6 Proven Tips to Write High-Converting Airbnb Descriptions (For Hoteliers)
In the hospitality industry, it’s often said that “photos sell the room.” While visuals play a crucial role, they’re no longer enough to drive bookings. Guests today seek clarity, personality, and assurance — and that’s exactly what a well-crafted Airbnb description provides.
Whether you manage a boutique hotel, a homestay, or a serviced apartment, your listing description is your property's digital handshake. Here’s how to write high-performing descriptions that resonate with today’s travelers and directly support occupancy and revenue goals.
1. Structure Your Description Like a Pro Marketer
In an era where travelers compare dozens of listings side by side, clarity wins. An effective Airbnb description follows a logical, easy-to-read structure that allows prospective guests to find what they need at a glance.
Suggested Format:
Section | Content Highlights |
Headline & Hook | Introduce the experience or a standout feature |
Property Overview | What guests can expect in 2–3 concise lines |
Room Breakdown | Bed types, size, view, and bathroom facilities |
Wi-Fi, workspace, air conditioning, toiletries, minibar, etc. | |
Outdoor/Leisure Areas | Highlight pool, balcony, lounge, garden, or spa |
Location & Access | Include distance to key sites, business areas, and transport hubs |
Practical Tip: Format the content in short paragraphs and bullet points to ensure mobile readability — over 70% of travelers browse Airbnb on mobile devices.
2. Be Specific — Vague Descriptions Cost Bookings
Guests book properties that give them confidence and clarity. Broad phrases like “centrally located” or “fully equipped” are too generic.
Better Examples for Hoteliers:
- Instead of “Close to attractions,” say “Just a 6-minute walk to the historic city square.”
- Instead of “Modern amenities,” list: “High-speed Wi-Fi (150 Mbps), Nespresso machine, and blackout curtains.”
Why this matters: Airbnb’s algorithm prioritizes listings that reflect search intent — meaning the more specific you are with features and keywords, the higher your listing may appear. And more importantly, specific descriptions reduce pre-booking inquiries and post-check-in complaints.
3. Focus on Your Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Your listing’s description should lead with what makes your property different. In a saturated market, the ability to articulate what makes your space special — even in a single sentence — can dramatically impact conversion rates.
Examples of High-Impact USPs:
USP Type | Examples |
Location Advantage | “Directly opposite the convention center” or “Overlooking the riverfront” |
Design & Ambience | “Restored 1920s colonial villa with original woodwork” |
Tech & Comfort | “Voice-controlled lighting and self-check-in with smart locks” |
“Chef-curated local breakfast included” or “In-house yoga every morning” | |
Family or Pet-Friendly | “Kids’ play zone and stroller-friendly access” or “Fenced pet garden” |
Use your guest reviews to identify recurring praise — what guests notice most can guide what to emphasize in your copy.
4. Tailor Your Tone to Your Target Guest
One of the golden rules in hospitality marketing is knowing your audience. Your Airbnb description should reflect the tone, features, and language that align with your most frequent or ideal guests.
Tone Guidelines by Guest Type:
Guest Segment | Style & Key Focus Areas |
Efficient and professional; emphasize workspace, Wi-Fi, easy access | |
Families | Friendly and informative; list child-safe features and space details |
Couples | Warm and inviting; focus on privacy, ambience, and local experiences |
Solo Travelers | Secure and engaging; highlight nearby cafes, safe neighborhood |
Luxury Guests | Elegant and refined; describe materials, design, exclusivity |
5. Integrate Social Proof from Reviews
Your past guests are your best marketers. Use their feedback not only to improve operations but to enhance the persuasiveness of your description.
Examples:
- “Our guests consistently praise the peaceful setting and sunset views from the terrace.”
- “Over 150 five-star reviews for cleanliness and attention to detail.”
Incorporate high-performing review language directly into your description, especially in your hook or summary paragraph.
6. Use Smart Tools for Listing Optimization
Your description shouldn't remain static. Listings that are regularly updated and aligned with guest trends tend to perform better both in search visibility and booking conversion.
Best Practices:
- Review and update your listing every 90 days
- Include seasonal content when relevant (“Perfect for winter stays with heated floors and a fireplace”)
- Monitor Airbnb analytics to see which features get clicks or saves
- Use popular local terms and phrases to align with traveler searches
Metric Deep Dive:
- Conversion Rate (Views to Bookings): If 100 people view your listing and only 2 book, your conversion rate is 2%. Improving your description and photos can raise this rate significantly.
- Average Time on Page: The longer a guest spends on your listing, the more likely they are to book. Structured and engaging descriptions directly increase time spent.
- Booking Lead Time: Noticing a shift in how far ahead guests book? Tailor your language (e.g., “last-minute bookings welcome”) to attract the right crowd.
Tool Spotlight: AxisRooms Channel Manager
Feature Highlights:
AxisRooms Functionality | Hospitality Benefit |
Centralized Content Management | Update your Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com descriptions in one go |
Real-Time Availability Sync | Prevent double bookings and overbookings |
Seasonal Rate Scheduling | Plan and push seasonal offers and promotions automatically |
Multichannel Performance Reports | Understand which channels and listings convert best |
Using a smart tool like AxisRooms frees up operational time while maintaining consistency and professionalism across platforms. It’s a reliable foundation for any solid hotel revenue strategy.
Checklist Turned Strategy
Rather than just ticking boxes, make your description review part of a strategic content refresh cycle:
- Rephrase your hooks every season to match travel trends
- Ensure amenity lists match what’s currently offered
- Highlight guest-loved features from reviews
- Keep location info current (e.g., new attractions, closed roads)
- Sync these changes across OTAs using a centralized tool
Small but consistent updates build guest trust, boost visibility, and enhance alignment with your broader revenue and marketing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1-How often should I update my Airbnb description?
A-At least every 90 days, or whenever your amenities, pricing, or guest focus changes.
Q2-What’s the ideal word count for a description?
A-300–500 words. Prioritize clarity, structure, and easy skimming.
Q3-Can I use the same description across all OTAs?
A- Yes, but always adjust tone and layout to fit the platform. Use tools like AxisRooms to streamline this across channels.
Q4-Should I mention competitor pricing or nearby hotel rates?
A-No. Focus on the value and uniqueness of your offering rather than direct price comparison.
Q5-How do I know if my description is performing well?
A-Monitor Airbnb analytics: conversion rate, time on page, and inquiry rate are key indicators. Use them to guide future edits.
Conclusion: The Power of the Perfect Description
Your Airbnb listing description is more than just information — it's a guest's first taste of your hospitality. When written well, it builds confidence, answers questions proactively, and helps your property stand out in a crowded marketplace.
By applying these six strategic tips and utilizing tools like AxisRooms Channel Manager, you can:
- Improve OTA visibility
- Increase direct bookings
- Deliver consistent guest experiences across all channels
- Align your listings with a well-rounded hotel revenue strategy
Guests may book because of your photos, but they stay — and return — because the experience matches what your listing promised. Let your description be the first step in delivering that promise.