What are the pitfalls of Airbnb?

Guests often find Airbnb is cheaper, has more character, and is homier than hotels. Risks of hosting include renting your place to rude guests, theft or damaged property, complaints from neighbors, and potential regulatory violations depending on your location .

What should I be careful of with Airbnb?

Keep yourself, your payment, and your personal information safe by staying on our secure platform throughout the entire process—from communication to booking and payment. You should never be asked to wire money, provide credit card information, or otherwise pay a Host directly .

How do I stop Alexa from listening to me?

To prevent Alexa from listening to your personal conversations, you can turn off the microphones . Simply press the microphone off button on your smart speaker, like an Amazon Echo™ or Dot®. A red light (normally a blue light) will appear on the device—that's how you know the microphones have been disconnected.

What should you not do on Airbnb?

Treat your Host's home like your own Cleanliness: Guests should not leave the listing in a state that requires excessive or deep cleaning (moldy dishes, soiled carpets, stains from pets, etc.).

Is Airbnb declining in popularity?

Across the US, Airbnb bookings have grown 8.9% over the last year (January 2023- January 2024) . However, each market and property is unique. Some markets boom while others bust. And even individual properties can succeed in an otherwise volatile location.

Do Airbnb hosts care about extra guests?

If you want to bring extra guests Some Hosts may have an extra guest fee and require that you submit a trip change request to add any additional guests to your reservation . Other Hosts might have a strict limit on the capacity for their home and can't accommodate any more people.

Can Airbnbs have cameras inside?

Indoor security cameras prohibited in listings globally on Airbnb . More comprehensive rules on the use of outdoor cameras and other devices.

Should I have an alarm system on my Airbnb?

You should set up an Airbnb security system to help you achieve peace of mind when new people stay in your space and you're not there . Remember that Airbnb has strict rules about whether and how to use home security devices and when to inform your guests about them.

Does it make sense to Airbnb your house?

Key Takeaways. Renting through Airbnb could be more lucrative than renting to a long-term tenant, depending on your location . Your costs may be higher if you rent through Airbnb since you'll be expected to provide furnishings, keep the place clean, and pay utilities.

Is it worth it to list on Airbnb?

The profitability of Airbnb rentals depends on various factors such as location, property type, market demand, pricing strategy, and operating costs. In some areas and circ*mstances, Airbnb rentals can be profitable, while in others, they may not be as lucrative .

Alexa in an Airbnb: Avoiding Pitfalls and Delighting Guests (2024)

Introduction

After making an Airbnb property as physically inviting as possible, superhosts know that embracing technology can further enhance guests' experience. Amazon's Alexa is one such tool. Integrating AI like Alexa into your property is an easy and inexpensive way to modernize and add convenience for your guests. But it needs to be done right.

‍

Pitfalls to Avoid

It is important to understand that there are ‘normal’ Alexa devices, but there are also uniquely equipped Alexa devices that are designed for hospitality use cases. A division within Amazon called Alexa Smart Properties builds special software that transforms a normal Alexa device into one that has tailored behavior so that it can be safely used by lodging providers.

This specialized software is available through Amazon partners like AIPEX. In the US, UK and Canada, it is available now. Broader support is planned in future releases. It provides the base from which we build features that benefit Airbnb hosts and guests.

Why does this matter? If you use normal Alexa devices in your Airbnb, you may be violating guest’s privacy and Airbnb policies:

Cameras inside Airbnbs are a bad idea. You need to have the camera on an Echo Show disabled by software.
Normal Alexa devices are managed by the Alexa app, which provides the account owner with the ability to listen to the recordings of everything that guests say to Alexa. It is important that capability be disabled to protect guest privacy.
There is a feature with normal Alexa devices called ‘Drop In’, which allows the account owner to open up the microphone of the Alexa device and listen to anything said within earshot of the device. Drop In is completely disabled with the special hospitality code base.

‍

Using Alexa to Delight Guests

‍

Self-help with an AI Concierge

Airbnb hosts can enhance guest experiences using AI-powered tools like the Virtual Concierge, accessible through an Amazon Echo Show device (and also on guests' phones). This system replaces traditional guidebooks with a conversational interface, allowing guests to ask questions and receive personalized, local information. The content, ranging from property specifics to local attractions, is customizable through the Virtual Concierge Management Portal, supporting responses with images, videos, links and more.

Over 900 topics are available, including welcome videos, check-in/out info, Wi-Fi credentials, recycling instructions, contacting the owner, restaurant recommendations, and local shopping options. The system can also provide proactive suggestions based on the weather. The 'Home Cards' feature on Echo Show devices provides digital signage to inform guests about available services and examples of things they can ask for.

‍

Voice Controlled Music

Music is one of the core use cases for the Amazon Echo. After all, the device is called a Smart ‘Speaker’ for a reason. Based on the availability of popular streaming services, our expectations are now that we can get basically any type of music in the world, and get it immediately. The Amazon Echo is a perfect way to deliver against this expectation.

Your guests have the option of either streaming music by saying something like “Alexa, play Taylor Swift”, or connecting their phone to the smart speaker via Bluetooth. That later option provides the ability for guests to listen to their own personal playlists and favorites.

A Portal for Guest Communication

During their stay, the Alexa platform enhances guest experiences through new engagement methods. This includes personalized welcomes via audio or video, easy contact methods for guests, and department-specific assistance requests (front desk, housekeeping, maintenance). Additionally, mid-stay alerts for important updates like weather warnings or maintenance notifications are possible. Echo Show devices can display digital signage for information sharing. Messages can be sent to guests through the AIPEX portal, with an alert on the device indicating a waiting message.

‍

Check-out Reminders That Work

Your guests can receive proactive reminders about their responsibilities at departure time. With check-out reminders, the Virtual Concierge will send a notification to your Alexa device(s) where they can then hear your custom instructions.

‍

Re-invent the Check-out Process

Alexa with AIPEX software enables guests to check-out with their voice. It instantly notifies you, making it possible to allows the cleaning crew to get in early. Additionally, it prompts guests for a voice review during check-out. Positive reviews can be showcased on your site, while lower ratings offer insights for improvement.

‍

Help Guests Sleep Better

Alexa can play ambient sounds to help guests sleep better, block out distracting noises, and promote relaxation or faster baby sleep, offering a wide variety of high-quality sound options.

‍

Enable Smart Home Capabilities

Alexa enhances the visibility of smart home technology to guests, allowing them to control lighting, temperature, and other features through voice commands. This integration, highlighted through the 'Home Cards' feature on Echo Show devices, offers a futuristic interaction with smart home components.

‍

Conclusion

Using a ‘standard’ retail Alexa device in your Airbnb may be dangerous. It could open you up to risks like de-listing from Airbnb. However adding specially equipped Alexa devices removes these risks and adds extra value in a number of specific ways that are not possible with other guest engagement solutions.