Running Your Own AirBnb: Location Tips!
~ Natalia Radcliffe ~ Location, location, location.
It’s everything when you’re thinking about starting your own AirBnb/Short-term rental.
Location determines the kinds of guests you’ll have. Before you even think about the location for your AirBnb/Short-term rental, you should define your target audience. What kind of people would want to visit? Some people look for places close to large cities, where there’s lots to do and see. Others might be looking for a more secluded place, away from modern civilization or a special experience included with your lodging. Once you figure out the location your target audience is interested in, finding one becomes a lot easier.
For instance, you can be out in the middle of nowhere and, with the correct marketing, you can get a steady stream of people who want to enjoy the beautiful quietness of nature and gaze up at the millions of stars in the sky.
Unlike other avenues when there might be more clear lines of good and bad locations, when starting up an AirBnb/Short-term rental, it’s more how you market your place, and the kinds of customers you want to attract.
We have some real life examples to illustrate this perspective.
Prospector Ranch owner Meggan Kimberley currently runs 3 AirBnb’s: one in Montana, one in Arizona, and one here in California. They are diverse in their locations.
The AirBnb in Montana is right in the center of the city of Missoula, next to a beautiful river. It’s part of a beautiful 100 year old building with an Art Deco style feel to it. Guests have easy access to all the sights, shopping, restaurants and activities of the city, and all within walking distance.
The building our condo is located in! Photo by Meggan Kimberley
You can see beautiful sunsets from our condo! Photo by Meggan Kimberley
The house in Arizona is located in Glendale near some big sports stadiums such as NFL State Farm Stadium and Peoria Sports Complex where spring training for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres takes place. It is also in close proximity to Westgate Entertainment with a concert venue and P83 entertainment center. There are plenty of golf courses, casinos, shops, restaurants and movie theaters as well. In addition, the high walls in the backyard give a sense of privacy, an oasis surrounded by Palm Trees in the midst of a flurry of activities and fun things to do.
the backyard of our Arizona house. Photo by Meggan Kimberley
Our vintage 1972 Airstream here on the ranch is close to the beach and many biking and hiking areas. Located on our property, Prospector Ranch, guests have the opportunity to feel like they are away from the hustle and bustle of suburban and city civilization. In addition, it is but a short distance to the 101 freeway for traveling needs, such as visiting places like Malibu or Santa Barbara, should our guests desire to visit those areas during their stay.
A view of the mountains from our Airstream. Photo by Meggan Kimberley
To put it another way, each has a location that appeals to the kinds of customers we want to attract.
Need some more examples? Here are a few reviews from our guests!
An important thing to consider when picking a location is how unique it is from other places. How will your AirBnb/Short-term rental stand out amongst others? It can be as simple as a great spot to see the sunset, like our Montana condo, or a quiet secluded place just minutes away from multiple places to go and things to see like our California Airstream. If you can market a special feature your location offers, you’re one step ahead of your competition, and one step closer to running a successful AirBnb!
We wish you the best of luck. And hey, if you’re ever in the area, come visit us.
