How to Write an Irresistible Short-Term Rental Description

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, your listing description can make or break your booking rate.

A well-crafted description doesn’t just inform potential guests, it entices, excites, and convinces them that your property is the perfect place to stay.

With thousands of options available, travellers skim through listings quickly, so your words need to capture their attention and inspire action immediately.

A compelling rental description helps increase bookings, attract the right guests, and minimize unnecessary inquiries. This guide will walk you through every step of writing an irresistible short-term rental description that converts visitors into paying guests.

Before writing your description, you need to understand who your ideal guests are. Your target audience will determine the tone, language, and details you should include in your listing. Consider the following:

Business travellers – They value fast WiFi, a quiet environment, a comfortable workspace, and proximity to business hubs.
Families – They look for safety features, kid-friendly amenities, and nearby attractions.
Couples on a romantic getaway – They want privacy, luxury, and beautiful views.
Digital nomads – Reliable internet, comfortable workspaces, and access to cafes or coworking spaces matter to them.
Vacationers – They seek unique experiences, convenience, and leisure amenities like pools or beachfront access.

Understanding your audience helps you tailor your description to highlight what matters most to them.

1. Craft a Captivating Headline

Your headline is the first thing potential guests see, so it needs to be compelling and attention-grabbing. It should instantly convey what makes your property special. Here’s how to create an effective headline:

Use descriptive and unique words – Avoid generic phrases like “Nice Apartment.” Instead, go for something like “Modern Downtown Loft with Panoramic City Views.”
Highlight the most attractive feature – If your property has a beachfront location, private pool, or a stunning mountain view, emphasize it.
Keep it concise yet compelling – Aim for 8-12 words that pack a punch.

Examples of Strong Headlines:

“Luxury Beachfront Condo | Stunning Ocean Views | Private Balcony”
“Cozy Cabin Retreat | Fire Pit & Hot Tub | Mountain Views”
“Spacious City Loft | Walk to Attractions | Free Parking”

Avoid dull headlines like:

“Apartment for Rent in Lagos”
“Nice Place to Stay”
“2-Bedroom Home Available”

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2. Write an Engaging Opening Line

The first sentence of your description should hook potential guests immediately. Skip generic introductions and go straight into what makes your property stand out.

Examples of Engaging Opening Lines:

“Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and sipping coffee on your private beachfront balcony.”
“Experience the best of city living in this chic, sunlit loft just steps from top restaurants and nightlife.”
“Tucked away in the mountains, this cosy cabin offers the perfect escape with breathtaking views and a crackling fireplace.”

By painting a picture, you help potential guests visualize their stay and feel an emotional connection to your property.

3. Highlight Unique Features & Amenities

Guests want to know what makes your property special. Instead of listing features in a boring way, describe them vividly.

Key Amenities to Highlight:

Sleeping Arrangements: King-size bed? Memory foam mattress? Highlight comfort.
Kitchen: Fully stocked kitchen? High-end appliances?
Outdoor Space: Private patio? Fire pit? Rooftop terrace?
Technology & Entertainment: Smart TV? Netflix? High-speed WiFi?
Work-Friendly Features: Dedicated desk? Ergonomic chair?

Example of an Engaging Feature Description:

Instead of saying: “Nice balcony with a view.” Say: “Step onto your private balcony, sip your morning coffee, and soak in panoramic city views as the sun rises.”

Avoid vague descriptions and focus on how the amenities enhance the guest experience.

4. Create a Sense of Experience

You’re not just selling a place to sleep, you’re selling an experience. Think about how guests will feel when they stay at your property.

Example of an Experience-Driven Description:

Instead of saying: “The house has a hot tub.” Say: “After a long day of exploring, unwind in the bubbling hot tub under a starlit sky with a glass of wine in hand.”

Help potential guests imagine themselves enjoying your space.

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5. Use Formatting for Readability

People skim through listings, so your description should be easy to read. Follow these formatting tips:

Break text into short paragraphs.
Use bullet points for key features:
- 🌟 King-size bed with plush bedding
- 🚀 High-speed WiFi for remote work
- 🌅 Balcony with breathtaking sunset views
- 🏖️ 5-minute walk to the beach
Use section headers for organization.

Good formatting improves readability and engagement.

6. Include a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

Encourage guests to book by adding urgency and confidence.

Examples of Strong CTAs:

“Book your stay today and enjoy a relaxing beachfront getaway.”
“Secure your dates now, our calendar fills up fast.”
“Click ‘Reserve’ to experience this beautiful retreat before it’s gone.”

Avoid passive CTAs like “Message me if you’re interested.”

7. Optimize for SEO & Booking Platforms

Most booking platforms rank listings based on relevance and quality. Optimize your description with keywords travellers search for.

Tips for SEO Optimization:

Use specific phrases like “Pet-friendly Airbnb in Lagos” or “Luxury short-term rental near Victoria Island.”
Mention nearby attractions, landmarks, or major event venues.
Keep descriptions within platform word limits (e.g., Airbnb allows 500 characters for the main description).

8. Showcase Social Proof

Trust is crucial when booking accommodations. Reinforce credibility by mentioning positive guest experiences.

Ways to Incorporate Social Proof:

Mention past guest feedback: “Our guests rave about the comfy beds and central location.”
Highlight Superhost or high-rating status: “Proud to be an Airbnb Superhost with a 4.9-star rating.”
Reference repeat guests: “Many of our guests return year after year for the amazing views and top-notch hospitality.”

Including reviews reassures potential guests and increases booking confidence.

Read This: Creating a Cozy and Luxurious Ambience in Your Rental

Conclusion

Writing an irresistible short-term rental description isn’t just about listing features, it’s about storytelling, engagement, and optimization.

By understanding your ideal guest, crafting a compelling headline, and focusing on experiences, you can create a listing that stands out and drives more bookings.