Welcoming Guests to Maryland: A Host's Guide to Creating Profitable Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb hosts have various goals for offering their properties to travelers. Some are passionate about hospitality, and others love the earning potential of this business venture.

No matter which camp you fall into, you can grow a profitable Airbnb Maryland, the Freedom State, by creating more memorable experiences for your guests. In this article, we’re going to teach you how to do just that.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about hosting profitable and memorable Airbnb experiences in Maryland.

We’ll start by reviewing some general tips for optimizing your Maryland Airbnb business. From there, we’ll dive into some ways to make your Maryland Airbnb experiences memorable to keep your guests coming back.

5 Best Practices for Optimizing Your Maryland Airbnb Business

(Image Source)

For some people, being an Airbnb host is simply renting out an extra room in their house. For others, hosting Airbnbs in Maryland is a full-time business. If you treat your Airbnb as a business, you’re more likely to generate a substantial income.

Here are a few best practices you can use to optimize your Maryland Airbnb business.

1. Build a Brand

Sites like Airbnb and VRBO make it easy to post your listings. In fact, most Airbnb hosts leave their promotion and discoverability up to these vacation rental marketplaces.

While the protection and sense of security that comes with hosting through Airbnb is valuable, there’s just as much value in building a Maryland vacation rentals brand off the platform.

There are several benefits to developing a brand around your Airbnb business that extend beyond your profile and listings on the platform because this gives you more ways to promote your listing. It also gives you something to fall back on in the event that your Airbnb listing no longer appears on the website or app (for reasons beyond your control).

It’s wise to create a brand for your Airbnb business, even if you only have one listing. You can bring your brand to life with a logo, a website, and social media profiles to showcase your properties.

All the “extras” you offer give you a better chance of going viral, ranking on Google, and becoming discoverable for more guests. If you have a modern space and amazing views, show them off!

A prime location in Ocean City with a beautiful swimming pool, lots of natural light, and a guest house warrants prime real estate on your website and special posts on social media.

2. Price It Right

How you price your Airbnb will determine a lot about the success of your business, so it’s important to price it right. Going too high or too low can be a problem. You’ll need to crunch some numbers and do some research to find the “sweet spot.”

Start by calculating the cost of owning and operating the property. Add up your mortgage, taxes, utilities (electricity, trash, water, internet, etc.), and insurance. Include additional maintenance fees like cleaners (after each renter’s stay), and Airbnb’s fees.

If your property has an HOA or other fees, include those as well. Add some padding to build a fund for unforeseen maintenance, such as HVAC repairs, plumbing issues, and so forth.

Once you have this number, divide it in half (to assume a ~50% occupancy rate, which is on par with the industry standard). This rate will be the minimum you should charge per night.

From there, you should look at comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO. You can also check local inns and bed and breakfasts for a point of reference.

Take these findings and compare them to the number you calculated. This comparison should help you find the perfect price.

If you’re finding that your listing is booking up beyond a 50% occupancy rate, consider gradually raising your prices. Or if you have an in-ground pool or beach house (and nobody else does), increase your rates accordingly.

3. Ask for Reviews

Many people choose which Airbnbs in Maryland they’ll book based on reviews from past visitors. Airbnb will send an email to your guests after checkout to encourage them to leave a review, but you can request one earlier on.

For example, you could leave a handwritten note at the property, reminding guests how much you appreciate their reviews. You could also include this request in a binder with your house rules or on a sign on the front door or in the kitchen that matches the theme of the property.

Another way to ensure that your reviews are positive is to remind your visitors to come directly to you with any issues. That way, you get a chance to remedy any issues before a guest posts them publicly as a negative review.

4. Get Smart With Real Estate

There’s no denying that running an Airbnb business falls into the hospitality industry, but shifting your perspective to understand that it’s equally a real estate investment will put you on the right track.

While you don’t need to get as in-depth as a real estate agent, learning about the technicalities of buying and selling homes or how to generate more real estate leads, it’s important to develop at least a basic understanding of real estate dealings.

Educating yourself on real estate will better equip you to scout out and land better properties.

For example, learning industry lingo will be essential when purchasing investment properties and when listing them as vacation rentals in Maryland.

You need to know when to term a room a “guest suite” rather than a “spare bedroom.” What details to include when describing the kitchen, living room, dining room, etc. Should you list amenities like a smart TV and air conditioning or do renters assume those come with any vacation rental?

These details matter immensely and will impact your bottom line. So do yourself a favor and educate yourself on what your customers expect. Then, you can list your best vacation rentals in Maryland, as the charming spaces they are in a way that will have renters racing to book a stay.

5. Make It Legal

If you decide to rent out your property on Airbnbs in Maryland, you should consider forming a limited liability company (LLC) for added legal protection. Starting an LLC for your Airbnbs in Maryland could keep you from personal liability for any accidents that occur in your home.

Limited liability companies are a popular business structure because they combine a corporation’s legal protection with a partnership’s credibility and simplicity. While you can form LLCs in any state, Maryland is a safe choice for businesses.

Although Maryland doesn’t offer the same tax advantages as neighboring Delaware, it also doesn’t have the same high expenses as New York. Regarding how it treats LLCs, Maryland is fairly average, which makes it suitable for most businesses located within its borders.

6 Ways to Create Memorable Airbnb Experiences in Maryland

Creating a memorable experience for your Airbnb guests is key to earning positive reviews and encouraging your guests to become repeat customers.

Fortunately, there are quite a few simple things you can do to create positive experiences for your guests. Let’s check them out.

1. Offer a Warm Welcome

Some people have the advantage of being there to greet their guests when they arrive at the Airbnbs in Maryland, but others who aren’t nearby, often leave a special letter welcoming their guests.

However, a branded video is a much more exciting option to welcome an Airbnb guest.

When you’re welcoming your guests, you want to tell them that you’re happy they have chosen you to be their host and that you hope they’ll have a wonderful experience staying at your Airbnb in Maryland.

Going the extra mile gives you the opportunity to get a bit more personal and share some fun facts about the property and your own experience with it, as well as mention important information they may need.

With a branded video, you can capture the lifestyle of people in Maryland, show it to them with images and music, and get them excited about their time there.

For example, you can create a guide on the top things to do in Maryland like:

• Take a day trip to Silver Spring
• Enjoy the breathtaking views at Chesapeake Bay
• Visit Deep Creek Lake
• Check out the local hiking trails
• Relax on your private balcony with a hot tub

2. Add Local Touches

Another great way to create a memorable experience for your Airbnb guests is to add local touches to the property.

Consider letting the local culture shape the interior design of tiny house on your property with pieces from local artists or a theme that matches a local vibe. Another nice touch is adding things to the kitchen that support ‌local cuisine. Maryland is known for its crabs, so including crab-cracking tools would be a nice detail to add.

(Image Source)

Something else you can do is provide information on local and state parks walking trails, activities and excursions. For example, you could provide a list of fun activities on the Chesapeake Bay or a guide for a day trip to Washington DC.

3. Provide Plenty of Amenities

As an Airbnb host, it’s important to provide plenty of amenities for your guests. Of course, there are properties that range from a hotel room-like space (read: private space) to a fully equipped mansion with beautiful views, so there are no set rules as to what amenities you have to provide. However, some valuable amenities include:

• Fully stocked kitchen (pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls, basic spices, oils, coffee makers, etc.)
• Fully stocked private bathroom (towels, shampoo, soap, period products, Q-tips, cotton balls, first aid kit, etc.)
• Wifi
• Free parking (or parking validation)
• Linens and blankets

Of course, you don’t need to offer all of these amenities, but the more you offer, the better. If you want to take it a step further, here are a few other amenities your guests would appreciate.

• Beach gear (if close to a beach)
• Indoor and outdoor recreation (pool/hot tub, billiards table, frisbees, balls, sauna, etc.)
• Baby supplies (pack and play, high chair, etc.)
• Blow dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Dedicated workspace (desk with a comfortable seat and power strip)
• Washer and dryer
• Dishwasher

These upgrades, both large and small, will help your guests feel more at home in charming space and create a more enjoyable experience.

4. Personalize the Experience

In the business of providing temporary home rental services, there are several factors that contribute to creating a memorable stay for guests. While location, property decor, and overall quality are crucial, the attention to small, seemingly insignificant details truly elevates the guest experience.

Personalization is one aspect that can leave a lasting impression on guests. Something as simple as a handwritten thank-you note expressing gratitude for choosing your Airbnb rentals can make them feel appreciated and valued.

(Image Source)

Additionally, taking the time to inquire about their preferences or offering personalized recommendations for local attractions can further enhance their experience and make them feel like valued guests.

By making ‌guests feel like they are truly valued and more than an opportunity for rent collection, you can provide a more positive experience.

5. Make Cleanliness a Priority

There’s nothing worse than getting to a hotel or vacation rental and finding a dirty unit. As a host, it’s important to ensure that your property is clean and tidy upon your guests’ arrival. In fact, it’s part of the contract with Airbnb.

All living spaces should be squeaky clean and disinfected from the last guests. Refresh linens, towels, and blankets, as well.

Another thing to consider regarding cleanliness is the smell of your property. Musty smells or strange odors can be off-putting to guests. Do whatever you can to neutralize these smells.

Adding some natural air fresheners or diffusing some refreshing essential oils between guests can help, as well. However, consider allergies and sensitivities to scents and chemicals. It’s best to use all-natural scents and organic products.

6. Create a Seamless Check-In Flow

Checking into a property after a long day of travel is a breath of fresh air for many travelers. Running into check-in complications can be extremely annoying, especially for those who are tired. That’s why it’s extremely important to ensure that your check-in flow is seamless.

A smart keypad set to the last four digits of your guest’s phone number is a great option since it’s easy for them to remember, and you can reset it between each stay. A key in a lockbox is a practical option, as well.

Some hosts use a smart key on an app for check-in. While this is efficient for most people, folks who don’t prioritize technology updates may struggle with this option. International travelers without cellular data may struggle with this, as well.

10 Best Airbnbs in Maryland

(Image Source)

Now that you know a little more about the best practices for starting and running your Airbnb business, let’s look at some of the best Airbnb Maryland properties you can use as inspiration for your business.

1. Castle on the Potomac River (Mansion with stunning views)
2. The Blissful Retreat @theblissfulretreat (Cottage in nature with plenty of outdoor space)
3. “Happy Campers” Waterfront Apartment (Farm Stay with plenty of space and 360-degree view of the water)
4. The White House Luxury Bunker (Apartment with private amenities)
5. Cottage in Edgewood (Cottage with lake access and private patio)
6. Log Cabin Inn Private Suite (Bed and Breakfast with a serene space)
7. Rustic & Elegant Private Bed & Bath (Private room in a rustic cabin)
8. Mill Creek Cottage (Cottage in nature)
9. New Hotel Chic (Entire home with ample space)
10. Elegant & Authentic Annapolis (Entire house for rent)

All of these Airbnbs in Maryland are different in nature. They are each special in their own ways, and these quirks can give you ideas to enhance your own property. Why not learn from the top-rated vacation rentals in Maryland?

Final Thoughts

As an Airbnb host, there are so many small updates you can make to your property to create a memorable experience and cozy house (and vacation rental) for your guests in your Airbnb rentals. The little things you do will add up in the eyes of your guests, inspiring them to leave great reviews or stay with you again.

With that in mind, which touches will you add to your Airbnb in Maryland to enhance the experience for your guests? And will you need help managing that? If so, consider iGMS to boost your hosting game and automate all the day-to-day tasks for you.

About the Author

Emily Krings is an SEO content writer and strategist with a knack for storytelling. She specializes in helping B2B businesses create blog content that connects with their audiences.