The skill that a great short-term property manager brings to the table will ensure the property is attractive to guests, the listing must literally stand out in the crowd and offer travellers more or different amenities than a standard hotel offering.
Why Travellers Choose Airbnb Over Hotels
To understand what makes a great short-term rental offering we must first understand why travellers, families and businesspeople book an Airbnb rather than a hotel.
There are a great many reasons, however the emergence of short-term properties being offered on multiple channels such as booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO and Homes and Villa by Marriot has opened an economic way for families to travel. Gone are the days when a family of four had to cram into two expensive hotel rooms without cooking or washing facilities.
Business travellers who may need to obtain accommodation for longer periods also require more of a home environment than a hotel that provides them with the opportunity to wash cloths and prepare meals.
However, the most important initial requirement of a great Airbnb or short-term property is the quality of communication from the property manager. Choose a short-term property manager that provides 24/7 support /communication. There are a lot more features I would recommend setting up a ‘great’ Airbnb here are a few.
Location: High-Demand Areas & Consistent Guest Experience
A great Airbnb or short-term property can combine things such as a prime, high-demand location (tourist hotspot, city centre, or unique destination) with excellent, consistent guest experiences.
Photography: How to Make Your Listing Stand Out
Crucial elements for guests are that the property looks exactly like the photos. Professional, high-quality photography are essential and should accurately represent the amenities the property has to offer. All areas of the property should be photographed; no rooms or areas should be missed.
Essential Amenities Every Great Airbnb Should Include
Some basic amenities that a great Airbnb should offer as standard include:
- A Nespresso pod coffee machine
- Kitchen essentials, such as cooking oil, salt, and pepper
- High-speed internet (100 Mbps+ download), so the whole family can stream at the same time
- Spare blankets
- Matching crockery, cutlery, and glassware to create a true “home away from home” feel
Make sure there’s enough for the maximum number of guests the property sleeps, plus a few extras for visiting friends or family. Mismatched items can make the place feel uncared for—spending a little more helps create a clear “we care” experience. - Quality, commercial-grade linen that is professionally laundered to high hygiene standards
Fresh towels and crisp, clean bedding make a big difference. - Smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors
- An iron and ironing board
Kitchen Setup: Cooking Essentials & Equipment Guests Expect
Stock the extra things in the kitchen like a rice cooker, a baking dish, a salad bowl and salad servers, guest book an Airbnb often so they can cook, ensure that the equipment needed to produce a family breakfast or meal is on hand and in working condition. Ample pots and pans, utensils and the bottle opener are all important items in a property.
Styling & Presentation: Creating a “Home Away From Home”
Pay attention to the styling of the property – the presentation. Keen sense of style and up to date fixtures and fittings in well maintained condition. Add the personal touches in artwork, styling pillows and styling objects to give the property a homely feeling, avoid minimum only essentials. Your property must be different, we can all tell a standard hotel formular fit out – its often cold and not inviting, an Airbnb or short-term property must be well styled.
Design That Drives More Bookings
Unique Design & Appeal: Properties with a unique vibe, such as scenic, cozy or stylish interiors, attract more bookings and higher rates.
Functionality for Leisure & Business Travellers（Workspace, Power, etc.）
Spaces that work for both leisure travellers and business travellers. Think about installing a laptop friendly workspace with ample power available.
Outdoor Amenities: Balcony, Deck & Garden
If your property has a balcony or an outdoor area or deck – fit it out to encourage the guests to use this space. Gardens, decks, or balconies are highly sought after.
Tech & Entertainment: Smart TVs and Fast Wi‑Fi
Smart TVs are now not negotiable – families and traveller want to be able to stream their favourite programs with ease.
Laundry Facilities: Washer & Dryer for Family Stays
Travellers who book Airbnb’s are often families who need to wash clothing – look at including a washing machine and a dryer – guests do not want to spend time on a vacation to hang cloths on the line.
Conclusion
Creating a standout Airbnb that consistently attracts bookings comes down to understanding what travellers truly value and delivering beyond their expectations. It’s not just about providing a place to sleep—it’s about crafting a genuine “home away from home” experience that hotels simply can’t match.
From selecting a prime location and investing in professional photography, to thoughtfully equipping your property with quality amenities and stylish touches, every detail matters. Families want the freedom to cook their own meals with proper kitchen equipment, business travellers need reliable high-speed internet and a functional workspace, and everyone appreciates the comfort of commercial-grade linen, modern entertainment options, and laundry facilities.
What sets exceptional short-term rentals apart is the combination of practical functionality and welcoming ambience. Matched crockery, thoughtful styling, outdoor spaces that invite use, and those little extras like a Nespresso machine or well-stocked pantry basics all contribute to a memorable stay. Most importantly, partnering with a professional property manager who offers 24/7 communication ensures your guests feel supported throughout their entire journey.
When you get these elements right, you’re not just listing another property—you’re creating a sought-after destination that earns five-star reviews, repeat bookings, and stands out in an increasingly competitive market. The investment in quality, style, and guest experience will always pay dividends in the long run.
Launch your Airbnb the easy way with Sepal Stays
Our full-service Airbnb management solutions include:
- Styling & Furnishing: We furnish and style listings that stand out. Interiors are designed to feel sharp, comfortable, and attention-grabbing where it matters.
- Professional Photography: Our experienced Airbnb photographers capture clean, compelling images that stop the scroll and turn views into bookings.
- Listing optimisation: We write and structure listings that deliver results. Each one is designed to attract the right guests, improve visibility, and increase revenue.
- Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management: We monitor market trends daily and adjust rates in real time, ensuring your property stays competitive and income is maximised.
- Housekeeping & Cleaning: Professional cleaning and housekeeping between every stay. Cleaned to a consistent standard that brings guests back again and again.
- Guest & Airbnb Management: We handle guest communication, check-in, and issue resolution with a consistent, personal approach. No call centres, no bots, just service.
- Property maintenance: Sepal Stays coordinate reliable, proactive maintenance to keep your property safe, well-presented, and ready for every guest.
Ready to see what Sepal Stays can do for you? Leave us your details and we’ll be in touch about your short-term rentals in Perth