The holidays are when average hosting gets exposed quickly. Winter weather, delayed travel, family gatherings, and longer stays all raise expectations. Getting a property holiday Airbnb ready is about comfort, clarity, and operational discipline, not seasonal gimmicks.
Use the checklist below to make sure your short term rental feels warm, functions smoothly, and performs well during peak holiday demand.
1) Prioritize warmth and sleep quality
Holiday guests spend more time indoors, which makes heat, bedding, and lighting non negotiable. A holiday Airbnb ready property starts with consistent comfort in every room.
- Add two extra blankets per bed using easy to clean materials.
- Standardize pillows so every bedroom feels equally intentional.
- Swap harsh bulbs for warm lighting and add lamps where needed.
- Test heat output in every room, not just common areas.
2) Keep seasonal decor minimal and durable
Seasonal touches should enhance the space without creating clutter or extra work. Simple, neutral accents photograph well and reduce maintenance risk while still feeling festive.
- Small tree or winter greenery that matches your existing palette.
- Subtle wreaths or natural elements like pine or cedar.
- Avoid fragile decor or anything that blocks usable space.
3) Refresh listing photos for winter demand
If your market books well in December, your photos should reflect it. Seasonal imagery helps guests visualize a cozy winter stay and improves conversion.
- Exterior shots with snow or evening lighting when possible.
- Living spaces photographed at night with warm light.
- Dining areas staged cleanly for gatherings.
4) Tighten arrival instructions for winter travel
Holiday arrivals are often late and weather impacted. Clear, skimmable instructions reduce stress and prevent unnecessary messages.
- Parking guidance for snow and tight driveways.
- Simple thermostat and heating instructions.
- Exterior lighting and entry notes for early sunsets.
- Where to find extra blankets and supplies.
5) Winter proof the property before peak stays
Cold weather reveals weaknesses fast. Walk the property like a guest arriving during a winter storm and fix anything that feels uncertain.
- Seal drafts at doors and windows.
- Confirm hot water recovery for back to back showers.
- Inspect walkways and steps for slip risk.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
General winter preparedness standards are outlined by Ready.gov winter weather guidance, which aligns closely with what guests expect properties to have considered.
6) Set clear expectations for fireplaces and heat sources
If you advertise a fireplace, guests will use it. Clear instructions and boundaries prevent misuse and reduce questions.
- Provide a short, visual how-to guide.
- Stock only approved fuel or supplies.
- Clearly label what is not allowed.
7) Adjust pricing and stay rules for holiday behavior
Holiday bookings are longer, heavier on utilities, and harder to turn over. A holiday Airbnb ready calendar balances revenue with operational reality.
- Set minimum stays that reduce awkward gaps.
- Price peak dates intentionally, not evenly.
- Ensure cleaning fees reflect winter effort.
8) Audit your listing like a winter guest
The best improvements come from viewing your own property with guest eyes. Lunigo provides tools that help owners spot friction and prioritize upgrades that matter.
- Explore owner resources here: Lunigo Resources
- Model how comfort and design upgrades impact revenue: STR Revenue Estimator
Ready to elevate your holiday performance?
Holiday success is rarely about doing more. It is about doing the right things consistently. The highest performing properties enter winter prepared, priced correctly, and operationally sound.
If you want a clear, owner focused assessment of how your property stacks up and what changes will actually move the needle, start with a Lunigo evaluation.
Request your complimentary Lunigo property evaluation and receive a tailored holiday readiness plan covering comfort upgrades, listing optimization, and winter operations.
