Top 10 Words in the Airbnb Descriptions You Must Avoid in 2024

Airbnb description, title, and photos are the fists things potential guests see. They won’t evaluate you based on the sidewalk’s condition. People will make their decisions completely based on the information in your listing, the visuals, and the mental pictures your property description generates.

If your conversion rate from inquiries to bookings is less than 50%, your title and/or description may be ineffective and influence guests to choose a different host.

What makes an Airbnb description attractive?

The ideal Airbnb listing has a clear, consistent tone of voice, lists all the property’s key characteristics, and persuades people to book. But obvious spelling errors, difficult phrase construction, lengthy sentences, and bad language are instant turnoffs. You should avoid many pointless phrases and overused words to write a property description that works.

So what specifically are you to avoid? See the ten words you should never use in your Airbnb description.

1. Avoid using the word “impressive”
in listings

Every home seems to have “impressive” vistas, but sadly, this once potent phrase has become so overused that it fails to elicit any feeling in the reader. When describing your environment, beach, or sunset views, strive to draw the reader’s attention with a more poetic and moving phrase. Use next ones:

• Stunning
• Breathtaking
• Spectacular
• Gorgeous
• Magnificent
• Striking
• Beautiful
• Splendid
• Grand
• Remarkable

Describe your surroundings and ask guests what they would miss if they stayed elsewhere. For instance, using phrases like “majestic mountain views,” “spectacular sunsets,” “sparkling emerald waters,” and “vibrant rural scenery” would help the reader form a much more lasting impression.

2. Forget about “must” in the
Airbnb description

When guests hear they “must” do anything during their holiday, they start to look for another more tranquil getaway. Giving someone the feeling they “must” do anything does not imply the independence that visitors seek. You should include these in your “suggestions” or “our top recommendations.”

Why avoid using “must” in listings

Reason	Explanation
Implies obligation	Using “must” may make guests feel obligated to do something during their stay, which may not be appealing.
Can feel bossy	Using “must” can make hosts sound bossy, putting guests off.
Goes against the spirit of Airbnb	The whole concept of Airbnb is about offering a special and personalized experience, and using “must” can take away from that.
Limits options	When hosts use “must,” guests may feel like they have to follow strict rules and limitations, which can detract from the fun and spontaneity of travel.
Comes across as inflexible	Using “must” can make hosts seem inflexible and unwilling to accommodate their guests’ needs and preferences.

Although it may be necessary for guests to “must” go through one bedroom to access another, “must” put their trash in the designated bins, or “must” clean up after their pets, the description of your property is not the appropriate place for that.

3. Don’t include “hidden gem”
in the listing description

The phrase “hidden gem” was coined by someone who clearly understood what they were referring to, but it has since been repeated so frequently that its original meaning has been utterly lost. Skeptical people could even wonder if your vacation rental is a “hidden gem”:

• Overused. It has lost its original meaning and impact.
• Vague. It may not accurately describe your property or its special features.
• Misleading. Guests may expect something more exclusive or upscale than what you offer.
• Cliché. It makes your listing sound generic and unoriginal.
• Lack of specificity. It does not provide details about a property for guests to make an informed decision.

Without using the other overused phrase “out of the ordinary,” try to develop a newer, more creative descriptor. You might also use phrases like “hidden treasure,” “off-the-beaten-path retreat,” and “secret oasis.”

4. How the word “everyone” destroys
the imagination of guests

Your vacation property may be surrounded by historical landmarks, beautifully landscaped gardens, well-known theme parks, sandy beaches, energizing promenades, and renowned dining establishments. Giving the reader that information is essential rather than choosing the uninteresting “something for everyone” alternative.

• “This space is perfect for everyone.” – It is generic and doesn’t provide any specific details about what makes the space special or appealing.
• “Our amenities cater to everyone’s needs.” – It is too broad and doesn’t provide any specific information about what amenities are actually available.
• “Our location is convenient for everyone.” – This statement doesn’t provide any specific details about what makes the location convenient and could be seen as a generic marketing ploy.

Do not generalize. Let the guests’ minds roam and envision themselves on vacation there. Describe how they will fit in your property. If families frequently book with you, add “family and kid-friendly” to the Airbnb description.

5. Never use “broken” for your
property listings

Instructions such as “open carefully” or “ignore the damaged bath” are immediately unappealing. Potential visitors may be put off by a written warning of a potential hazard if they fear getting hurt or punished for damaged property. As a result, they may move on to another rental property.

Why the word “broken” is harmful to the listing

Reason	Explanation
It can be unappealing	Seeing a warning about potential hazards or damaged property can turn off potential guests who may fear getting hurt or blamed for the damage.
It may lead to cancellations	Guests may move on to another rental property if they see warnings about broken or damaged items.
It is unacceptable	Anything broken, harmed, or flawed is unacceptable and should be fixed immediately to prevent bad ratings and further damage.
It is the least expensive option	Fixing broken or damaged items immediately is the least expensive option in the long run, as it can prevent further damage and bad reviews.

Anything that is harmed, broken, or flawed is unacceptable. To prevent bad ratings and possibly cancellations, fix it right away. It is the least expensive option over the long term. If you want to know what else destroys your listing, even if it doesn’t have broken things, consult with us.

6. What is wrong with “small” in
Airbnb description

Avoid mentioning how small or crowded a room or studio is. There are many inventive methods to accurately describe a small property without lying, which can only lead to negative reviews. Here are some alternative phrases you can use:

• Cozy
• Intimate
• Thoughtfully designed
• Efficient use of space
• Compact and comfortable
• Charming
• Perfect for solo travelers or couples
• Distinctive and cozy retreat

Using the word “small” can be off-putting to potential guests, suggesting a lack of space and comfort. Be more creative with the wording you employ. “Cozy,” “thoughtfully designed,” and “harmonious” conjure up an odd vision of a warm and personal room that has its own romantic charm and domestic appeal.

7. Put away “never” to sound more
relaxing and optimistic

Refrain from intentionally using a negative word, even when used in a positive context. “Never” is forceful and unyielding. Even “a vacation you’ll never forget” can appear harsh and commanding. This might be off-putting for someone trying to escape the daily grind of job, responsibility, and habit.

How to replace the word “never” in the listing description

Bad examples	Alternative language
“A vacation you’ll never forget”	“An unforgettable vacation experience”
“Don’t miss out on this opportunity”	“Experience something special”
“Never again will you find a place like this”	“A distinctive and one-of-a-kind experience”
“Warning: You may never want to leave”	“Relax and unwind in this tranquil getaway”
“Leave your worries behind”	“Escape to a worry-free retreat”

Using uplifting, energizing, softer, and inviting language might be more helpful. You may say something like “an unforgettable vacation experience,” “a getaway you’ll always cherish,” “a trip that will create lifelong memories,” or “a vacation you’ll remember forever.”

8. Why “nice” & “good” are ‘no’
in the Airbnb description

Fine, nice, or pleasant are overused or clichéd adjectives. They have become stale. They were once hip and useful terms, but now they imply that the author is unoriginal and overly lazy. You don’t want potential customers to believe that your company is careless and that the vacation rentals lack distinctive features, do you?

• “a nice apartment” – “a cozy and welcoming apartment”;
• “nice furnishings” – “stylish and tasteful furnishings”;
• “nice amenities” – “high-quality amenities that make your stay comfortable and convenient”;
• “a nice view” – “a breathtaking view that will leave you in awe”.

Try to change “pretty, fine, or nice” to words like ‘must-see, super comfortable, bewitching, charming’ – anything that sounds better than boring “fine or nice.” Or you can entrust your property under the management of the CHM team, and we will make your listing outstanding. 

9. Don’t use “first-class” for the property
to avoid misunderstanding

The term “first-class” is usually a major overstatement unless you’re referring to the Louvre in Paris, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, or an Olympic medalist. It’s unlikely that your house will be “first class,” so don’t write anything that won’t pass muster.

Alternatives to the overused word “first-class” in Airbnb listings

Word	Substitute
First-class amenities	High-quality amenities
First-class accommodations	Exceptional accommodations
First-class service	Personalized and attentive service
First-class experience	Memorable and special experience
First-class luxury	Indulgent and luxurious
First-class facilities	Top-notch facilities
First-class property	Exceptional property
First-class location	Prime and convenient location
First-class stay	Unforgettable and comfortable stay
First-class features	Desirable features
First-class comfort	Luxurious and comfortable

Make an effort to utilize adjectives like “exceptional,” “extraordinary,” or “sublime,” which are far more credible. It works better to highlight the advantages and facilities of the home using precise and evocative wording.

10. The word “unique” means “never book”
to the guests

Every short-term rental property is unique. Using this word to describe your vacation rental would be a waste. It doesn’t necessarily give prospective guests much information. Here is other reasons:

• Overused. Many Airbnb hosts use the word “unique” to describe their property, so it can come across as a generic and unoriginal description.
• Vague. “Unique” doesn’t provide any specific information about the property or what makes it special. It can be interpreted in many different ways, which can be confusing for guests.
• Ambiguous. Using “unique” can raise expectations for guests, and if they don’t feel that the property lives up to its “unique” description, they may be disappointed and leave a negative review.

Instead of stating the obvious and running the danger of losing the guest’s interest, make every word matter. Show, don’t tell when writing. Instead of describing the facts, let the reader visualize themselves “enjoying a bubbly soak in the oversized tub with a glass of wine and soft candlelight”.

As a general conclusion

Writing an effective Airbnb description that attracts people is not that easy. You should avoid overused words and describe the property’s special features, surroundings, and benefits using more vivid and imaginative language. A well-written description aims to create a memorable mental image in the reader’s mind that convinces them to choose the vacation rental.

If you are stuck with creating Airbnb titles and descriptions or anything else regarding property management on Airbnb, you can write to us, and we will do everything from A to Z to make your listings attractive for potential guests!

Words to use instead of useless ones in the Airbnb description

Words to avoid	Reasons	Substitute terms / actions
Impressive	Overused and fails to arouse any emotion in the reader	Majestic, spectacular, sparkling, vivid
Nice, good, fine	Overused and suggests the writer is lazy and unoriginal	Super comfortable, bewitching, charming
Everyone	Generalizes and destroys the imagination of guests	Describe specific groups, such as “family and kid-friendly”
Hidden gem	Overused and the meaning is lost	Secret oasis, off-the-beaten-path retreat, hidden treasure
Broken	Causes potential guests to worry about being harmed, blamed, or charged for broken furniture	Fix any damage immediately
Small	Negative connotations and can result in disappointing reviews	Cozy, thoughtfully designed, harmonious
Unique	Overused and generic	Use descriptive language to allow the reader to see themselves in the space
Must	Suggests a lack of freedom and relaxation	Consider using “recommended” or “optional” instead
First-class	Implies exclusivity and may turn off some visitors.	High-end, premium, deluxe
Never	Too extreme and doesn’t acknowledge that things may not always go perfectly	Avoid using this word and focus on the positive aspects instead

Frequently asked questions
about Airbnb description mistakes

Updated on: 2024-09-30. Author: Karina

Tags: Airbnb management