Short-term rental is a bit like running a small hotel “solo” – you never know who’s going to knock on the door. Sometimes it’s a tourist with a backpack and a plan for 20,000 steps a day, other times a family with kids who need more towels than you have in the closet. It might also be a businessman in a suit turning your apartment into a one-day office, or a couple looking for atmosphere, not a microwave. And let’s not forget the spontaneous “last-minute” guests who just want to check in, unpack, and not ask too many questions.
If you want your apartment to run like a well-oiled machine, you need to know these types of guests and anticipate their needs.
1. The dawn-to-dusk tourist
Picture a guest who leaves at 7:00 AM with a camera around their neck and comes back late at night with a bag full of magnets. This kind of tourist isn’t looking for luxury, just a convenient base. What matters most? Fast internet to upload Instagram shots, a coffee maker to wake up in the morning, and clear directions to the city center. This guest values local tips – if you leave a list of recommended restaurants or walking routes, your listing instantly gets an extra star.
2. The family with kids
Families travel differently – strollers replace suitcases, and the #1 attraction is the nearest playground. Preparing for this type of guest means thinking practically: socket covers, a highchair, extra towels, and the option of a travel crib. If you have a blender or microwave in the kitchen – that’s pure gold for parents. From your side, it means more wear and tear, but also longer stays, since families usually book for several nights.
3. The business traveler
This guest has no time for admiration – their motto is “fast check-in, fast Wi-Fi, fast coffee.” Business guests care about a desk, a comfortable chair, and a stable internet connection. They often book last minute, so automated arrivals (keypad lock, key safe) are essential. Provide basics like an iron and ironing board, and you increase your chances of repeat bookings – because in business, reliability and simplicity are everything.
4. The romantic couple
A weekend getaway, an anniversary, or a spontaneous city break. These guests won’t ask about the cookware set – they care about the mood. Candles, soft pillows, cozy lighting, and wine glasses speak their language. Here, atmosphere sells more than functionality. If you add a personal touch – like a small welcome note – you can be sure your apartment will end up on their Instagram stories. And that’s free marketing.
5. The “last-minute” guest
This is the person booking today to stay tomorrow. Sometimes a tourist, sometimes someone in urgent need. Speed and simplicity are key here. The fewer formalities, the better. Automated check-in and clear house rules work best. “Last-minute” guests are often willing to pay a bit more for convenience – that’s why it’s smart to keep some slots open and set dynamic pricing. This segment can save your occupancy during slower months.
Practical summary table
| Guest type | Key needs | How to prepare? |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Location, coffee, internet | Attraction map, coffee maker, clear guide |
| Family with kids | Safety, comfort, equipment | Crib, microwave, highchair, extra towels |
| Business traveler | Fast Wi-Fi, check-in, desk | Keypad/key safe, desk, iron |
| Romantic couple | Atmosphere, intimacy, design | Candles, lights, wine, décor |
| Last-minute guest | Flexibility, simplicity | Automated check-in, flexible pricing |
Summary
Guests differ, but they all share one expectation – that your apartment will meet their needs before they even think of them. The tourist values a map and a coffee maker, the family – safety and practical gear, the business traveler – fast internet and smooth check-in, the couple – mood and intimacy, and the last-minute guest – flexibility and minimal hassle.
Prepare for these five profiles, and you’ll gain more than good reviews. You’ll gain predictability in a business where the only constant is… diversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not 100%, but most reservations fall into a few repeating profiles. That way, you can prepare better – a family set, fast internet for business, or mood for couples.
No, but it’s worth having some universal basics: a travel crib, coffee maker, iron, bedside lamps, and fast internet. These cover most needs. The rest you can add gradually.
Focus on safety and comfort – secure sockets, provide a highchair, extra towels, and basic kitchen gear. Parents especially appreciate a microwave and washing machine.
Stable Wi-Fi, a desk with a chair, and fast (ideally contactless) check-in. A business guest needs a workspace and solutions that don’t waste time.
Focus on mood – lights, candles, soft textiles, even a bottle of wine in the fridge. It’s not about cost, but the experience they’ll remember and mention in their review.
Automation is key – keypad lock, key safe, and clear instructions. That way, they don’t have to wait or send ten messages.
It’s an investment that pays off quickly. Towels, lamps, or a coffee maker don’t cost a fortune but raise ratings and increase chances of repeat bookings.