Top Tips to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out
- Ryan Ingram
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
In today’s competitive short-term rental market, simply listing your property on Airbnb isn’t enough. With thousands of options available to travelers, your space needs to shine. Whether you're hosting in Dubai, the UK, or anywhere else, here are the top tips to make your Airbnb truly stand out and attract more guests — and better reviews.
First Impressions Matter: Nail the Photos High-quality, professional photos are a must. Make sure your images are well-lit, clutter-free, and showcase the unique aspects of your space. Include wide-angle shots of each room, highlight amenities, and consider a few lifestyle shots (e.g., coffee on the balcony or cozy reading nook).
Tip: Shoot during the day with natural lighting and use warm tones to create a welcoming vibe.

Write a Compelling Listing Description: Your description should not only explain what your property offers, but also tell a story. Highlight features that make your place unique — like skyline views, walking distance to attractions, or luxury finishes. Use clear headings and bullet points to keep it easy to read.
Tip: Speak to your target audience. Are they business travelers? Families? Tourists?
Invest in Thoughtful Interior Design: A well-designed space photographs better and provides a more memorable guest experience. Go for neutral tones with pops of color, high-quality linens, functional furniture, and a few statement decor pieces that reflect the local vibe.
Tip: Plants, art, and soft lighting go a long way in making a space feel like home.

Provide Hotel-Level Amenities: The little things can lead to big reviews. Offer plush towels, fresh toiletries, fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and a well-equipped kitchen. A welcome pack with snacks, water, or local tips can also make a great impression.
Tip: Always stock essentials like coffee, tea, soap, and extra toilet paper.

Keep It Spotlessly Clean: Cleanliness is one of the most important factors in guest satisfaction and 5-star reviews. Hire a professional cleaning service or implement a rigorous checklist between stays.
Tip: Use fresh-smelling linen, sanitize high-touch areas, and double-check every room before guests arrive.

Automate & Communicate Professionally: Responding promptly and professionally makes a huge difference. Use automated messages for booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and check-out reminders. Be available to answer questions — and always be polite and helpful.
Tip: Apps like Smartbnb or Hospitable can help streamline communication.
Encourage Reviews — and Learn from Them: Ask happy guests to leave a review, and take constructive feedback seriously. Continuous improvements based on guest comments will only make your space stronger and more competitive.
Tip: Add a thank-you note at checkout encouraging guests to leave a review.
Stand Out with Extras: Offer something unexpected: complimentary Netflix, a yoga mat, bicycles, or even themed interiors (like beachy, boho, or minimalist). These small touches can make your property more memorable and bookable.
Tip: Highlight these extras in your photos and listing description.

Final Thoughts
Making your Airbnb stand out doesn’t always mean spending more — it’s about being intentional, thoughtful, and guest-focused. The better your space feels, looks, and performs, the more it works for you.
Need help setting up or managing your Airbnb in Dubai or the UK? Vacant Nests can handle everything from design to guest support. Let’s turn your property into a five-star experience.
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