How to Write an Airbnb Description That Actually Gets Booked

Why Your Airbnb Description Matters More Than You Think

I've seen great listings struggle because the description didn't do its job.

Photos get the click. The description earns the booking.

Most guests skim fast. They're asking themselves:

• Is this for me?
• Is it worth the price?
• Will there be surprises?

If your description doesn't answer those quickly, they move on.

Start With a Strong, Specific Opening

"Welcome to our cozy home" is invisible.

The first line should give guests a reason to keep reading. I aim for one sentence that says something real:

• "Quiet A-frame with cedar sauna, 10 minutes from town"
• "Downtown loft with private parking and fast Wi-Fi"
• "Family-friendly beach house steps from the sand"

Specific beats clever every time.

Write the Main Description Like You're Explaining It Over Coffee

I try to describe the space the same way I would to a friend who asked, "What's it like staying there?"

Focus on:

• layout (not just room count)
• standout amenities
• what kind of stay it's best for

Instead of:

"Comfortable living room"

Say:

"Living area with a 65" TV, deep sectional, blackout curtains, and garden views"

That helps guests picture themselves there—and confidence converts.

Use "Other Things to Note" to Prevent Bad Reviews

This section saves more headaches than any clever copy.

I always call out:

• stairs, ladders, low ceilings
• shared spaces
• parking realities
• seasonal limitations

Guests don't mind quirks. They mind surprises.

Clear expectations filter out bad-fit bookings before they happen.

If you're unsure what quirks to call out, tools like AirbnbOptimizer can help identify what guests might find unclear or unexpected based on your listing details.

Write Like a Human, Not a Brochure

Most weak descriptions sound like they were written to impress no one.

I skip words like:

• nice
• lovely
• charming
• beautiful

They don't mean anything.

Instead, I lean into sensory detail:

• morning light
• quiet at night
• how the space actually feels

If I wouldn't say it out loud, I don't write it.

Match the Tone to the Guest You Want

Different guests read differently.

What I highlight depends on who the place is for:

• Families: cribs, blackout curtains, fenced yard
• Couples: privacy, lighting, tub, king bed
• Remote workers: Wi-Fi speed, desk, outlets, quiet

When the right guest feels "this was made for me," bookings get easier.

Keep SEO Natural (This Isn't Google)

Yes, Airbnb has search. But stuffing keywords kills trust.

I include:

• property type (loft, cabin, studio)
• real location context ("5 minutes to downtown")
• amenities people actually filter for

Then I stop.

Airbnb rewards engagement, not robotic copy.

Make It Easy to Scan on a Phone

Most bookings happen on mobile.

That means:

• short paragraphs
• white space
• bullet points where helpful

If it feels dense, it probably is.

One Shortcut I Use When I'm Not Sure

When a listing underperforms, it's often a clarity problem.

Running it through AirbnbOptimizer helps surface what guests might be confused about—missing details, buried strengths, or mismatched expectations. I treat it like a second set of eyes, not a magic fix.

Final Checks Before Publishing

Before I hit save, I do three things:

1. Read it out loud
2. Scroll it on my phone
3. Ask: "Would I book this?"

If the answer's yes, I'm done.

Final Takeaway

A strong Airbnb description doesn't try to sell.

It clarifies.

When guests understand the space, trust the listing, and feel confident booking, everything else improves—conversion, reviews, and visibility included.

That's the goal.