that it would be a hard no but I'd rather not see that unless I decide to do laundry which I never have while staying in STR. Best wishes for a successful season!

    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    Thanks so much @Mike Grudzien, @Sameul Ahsan and @Jules Aton for checking out the listing and for all the kind words and helpful tips! Really means a lot. I'm noting everything down and will keep improving as I go. Appreciate the support!

    2Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    Good job and great recommendations!

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Josh SedivyBusiness Member
    St. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
    1y

    Congrats on getting your property listed, that’s a big first step. Your photos are clear and clean, but consider adding evening shots, especially with the fire pit, to give it more warmth.

    [email protected]833-345-5224
    ABODEbucks4.5148 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Josh Sedivy  

    Thanks so much! I actually do have a few evening shots in there, but I’ll look into adding more — great suggestion!

    0Reply
  • Anja Schaer
    Investor · Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 146 posts · 72 votes
    1y

    You did a great job with the space—it feels clean, thoughtful, and well-photographed. Just a couple of things you might consider: tighten up the photo set (less is more), add captions so guests know what they’re seeing, and highlight the sleeper sofa and desk a bit more clearly. Overall, it looks like a warm, inviting stay—nicely done!

    1Reply
  • Ravi Ramu
    OP
    Investor · NJ · Member since 2023 · 32 posts · 12 votes
    1y

    @Anja Schaer

    Thanks so much! Great tips — I’ll work on the captions, photo count, and making the sleeper sofa and desk clearer. Appreciate it!

    0Reply
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