AIRBNB TIPS & INSIGHTS

Luxurious king-size bed with sunlit views, ideal for Toronto Airbnb guests.

The Top 10 Airbnb Must Haves

December 09, 20246 min read

Toronto Airbnb experiences have the allure of passive income as a golden ticket—one you imagined as your perfect antidote to financial freedom while adding an edge to your real estate portfolio. Yet, after plunging into the world of Airbnb Toronto, you may find yourself clutching a phone at midnight or engulfed by guest complaints that paint a different picture altogether.

The foundational premise of my proven Perfect Listing Framework rests upon understanding exactly what today’s discerning guest is yearning for. It stems from over 10,000 successful stays, leaving a trail offering precisely ten transformative tips that catapult ordinary listings to extraordinary sojourns.


The Pain of Airbnb Hosting: Solved with Prudence

  • "I Thought This Would Be Passive Income, But It's Eating Up My Time and Sanity."

The initial spark of joy in Airbnb hosting can indeed morph rapidly into an onerous ride fraught with daily demands—of course unless supplemented with our Perfect Listing Framework for an effortless approach.

  • “The Market is Brutal – My Property Isn’t Booking, and I’m Bleeding Money.”

Leveraging outstanding features like listing a king-size bed, attaining a placid yet lucrative business is possible, simply by escalating one’s visibility in unforeseen channels.


Essential Items to Turbocharge Your Airbnb Toronto Success

1. King Bed = More Bookings!

In 2023, Airbnb introduced a king bed filter, making it a game-changer for hosts. Listings with king beds now feature more prominently in search results. If your property lacks a king-size bed, you could miss out on potential bookings—so make the upgrade and attract more guests.

If you have a king bed, you’re showing up in more searches. If you don’t, you’re missing out on traffic that leads to bookings. So get a king-size bed.

2. Makeup Station

Guests appreciate attention to detail, especially when it comes to their comfort. A well-lit makeup station can make all the difference for traveling women. Position an easel mirror near a window, add a clip-on ring light, and ensure your bathroom lighting is bright and cool to enhance this experience.

  • Women need a space with good lighting and a mirror to do their makeup.

  • Position an easel mirror near a window for natural light

  • Add a clip-on ring light to the mirror

  • Include a handheld flip mirror with 5x magnification

  • Ensure your bathroom has bright, cold lighting

3. Irresistible Coffee Station

Coffee and tea are essentials for many travelers, with 1 in 3 guests preferring decaf or tea. Organize a welcoming coffee station using mason jars for regular coffee, decaf, creamer, sugar, and tea packets. Include a coffee machine, an electric kettle, and even a small decorative flower for ambiance. Opt for a moveable tray if space is tight, allowing guests to easily reposition it as needed.

Use wide-mouth mason jars with labels for:

  • Regular coffee

  • Decaf coffee

  • Creamer

  • Sugar

  • Tea packets

Also, you want to:

  • Organize coffee filters in a tupperware container

  • Provide both a coffee machine and an electric kettle

  • Add a small decorative flower for ambiance

4. Showing Off The Full-Stocked Kitchen Versatility

One key advantage your Airbnb can offer over hotels is a fully stocked kitchen. Equip it with high-quality cookware, cutting boards, strainers, a four-burner stove, double oven, full-size fridge, and microwave. Make sure your listing photos showcase the kitchen, as this can be a decisive factor for guests, especially families.

Here’s what to include:

  • High-quality pots and pans

  • Cutting boards and strainers

  • Can opener and wine opener

  • Cheese board for entertaining

  • Four-burner stove

  • Double oven

  • Full-size fridge

  • Microwave

5. Finding Your Angle: Support Underserved Needs

Differentiate your property by offering amenities that are often underrepresented, such as ADA accessibility, EV chargers, or a home gym. Features like these can increase your property’s visibility by up to 400% in certain cities, making it more attractive to a wider audience.

Your options:

  • ADA Accessibility

  • Disabled parking space

  • No-step entry

  • 36-inch wide doorways

  • Adequate room around the bed

  • Proper ramp access

  • EV charger installation

  • Home gym setup

6. Cleaning Supplies - Manage Accessibility to Elevate Experience

Provide unobtrusive access to cleaning supplies in unbranded containers to avoid theft and encourage guests to help maintain the space. Label products simply, like "Windex" or "Bathroom Cleaner," and include dish soap and sponges. This setup not only helps with faster turnovers but also reduces cleaning costs.

Smart tip: Avoid stolen supplies by using unbranded containers:

  • Buy clear, label-less bottles from Home Depot

  • Label them simply (e.g., “Windex,” “Bathroom Cleaner”)

  • Fill with cleaning supplies

  • Include dish soap and sponges 

Pro Tip: When guests have easy access to cleaning supplies, they often help maintain the space, leading to faster turnovers and lower cleaning costs.

7. Stock the Extras - Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Minimize potential issues by stocking your property with duplicate items such as parking passes, extra batteries, spare dinnerware, and emergency backup supplies. This preparedness can keep both housekeeping staff and guests satisfied, avoiding last-minute hassles.

Prevent issues before they arise:

  • Multiple laminated parking passes (avoid decals)

  • Extra batteries for all remotes

  • Spare plates, cups, bowls, and wine glasses

  • Backup supplies for everything that commonly breaks 

This preparedness keeps your housekeepers happy and prevents emergency shopping trips.

8. Comfortable Beds— The Bedrock of Great Reviews

While beautiful interiors can attract guests, nothing is more vital than a good night’s sleep. Don’t skimp on quality bedding and mattresses—an uncomfortable bed can ruin an otherwise great stay. Ensure your bedding is plush and inviting, and you’ll see the positive impact in your reviews.

Don’t lose a 5-star review over a $10 pillow - invest in quality bedding.

9. Smart Technology – Redefining Ease and Security

Integrate essential smart tech like keyless entry systems and noise and smoke monitors to streamline operations. Keyless entries provide convenience, while devices like Minut or Wyze help manage noise and enhance security. Additionally, using Wi-Fi solutions like Stafi can capture guest emails for future marketing, aiding in building direct customer relationships and bookings.

Essential technology stack:

  • Keyless entry with app-controlled codes

  • Noise and smoke monitors:

  • Minut or Wyze devices

  • Helps prove smoking violations

  • Prevents unauthorized parties

Homeseeker Welcome Wi-Fi access:

  • Captures guest emails

  • Enables retargeting

  • Helps build customer database

  • Makes direct booking easier

10. Optimize Storage Solutions

Effective storage solutions can be a game-changer for maintaining a well-organized and guest-ready property. Choose the right option based on your space:

Apartments/Condos:
Invest in $30-40 bins with luggage locks to keep extra items secure.

Houses:
Consider a dedicated supply closet with keyless entry for easy access and additional storage space.

Multiple Properties:
Utilize a storage unit to manage supplies across different locations efficiently.

Stock them with:

  • Extra sheets and towels

  • Backup coffee supplies

  • Spare batteries

  • Extra TVs (for multiple properties)

  • Cleaning supplies for housekeepers


Conclusion

Every detail matters when hosting on Airbnb. By thoughtfully implementing these ten essential items, you'll not only stand out in a competitive market but also attract more lucrative bookings and elevate your rental income. Prioritize these upgrades, and watch your property flourish.


P.S. Want to know how much your Toronto Property could earn on Airbnb?

For a limited time, Homeseeker Vacation Homes is offering a FREE Airbnb Revenue Report for Toronto Real Estate and Second Home Owners. Discover your property’s true earning potential with insights on pricing optimization, occupancy trends, and revenue projections tailored to the Toronto market.

Take the first step toward maximizing your rental income while enjoying peace of mind. Click here to request your free report and start turning your Toronto investment into a revenue-generating machine today!

toronto airbnbairbnb amenitiesairbnb hosting tipsairbnb torontoairbnb toronto managementairbnb cohostairbnb property managementairbnb cohostingairbnb management tips
blog author image

Edwin Chan

Hi, I’m Edwin Chan! I’m an expert in Airbnb management, helping property owners in Toronto and Muskoka turn their waterfront, luxury, and unique homes into high-performing vacation rentals. As a partner at Homeseeker Vacation Homes, I specialize in maximizing rental income with smart strategies, great guest experiences, and top-notch service. With over 10 years of experience, I know how to make properties stand out and succeed. On this blog, I share easy tips and ideas to help you manage, optimize, and grow your vacation rental. If you’re a property owner or investor looking for help, you’re in the right place!

Back to Blog

Get your FREE

Airbnb Revenue Report

Frequently Asked Questions

What homeowner support services do you provide for short-term rentals?

We provide homeowners with tools, strategies, and vendor connections to optimize their short-term rental’s performance and minimize hassle, including:

Listing Optimization – We assist property owners in optimizing their Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia listings by providing expert recommendations and marketing strategies.

✅ Dynamic Pricing – We maximize your revenue by adjusting prices based on demand, local events, and seasonality.

✅ Guest Communication – We provide property owners with best practices for guest communication, including templated responses and automation tools to enhance their booking experience.

✅ Cleaning & Maintenance – We connect property owners with trusted cleaning and maintenance professionals to help maintain a high-quality rental experience.

✅ Check-In & Check-Out Management – We help property owners implement secure and efficient check-in solutions, including keyless entry recommendations, to streamline guest access.

✅ Review Management – We provide review response strategies and guidance to help property owners maintain a strong online reputation.

✅ Revenue Reporting – Monthly performance reports and insights to help you scale your earnings.

How do you charge for your services?

Commission-Based – We offer a revenue-based pricing for our homeowner support and marketing services.

How do I know my property is in good hands?

We have a proven track record of helping property owners maximize their short-term rental success. We support you with:

✅ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.

✅ Professional cleaners & maintenance referrals – We connect property owners with trusted service providers to help maintain their property in top condition.

✅ Performance insights – We provide owners with occupancy trends, revenue reports, and guest feedback analysis to optimize their listing.

Your property’s success is our success. The better it performs, the more value we create together! 🚀

How do you ensure my property stays protected?

We provide multiple safeguards to help property owners protect their investment:

✔️ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.

✔️ Security deposits & insurance guidance – We assist property owners in setting up Airbnb’s Host Guarantee, Vrbo’s Property Protection, and other coverage options.

✔️ Smart locks & monitoring – We recommend and guide property owners in implementing keyless entry and noise monitoring solutions for added security.

✔️ House rules communication – We help property owners establish clear house rules and provide strategies for reinforcing them with guests.

Additionally, we encourage all property owners to carry short-term rental insurance for added protection.

Can I still use my property when I want?

Absolutely! You have full control over your calendar. If you want to use your property for personal stays, just block off the dates in your booking platform.

Do you provide furniture & interior design services?

Yes! We offer optional setup services to help property owners enhance their rental’s appeal:

🛋️ Furniture & Décor Selection – We help create a stylish and inviting space that stands out in listing photos.

📸 Professional Photography – High-quality images to showcase your property and improve listing visibility.

📍 Amenity Recommendations – We suggest high-value amenities like hot tubs, smart TVs, coffee makers, and workspaces to help attract more guests and improve guest satisfaction.

How long does it take to get my property listed and earning?

💼 Step 1: Onboarding (1-2 days) – We gather property details, provide recommendations, and customize our approach.

📝 Step 2: Listing Creation (3-5 days) – We optimize your Airbnb/Vrbo listing with professional photos, descriptions, and strategic pricing recommendations.

🚀 Step 3: Go Live! (5-7 days) – Your listing is fully optimized and ready for property owners to manage reservations and maximize their earnings.

Most property owners see increased listing visibility and guest inquiries within the first two weeks.

What if a guest damages my property?

We provide multiple layers of guidance to help property owners protect their investment:

1️⃣ Airbnb/Vrbo Host Protection – Airbnb offers a $3M host guarantee for damages, and Vrbo provides property protection options.

2️⃣ Security Deposits – We help property owners set appropriate deposit policies for added protection.

3️⃣ Short-Term Rental Insurance (Recommended) – We encourage property owners to obtain an STR insurance policy for full coverage.

4️⃣ Guest Screening Best Practices – We provide property owners with tools and strategies to help them screen guests effectively and minimize risks.

If damages occur, we guide property owners on how to handle claims and navigate Airbnb/Vrbo’s protection programs.

Do you guarantee bookings or income?

While we cannot guarantee a specific number of bookings (as market demand fluctuates), we provide property owners with strategies to enhance listing performance:

✅ Dynamic pricing guidance – We provide recommendations to help you adjust rates based on market trends, local events, and seasonality.

✅ Optimized listings – We help improve listing appeal with high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and strategic keyword placement.

✅ Multi-platform visibility – We guide property owners on listing their rentals across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia to expand their reach.

Our goal is to help property owners increase their property’s visibility and appeal to attract more potential guests.

What’s the next step to get started?

Ready to optimize your short-term rental? Here’s how to begin:

1️⃣ Schedule a Free Consultation – We discuss your goals and property details.

2️⃣ Property Onboarding – We assist with listing optimization, pricing recommendations, and marketing strategies.

3️⃣ Go Live & Take Control – Your listing is fully set up, and you manage reservations while we support you with expert insights.

📞 Call/Text: 705-996-6799

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: www.homeseekervacation.com

We empower property owners with the tools and strategies to maximize their rental’s potential—stress-free! 🚀

Get In Touch

24 Hour Hotline: 1- 888-877-5482

Management: 647-277-2739

Email: [email protected]

Scottsdale

Paradise Valley

Phoenix

Tempe

Gilbert

Denver

Breckenridge

Keystone

© 2024 Homeseeker Vacation Homes - All Rights Reserved