Airbnb is one of the most lucrative businesses in the United States, especially in California. On average, a host gets $12,000 a year—not too shabby for a passive income! You can do better, though, starting with designing a home that can make any guest swoon. Here is what you need:
Excellent Bed
Many of your guests might have traveled for hours or even days. When they are in the area, they will spend most of their time walking around or sightseeing, so they’ll definitely appreciate high-quality sleep.
If you can be extravagant with your bedroom, invest in a gel memory foam mattress. It promotes fantastic sleep for the following reasons:
- The memory foam material can follow the body’s contours. It creates a “cocoon” feeling, which makes people feel more secure.
- It can also reduce pressure points on the joints and muscles. This mattress, therefore, provides the body enough time to recover.
- The gel component improves air circulation inside the mattress, so it does not trap heat.
Air-conditioning (and heating)
In a 2018 Airbnb report, most guests gave more value to comfort than connectivity. For this reason, air-conditioning is one of the sought-after indoor amenities.
In California, this matters. The state’s climate is the Mediterranean, so it can get humid and dry during summers. Sometimes the heat can be brutal. In 2018, for instance, the state’s temperature reached 79.7 degrees in July. It was the hottest it had ever been since 1895.
For those who have Airbnb homes far from the coastal areas, you may need to complement your AC with a heater. The mountain and even southern regions can be frigid during winters.
Fully stocked kitchen
Guests may notice your kitchen as soon as they walk in, but the appreciation may not last long. After all, most are not after space or design. Instead, they look for functionality.
You do not have to renovate your kitchen soon, but you need to make sure your guests can use it conveniently. Do not forget to include:
- Coffeemakers, mugs, and cups
- Microwave oven, refrigerator, and stove (preferably, induction stove)
- Pots and pans
- Cutlery
- Basic spices and condiments
- A few snacks or crackers
Swimming pool
Just because guests are booking an Airbnb does not mean they are ready to leave a luxurious lifestyle behind. Anything extra can be seen as an added luxury, such as a swimming pool.
In California, a swimming pool can help fight the heat or provide an informal entertainment space. The problem is it can be expensive. The cheapest can be close to $2,000. If you do not have the money or space for a pool, the next best option is a Jacuzzi. If that is not an option either, provide a pristine bathtub.
Entertainment
Whether your guests are business people, families, or couples, at the end of the day, they want to relax and be entertained. A well-designed Airbnb home may need to have the following amenities:
- A large-screen television
- Strong wireless Internet connection
- Gaming consoles
- Some DVDs they can watch
- Netflix (or other online streaming) subscription
- Wide plush sofas
- Bean bags
- Comfortable, warm carpets
- Excellent surround-sound system
- Great lighting
From investing in gel memory foam mattresses to stocking your pantry, you can do many things to make your home inviting. Do not worry if you do not have enough money for everything on the list. Begin with the basics and then improve your house as you start earning.
