Steve and I are frequent users of VRBO and Airbnb. When we’re staying in one place for more than a couple of days, a short-term rental offers many benefits over a hotel.

Generally, we’ve had a super experience. But, there are a few things that I wish all VRBO and Airbnb hosts would understand in terms of our needs as guests.

A Solid Internet Connection – Steve and I both work remotely when we’re away. As we both run our own businesses, even when we’re on vacation, we need to stay connected. There have been a few times that hosts have listed wireless Internet as a feature of their property when in reality, the connection is weak and inconsistent. As far as we’re concerned, if the connection isn’t solid, you don’t have wireless Internet. We’ve started asking about the connection before we choose a property. When we have to purchase extra data on our mobile phone SIM cards in order to tether our laptops, this wastes valuable time, money and effort on our part.

Basic Kitchen Items – I have come to travel with basic kitchen supplies when we use a short-term rental, but it is so nice when the property owner provides a few things. Items like cooking oil, salt, pepper and other simple condiments are often impossible to buy in small quantities and full-sized versions are expensive to use once or twice. I am always so appreciative when a property provides these things. A clean, washable dish towel and rag would be great too as opposed to the standard, food-stained sponge we sometimes find by the sink that is who knows how old.

An Appliance Plug Near a Mirror – On a few occasions I’ve arrived at a rental to discover there is no plug for a hair dryer or flat iron in the bathroom. I then search for a plug elsewhere and find there is no other mirror close to an outlet. This drives me nuts! It is often in properties that are used exclusively for rental (no one lives there regularly, certainly no one with hair). If the outlet is not close to a mirror, please provide an extension cord.

More Hooks and Hangers – Three or four clothes hangers don’t cut it. Please provide at least 10-12 so that our clothes are not a wrinkled mess. A couple of hooks in the bathroom to hang our toiletries bags are also a bonus to find as they make it easier to access items and leave more counter space available.

We have experienced exceptional hospitality and consideration from many of our short-term rental hosts. Some have provided a welcome bottle of wine, beer and snacks, an array of kitchen ingredients they have encouraged us to use, umbrellas, slippers, and many other unexpected and thoughtful items. This always makes a huge impression on us and enhances our stay considerably.

How about you? What has your experience been with short-term rentals? Do you have anything you’d like owners to understand about your needs as a guest?

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