How to Write a Compelling Description for Your Short-Term Rental

The short-term rental market is booming, and competition is fierce.

Whether you list your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, or another platform, having a compelling description is key to attracting guests and securing bookings.

A well-crafted listing not only highlights the unique features of your rental but also appeals to the emotions and expectations of potential guests.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to write an irresistible short-term rental description that converts views into bookings.

1. Understand Your Target Audience

Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it’s essential to identify who your ideal guests are. Understanding your target audience helps you craft a description that resonates with them and addresses their specific needs.

Identify Your Ideal Guests:

• Business travelers – They prioritize fast WiFi, a dedicated workspace, and proximity to business districts.
• Families – They look for child-friendly amenities, extra sleeping arrangements, and safe environments.
• Solo travelers – They appreciate safety, affordability, and access to social spaces.
• Couples – They seek romantic settings, privacy, and cozy atmospheres.
• Digital nomads – They need reliable WiFi, workspaces, and long-term stay options.

Once you determine your audience, you can tailor your description to highlight the features that will appeal most to them.

2. Start with a Captivating Opening

First impressions matter, and your opening sentence should immediately grab attention. Guests typically skim listings before deciding to read further, so your first few words should be impactful.

Examples of Captivating Openings:

• “Wake up to breathtaking ocean views in this cosy beachfront retreat.”
• “Experience luxury in the heart of Lagos with our fully furnished penthouse, perfect for business and leisure travellers.”
• “Escape the city hustle and relax in our charming countryside villa, surrounded by lush greenery.”

A strong opening sets the tone and makes potential guests want to learn more about your space.

3. Showcase Key Features & Amenities

Your listing should provide a detailed yet engaging breakdown of your rental’s key features and amenities. Instead of just listing them, use descriptive language to help guests visualize their stay.

Essential Features to Highlight:

• Sleeping Arrangements: Number of bedrooms and types of beds (e.g., king-sized, bunk beds).
• Living Spaces: Comfortable seating areas, entertainment systems, and smart TVs.
• Kitchen & Dining: Fully equipped kitchens, coffee machines, dishwashers, dining table capacity.
• Bathroom Amenities: Bathtub, rainfall shower, toiletries, towels.
• Workspace: Desk, high-speed WiFi, ergonomic chair.
• Outdoor Areas: Balcony, garden, rooftop terrace, barbecue area.
• Special Amenities: Jacuzzi, pool, gym, game room.

Example:

“Relax in our stylish two-bedroom apartment featuring a plush king-sized bed, a fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances, and a spacious living room with a 50-inch smart TV.

Step onto the private balcony and enjoy a morning coffee while taking in stunning city views.

With high-speed WiFi and a dedicated workspace, it’s perfect for remote workers and leisure travellers alike.”

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4. Highlight the Location & Nearby Attractions

Guests don’t just book a property; they book an experience. Help them understand what makes your location special by providing details about the neighbourhood and nearby attractions.

Key Location Details to Include:

• Proximity to public transportation, airports, or business hubs.
• Nearby restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers.
• Popular tourist attractions, beaches, parks, or cultural sites.
• Accessibility to nightlife or entertainment options.

Example:

“Our apartment is located in the vibrant Ikoyi district, just a 5-minute walk from top-rated restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Explore the Lekki Conservation Centre, only a 15-minute drive away, or take a short trip to the bustling Victoria Island for world-class dining and nightlife.”

5. Use Persuasive Language & Storytelling

To make your listing more engaging, use storytelling techniques to help potential guests imagine themselves staying at your property. Describe experiences rather than just features.

Instead of this:

“Our rental has a spacious balcony with a sea view.”

Try this:

“Imagine sipping a glass of wine on your private balcony, feeling the gentle sea breeze as the sun sets over the horizon. This is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.”

By painting a picture with words, you create an emotional connection that increases the likelihood of bookings.

6. Be Clear & Concise

While a detailed description is important, avoid overwhelming potential guests with long paragraphs. Break up the text into digestible sections, and use bullet points where necessary.

Example of a Well-Structured Listing Section:

Amenities:
✔ High-speed WiFi
✔ Fully equipped kitchen
✔ Smart TV with Netflix
✔ Private balcony with outdoor seating
✔ Washer & dryer
✔ Free parking on-site

Using bullet points makes the listing easy to scan while still providing essential details.

7. Include a Strong Call-to-Action

End your description with a compelling call-to-action (CTA) that encourages potential guests to book your rental. Make it clear, and confident, and, if possible, add a sense of urgency.

Examples:

• “Book your stay today and experience the best of Lagos in comfort and style.”
• “Don’t miss out. Secure your spot now before our calendar fills up.”
• “Ready for a relaxing getaway? Click ‘Book Now’ and start planning your trip.”

A strong CTA nudges hesitant guests to take action and finalize their booking.

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Conclusion

Writing a compelling description for your short-term rental is more than just listing features, it’s about selling an experience. By understanding your target audience, crafting an engaging opening, showcasing key features, highlighting the location, and using persuasive language, you can create a listing that stands out and drives more bookings.

Remember to keep your description clear, concise, and visually appealing with structured sections and bullet points. Finally, close with a strong call-to-action that encourages immediate bookings.

Now that you have a complete guide, take a moment to revisit your current listing and make improvements. A few tweaks can make a significant difference in attracting guests and increasing your rental’s success.