Transform Your Airbnb with These Outdoor Entertaining Area Essentials

Creating a welcoming and functional outdoor entertaining area at your Airbnb can significantly enhance your guests’ experience. Whether it’s a spacious dining setup, a cozy lounge, or a well-equipped BBQ station, a thoughtfully designed outdoor space can make your property stand out. Here’s a guide to setting up your outdoor entertaining areas to maximize guest satisfaction and protect your investment.

Dining Setting

Just as with your indoor dining area, it’s crucial to provide adequate seating for the maximum guest capacity. When choosing outdoor furniture, consider durability and maintenance:

• Material Matters: Avoid materials that require regular upkeep, especially if you can’t visit the property frequently. For example, in areas with high sun exposure, avoid wooden furniture that needs regular oiling. In beachside locations, steer clear of metals that corrode easily due to sea air. Opt for durable, low-maintenance materials that can withstand the elements.
• Quality Over Quantity: Don’t be tempted to use cheap, plastic furniture. It may not hold up well under heavy use or harsh weather conditions, and it doesn’t convey the quality that guests expect from a top-tier Airbnb.

Outdoor Lounge

If space and climate permit, an outdoor lounging area can be a fantastic addition to your property. Consider including:

• Comfortable Seating: Outdoor lounges, daybeds, hammocks, sun lounges, or just comfortable chairs can create ideal spots for guests to unwind.
• Protection from the Elements: In some areas, covering your furniture to protect it from the weather or dust might be necessary. Vinyl covers can be effective but should be secured to prevent them from blowing away in strong winds. However, as your property becomes more popular and is cleaned more frequently, it might not be necessary to cover the furniture, making it one less task for your guests to manage.

BBQ

A BBQ is essential for properties in warm climates where alfresco dining is common. When setting up a BBQ area:

• Choose Wisely: If your property is near the coast, avoid cheaper steel BBQs that rust quickly in sea air. Invest in a quality BBQ that can cater to the maximum guest capacity.
• Maintenance Supplies: To keep the BBQ in good shape, provide guests with BBQ cleaning products, a robust BBQ brush, and drip trays if needed.
• Gas Supply: Always have two gas cylinders available to ensure guests don’t run out of gas, especially if you’re using bottled gas.

Hose

A small hose on a reel can be incredibly useful for guests to rinse off dogs, cars, or boats. It’s a practical addition that doesn’t take up much space but adds to the convenience of your outdoor area.

Lighting

Proper lighting in outdoor areas is essential for safety and ambiance. Consider the following:

• General Lighting: Install adequate lighting in all outdoor areas where guests are likely to spend time, especially if the weather permits evening use.
• Entrance Lighting: Consider installing an LED sensor light by the front door to help guests access the property easily if they arrive at night. Alternatively, you could place a small torch on a hook next to your lockbox, but this option requires regular battery replacements and torches can often go missing.
• Safety Lighting: Ensure that areas with potential trip hazards, such as exterior stairs or pathways, are well-lit. Solar-powered lights can be a great, energy-efficient option.

Bug Protection

If your Airbnb is located in an area prone to bugs, such as mosquitoes, consider adding some form of bug protection:

• Bug Zapper: Install a quality bug zapper to keep bugs at bay. Avoid cheap, battery-powered options or plug-ins. Instead, opt for a hardwired zapper that can be placed out of guests’ reach to prevent children from tampering with it.

Final Thoughts

An outdoor entertaining area can significantly enhance your Airbnb’s appeal, providing guests with a relaxing and enjoyable environment. By choosing durable materials, ensuring proper lighting, and adding thoughtful touches like a BBQ or bug protection, you can create an outdoor space that guests will love. These features not only improve the guest experience but can also lead to better reviews and more bookings, making your Airbnb a standout choice in any market.