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🧼 First Impressions & Lasting Memories: What Guests Actually Remember About Your STR 🛋️
Guests don’t remember every detail—but the right ones stick. We'll show you how to design moments that shape reviews, referrals, and rebookings.
Community Perks with The STR Report
🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. Mention The STR Report by 6/30/25 & get your first month completely FREE.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.
June 19th, 2025
Good evening STR Report Community!
In today’s issue, you will find:
📱Today’s Article: 🧼 First Impressions & Lasting Memories: What Guests Actually Remember About Your STR 🛋️
📈 Trending Market Highlight: Raleigh, North Carolina and Indianapolis, Indiana
🚚 Unique Airbnb of the Week
🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book
✅ Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More
📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters
🧼 First Impressions & Lasting Memories: What Guests Actually Remember About Your STR 🛋️
Guests don’t remember everything—but the right things leave a mark. From the moment they step through the door to the second they check out, small touches can shape how your rental is remembered (and reviewed).
When your guest check into your Airbnb and suddenly start wondering if they really need to go back to their old life... 🏡
What Sticks (and What Doesn’t):
You don’t need a $10,000 furniture budget to create an unforgettable stay—just a strong sense of what really matters to guests. After analyzing thousands of reviews, the recurring themes are surprisingly simple… and surprisingly powerful.
✅ Smell
First impressions often start with scent. A clean, neutral, or lightly fragrant aroma (think citrus, eucalyptus, or linen) instantly sets a positive tone. On the flip side, strong cleaning chemicals, pet odors, or lingering food smells can tank guest satisfaction before they even unpack.
✅ Cleanliness
It’s the #1 driver of guest satisfaction—and complaints. Guests forgive a lot, but not dirt. Even minor oversights like dusty baseboards, hairs in the bathroom, or stained linens can lead to bad reviews. Pro tip: use a room-by-room cleaning checklist and always do a post-clean walk-through.
✅ Welcome Touches
A small gesture can go a long way. A handwritten welcome note, complimentary snacks, a curated Spotify playlist, or a list of local favorites can instantly make guests feel seen and cared for. These are the details they’ll text their friends about—and remember long after they leave.
✅ Comfort
Guests are looking for a home-away-from-home. That means soft pillows, supportive mattresses, blackout curtains, reliable Wi-Fi, and cozy lighting. If guests sleep well, they’re happy—period. Don’t overlook things like ceiling fans, easy-to-adjust thermostats, and plenty of outlets near beds.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think:
A lot of hosts overinvest in "wow" factors that don't actually impact the guest experience. Based on guest feedback, here are a few areas where you can save time and money:
🚫 High-End Appliances – Unless your target market is professional chefs, most guests won’t notice or use your six-burner range or designer espresso machine.
🚫 Statement Furniture – Sure, that ultra-modern chair looks great in photos, but if it’s awkward to sit in or takes up too much space, guests won’t love it.
🚫 Overly Complex Tech – Fancy remotes, smart lights, and app-controlled everything can backfire. If guests can’t figure it out quickly, it becomes a frustration instead of a feature.
The takeaway? Guests value usability, simplicity, and comfort far more than flash.
Guests remember how you made them feel—not just what they saw. Was the check-in smooth? Was there a surprise touch that made them smile? That’s what gets remembered. And more importantly… shared.
Your STR doesn’t have to be the fanciest—it just has to feel good. When you master the emotional moments, your guests become your best marketing tool. Want an expert team to handle the details? Connect with our recommended property management company.
Raleigh, North Carolina 💻
Downloadable Raleigh, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report
|
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $149.96 per night
Occupancy Rate: 56.48%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around 30,891.03 per year
Read our full Raleigh, North Carolina Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
Indianapolis, Indiana 🏎️
Downloadable Indianapolis, Indiana Short-Term Rental Market Report
|
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $220.68 per night
Occupancy Rate: 48.49%
Annual Revenue Potential: Around $39,059.17 per year
Read our full Indianapolis, Indiana Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.
📬 See our collection of 50+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports
Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs? 🚚
Experience urban innovation and modern design at Indy’s first shipping container home—an architecturally striking 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath retreat just a mile from the city’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment. Spanning 3,200 square feet, this thoughtfully crafted home features floor-to-ceiling windows, five expansive decks, and a seamless blend of industrial style and cozy comfort. The open-concept main floor is flooded with natural light, while the finished basement offers the perfect hangout space with a record player, game area, and king bedroom suite. Upstairs, guests will find spacious bedrooms with private TVs and deck access, all leading up to the show-stopping master suite—complete with a spiral staircase, oversized private deck, and spa-style bathroom. With a three-car garage and designer finishes throughout, this home offers a truly unforgettable stay in the heart of Indianapolis.
Subscriber Perks:
📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook
The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.
Community Perks with The STR Report
🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. Mention The STR Report by 6/30/25 & get your first month completely FREE.
🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing at least a 15% Cash-on-Cash return.
🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.
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