Ever wondered what makes guests jump for joy, earning the host a round of applause (or better yet a 5-star review!) for going above and beyond?

When looking for the right vacation rental, guests normally use the filter option to help narrow down from the six million active Airbnb listings to eventually THE ONE. It does sound like a tall order, but if you narrow down your top 3 filters (hot tub, pet-friendly, and self-check-in) then it should make your search much faster and more convenient. Also, make sure you’re on the same page with your partner or travel party, so you don’t end up looking for a swimming pool just to realize that your travel companion is allergic to chlorine.

According to a recent survey commissioned by Airbnb, a whopping 97% of surveyed US travelers emphasized that the amenities offered in an Airbnb significantly influence their overall experience. It turns out that amenities aren't just a nice bonus—they're a game-changer when it comes to crafting an unforgettable trip.

top 10 airbnb amenities

1. Wi-Fi: Most guests expect a reliable internet connection.

2. Kitchen Facilities: Providing a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette can be a big plus.

3. Free Parking: If applicable, offering free parking can be a significant perk.

4. Pet-Friendly Options: Solo travelers, couples and family travelers enjoy sharing their adventures with pets, willing to spend extra vs spending on pet lodging instead.

5. A Hot Tub: A relaxing way to end the day, especially if there is stargazing.

6. Washer/Dryer: Access to laundry facilities is often appreciated by guests.

7. Essentials (1 towel per guest, 1 pillow per guest, bedding, hangers, coffee, toiletries such as hand and body soap, and shampoo).

8. Air Conditioning/Heating: Ensuring a comfortable temperature for guests is important.

9. Outdoor Spaces: A commodity that is getting harder to own - land and open spaces with gorgeous views.

Wanna guess which filter on Airbnb is THE MOST POPULAR in this list? It’s the next one.

10. Flexible Check-In/Outs. Guests have rated this preference as their most favorite, likely due to the inability to pinpoint the exact time of arrival or whether or not their flight gets delayed. This way guests can check themselves in without your host having to wait, usually frustrated when a guest comes in hours later than expected.

Garrett and I have definitely found ourselves on the receiving end of the “I’ll be there at….” but showing up much-much later. Vacations are exactly that - unpredictable and sometimes test your patience, so we’ve decided to pivot a bit in 2024, offering self-check-in options for those who are interested.

Many of you have really enjoyed our personalized property tour upon your check-in, which we can still gladly do. So if you choose to self-check in, remember you still have the option of a property tour, just ask.

If you choose to have us check you in instead (showing you to your cabin and around when you first arrive), we will gladly do that as well. A small favor to ask - please be on time :)

We're excited to let you know that The Hohnstead happily ticks a lot of the boxes above and we're always working to offer more because your comfort and experiences are important to us.

Note - We may not control ALL your UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE experiences while staying with us, those experiences sometimes include a flat tire (you'll drive on 2 miles of dirt road to get here), a mouse may get into your food stash (if you don't keep it in airtight container), and you may be bombarded by "thousands of bugs" (an actual review) if you leave your lights on and windows open inside your cabin.

Traveling and exploring is all about EXPOSURE to new and unique environments you wouldn't normally seek out. Staying in the woods, you’re entering a world of bugs, spiders, animals, and so many creatures we can’t even see. We choose to live/vacation/spend time among the creatures and the trees because we’ve created societies where nature is no longer among us. So we grow a little soft in our comforts and expectations of what relaxation or vacation should be.

We promise you that once you spend some time in the woods, whether it’s here at The Hohnstead or a similar accommodation, you will feel changed. Chopping wood will change the way you think of heating and using your body to complete such a demanding physical task. Hiking through the woods and NOT getting lost will help you realize that you can rely on your senses and your gut feeling. Going off-the-grid will hopefully remind you of your childhood, when you played hide and seek with your neighbors, running around all day until mom yelled out from the window that it was time for lunch/dinner. Starting a fire as the sun sets behind the mountains and stars glisten will make you realize how little you need in life to be in the moment and to feel truly happy.

We will see you in the woods!

Alla and Garrett Hohn

The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort