How to Write an Airbnb Description That Actually Converts (With Examples)

Most hosts treat their Airbnb description as an afterthought. The title and photos get all the attention, and the description becomes a rushed list of features or a generic paragraph copied from a template. That’s a missed opportunity — because your description does far more than inform guests.

Airbnb’s machine learning reads your description to match your listing to guest searches, assign category tags, and determine search relevance. A great description doesn’t just tell guests what your place looks like — it converts browsers into bookers and reduces those 4-star “accuracy” reviews that drag your rating down.

This guide covers the strategy first, then gives you real examples for every section and property type.

How Airbnb Uses Your Description (The Algorithm Angle)

Before we talk about writing, it’s worth understanding what Airbnb does with your description behind the scenes.

ML-based keyword matching

Airbnb uses natural language processing to understand what your listing offers. When a guest searches for “pet-friendly cabin with hot tub near hiking,” the algorithm doesn’t just check your amenity checkboxes — it reads your description for context and relevance. The words you use determine which searches you appear in.

Category and search assignment

Your description influences which Airbnb categories your listing appears in (Trending, Countryside, Beachfront, etc.) and how it’s matched to natural language searches. Mentioning “steps from the beach” helps place you in beach-related categories and searches.

Freshness signal

Updating your description regularly signals an active, maintained listing. The algorithm favors active hosts. Seasonal updates — mentioning ski conditions in winter or farmers markets in summer — serve double duty: they improve relevance and signal freshness.

Guest search behavior

Airbnb increasingly supports natural language search. Guests type things like “cozy cabin for a weekend getaway” or “apartment with workspace near downtown.” Your exact phrasing matters because it determines how well you match these queries.

For more on how the algorithm evaluates your listing, see our search algorithm guide.

The 5-Part Description Framework

Every high-converting description follows the same structure, whether it’s a studio apartment or a luxury villa. Here’s the framework:

Part 1: The Hook (First 2 Sentences)

This is the most important part of your entire description. These sentences appear before the “Show more” button — most guests never click it. Your hook must answer one question: what makes this stay special?

Good hook:

“Wake up to panoramic mountain views from a king bed wrapped in luxury linens — then take your coffee out to the private deck where the only sound is the river below. This architect-designed cabin is a retreat built for people who need to disconnect.”

Bad hook:

“Welcome to our lovely cabin! We are excited to host you. Our home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and is located in the mountains.”

The good hook creates a visual experience and an emotional reaction. The bad hook wastes the two most valuable sentences on generic information guests can see in the listing details.

Hook formula: Sensory detail + unique feature + who this is for.

Part 2: The Space (1 Paragraph)

After the hook, describe the physical space — but focus on design highlights and unique features, not a room-by-room inventory. Guests can see the room count in the listing details. What they can’t see is the character of the space.

Good:

“The open-plan living area features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the forest canopy, a gas fireplace for chilly evenings, and a fully equipped chef’s kitchen with a 6-burner range and espresso machine. The primary bedroom has blackout curtains, a memory foam mattress, and an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower.”

Bad:

“The cabin has a living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom. There is a TV in the living room. The kitchen has a stove and refrigerator.”

Part 3: The Experience (1 Paragraph)

This is what separates great descriptions from good ones. Describe what a stay feels like — the morning routine, the evening vibe, the pace of life at your property.

Example:

“Mornings here start slow — make a pour-over on the deck and watch the mist lift off the valley. Afternoons are for the hiking trails that start at the end of the driveway (Laurel Falls is a 20-minute walk). Evenings, fire up the outdoor grill and eat under the string lights with nothing but stars overhead.”

This paragraph sells the experience, not the space. It helps guests imagine themselves there — and that’s what drives bookings.

Part 4: The Neighborhood (1 Paragraph)

Location is the #1 factor in most booking decisions, but many hosts write nothing about it. Tell guests what’s nearby and how to get there.

Good:

“You’re 5 minutes from downtown Asheville’s restaurant scene (our favorites: Cúrate for tapas, Biscuit Head for brunch). The Blue Ridge Parkway entrance is a 10-minute drive. Grocery stores are 3 miles away. No car needed for downtown — we’re on the ART bus route.”

Bad:

“Close to everything! Great restaurants and shops nearby.”

Specificity builds trust. Exact distances, named restaurants, and real context are more convincing than vague superlatives.

Part 5: The Practicals (Bullet List)

End with a clean bullet list of practical details. This is where you answer the questions guests have before they book:

• WiFi: 500 Mbps fiber (great for remote work and streaming)
• Parking: Free dedicated spot in the driveway, fits large SUVs
• Check-in: Self check-in via smart lock, code sent day-of
• Workspace: Dedicated desk with monitor, ergonomic chair, and power strip
• House rules: No smoking, no parties. Quiet hours after 10 PM

Keywords That Actually Matter

How to identify what guests search for:

1. Search Airbnb in your market as a guest — note the filter options and search suggestions
2. Read competitor descriptions — what terms do top-performing listings use?
3. Check your messages — what do guests ask about before booking? Those are unaddressed keywords
4. Think about your guest persona — families search differently than couples or business travelers

High-converting keyword phrases:

These terms appear frequently in high-performing descriptions and match common guest search patterns:

• “Pet-friendly” (one of the most filtered amenities)
• “Walk to beach” / “walk to downtown” / “walkable”
• “Dedicated workspace” / “remote work friendly”
• “Self check-in” / “keyless entry”
• “Hot tub” / “private pool” / “outdoor shower”
• “Mountain views” / “ocean views” / “lake views”
• “EV charger” (growing rapidly)
• “Kid-friendly” / “family-friendly” / “Pack 'n Play available”

Natural integration, not stuffing:

Good: “The dedicated workspace has a standing desk, ergonomic chair, and 500 Mbps fiber WiFi — ideal for remote work.”

Bad: “Remote work workspace WiFi desk home office business travel work from home digital nomad.”

Use keywords naturally within descriptive sentences. The algorithm is sophisticated enough to understand context — you don’t need to stuff terms.

Seasonal keyword updates:

Update your description quarterly to match what guests search for:

• Winter: “fireplace,” “ski access,” “heated floors,” “hot tub”
• Summer: “pool,” “outdoor dining,” “beach,” “air conditioning”
• Fall/Spring: “foliage,” “hiking,” “farmers market,” “mild weather”

Description Examples by Property Type

Urban Apartment

“Step into a sun-drenched corner loft in the heart of Williamsburg — 12-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Brooklyn skyline. You’re a 3-minute walk from the L train and surrounded by the city’s best coffee shops, vintage stores, and late-night taquerias.”

“The open kitchen has everything you need to cook in: gas range, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, and a curated spice rack. The workspace in the study nook has a 27-inch monitor, fast WiFi (400 Mbps), and a comfortable chair for full work days.”

Beach House

“Fall asleep to the sound of waves — literally. This oceanfront cottage sits 40 steps from the sand with unobstructed views from every room. The wraparound deck is your living room from April to October, with a dining table for 8, a hammock, and an outdoor shower for post-beach rinse-offs.”

“Mornings are for coffee on the deck watching dolphins. Afternoons are for the beach (we supply chairs, towels, an umbrella, and a boogie board). Evenings are for grilling fresh catch from the fish market 2 miles south.”

Mountain Cabin

“Tucked into 3 wooded acres with nothing but birdsong and mountain air, this hand-built cedar cabin is where you come to slow down. The great room centers on a stone fireplace, the covered porch has rocking chairs and a hot tub, and the king bed has a mattress you’ll remember long after you leave.”

“The Appalachian Trail crossing is a 15-minute drive. Downtown Gatlinburg is 20 minutes. But most guests tell us their favorite part is never leaving the cabin.”

Luxury Property

“This is not a rental — it’s a private resort. Architect-designed with disappearing glass walls, an infinity pool overlooking the canyon, and interiors styled with curated vintage pieces and designer furniture. Every detail has been considered, from the Italian bed linens to the Sonos system in every room.”

“Your private chef is available on request. The wine cellar is stocked with local selections. And the concierge can arrange anything from hot air balloon rides to private vineyard tours.”

Family Home

“Designed by parents, for parents. This 4-bedroom home has a fully fenced backyard with a swing set, a playroom stocked with toys and games for ages 2-10, baby gates already installed, and outlet covers throughout. The master suite is on the opposite side of the house from the kids’ rooms — because parents need quiet too.”

“The neighborhood is the kind where kids ride bikes until dinner. The elementary school playground is a 5-minute walk (open on weekends). Grocery and pharmacy are a 3-minute drive.”

The Psychology of Conversion

Understanding why guests book helps you write descriptions that work on a deeper level.

Loss aversion

People are more motivated by what they might miss than what they might gain.

• “Don’t miss the sunset from the rooftop deck — guests say it’s the highlight of their stay”
• “The hot tub fills up fast with mountain-view soakers. Just saying.”

Social proof in descriptions

Weaving in what previous guests loved builds trust:

• “Guests consistently rave about the mattress quality (check our reviews)”
• “Our most-mentioned feature? The outdoor shower. Trust us.”

Specificity builds trust

Specific details are more convincing than vague claims because they can be verified.

• “12-minute walk to Pike Place Market” beats “close to attractions”
• “500 Mbps fiber WiFi, tested monthly” beats “fast internet”
• “2019 renovation with Italian porcelain tile” beats “recently updated”

Addressing objections proactively

Guests who have concerns but don’t see them addressed won’t ask — they’ll leave. Proactively mention anything that might cause hesitation:

• “Street noise: the apartment faces the courtyard, not the street. Double-pane windows throughout”
• “Stairs: the unit is on the 3rd floor with no elevator (great leg workout, not ideal for heavy luggage)”
• “Parking: no dedicated spot, but free street parking is always available within 1 block”

This builds trust and prevents 4-star accuracy reviews. For more on how description accuracy affects reviews, see our 5-star reviews guide.

Scannability

Most guests scan, they don’t read. Make your description easy to skim:

• Short paragraphs (3-4 sentences max)
• Bullet points for practical details
• Bold key features if the platform allows
• Clear section breaks between topics

Common Description Mistakes

1. Writing for yourself instead of the guest

You love your property’s history and the renovation process. Guests don’t care. They care about what the space does for them. Replace “We spent 2 years renovating this 1920s bungalow” with “The original hardwood floors and craftsman details create a warm, character-rich space that feels like home.”

2. Wall of text with no formatting

A single dense paragraph is the fastest way to make guests click “Show more” and then immediately close it. Break up your text. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear sections.

3. Vague superlatives without evidence

“Amazing,” “beautiful,” “best location ever” — these words are meaningless without evidence. Every host says their place is amazing. Instead: “Rated 4.97 across 200+ reviews” or “10-minute walk to 6 James Beard-nominated restaurants.”

4. Copying competitor descriptions

Aside from the ethical issue, copied descriptions hurt your SEO. Airbnb’s algorithm can detect duplicate content, and guests who’ve read the same description on multiple listings lose trust in both.

5. Not updating seasonally

A description that mentions “enjoy the summer pool” in January feels stale. Update your description at least quarterly to reflect what guests will actually experience during their stay.

6. Forgetting the “Show more” fold

The first two sentences appear in the listing preview. If those sentences are “Welcome to our home! We hope you enjoy your stay,” you’ve wasted the most valuable real estate in your entire listing. Your hook must be in those first two lines.

Before and After: Real Description Rewrites

Rewrite 1: Urban Studio

Before:

“Welcome to my cozy studio apartment! It has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The kitchen is fully equipped and the bed is very comfortable. The apartment is in a great location close to many restaurants and shops. WiFi is available. I hope you enjoy your stay!”

After:

“A light-filled studio in the heart of Capitol Hill — Seattle’s best neighborhood for food, coffee, and nightlife, all within a 5-minute walk. The queen memory foam bed, blackout curtains, and triple-pane windows mean you’ll actually sleep, even on a Saturday night.”

“The kitchenette has a 2-burner cooktop, mini fridge, Nespresso machine, and enough essentials to make breakfast without eating out every morning. The dedicated workspace has a desk, monitor stand, and 350 Mbps WiFi — tested weekly.”

What changed: Generic welcome replaced with specific hook. Vague “great location” replaced with named neighborhood and distance. “Comfortable bed” replaced with mattress type. WiFi given a speed. Every sentence now earns its place.

Rewrite 2: Beach House

Before:

“Beautiful beach house with amazing ocean views! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Close to the beach. Has a nice deck. Recently renovated. Perfect for families. Come enjoy paradise!”

After:

“Watch dolphins from the breakfast table — this oceanfront 3-bedroom sits directly on the dune line with unobstructed Atlantic views from every room and a wraparound deck built for long evenings with nowhere to be.”

“The beach is 50 steps from the back gate (we supply chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler). The renovated kitchen has a gas range, full-size fridge, and a dishwasher — because vacation shouldn’t mean hand-washing dishes. The kids’ room has built-in bunks and a toy chest stocked with beach toys and board games.”

What changed: “Beautiful” and “amazing” replaced with a specific sensory moment (dolphins at breakfast). “Close to beach” replaced with “50 steps.” “Recently renovated” replaced with specific features. “Perfect for families” replaced with evidence (kids’ room, toy chest).

Rewrite 3: Mountain Cabin

Before:

“Our cabin is located in the beautiful mountains. It has 2 bedrooms and a hot tub. The cabin is very cozy and you will love it. There is a fireplace and a nice kitchen. Hiking trails are nearby.”

After:

“Three acres of silence, a hot tub under the stars, and a fireplace that’s already stacked with wood when you arrive — this is the mountain reset you’ve been putting off. No neighbors, no traffic, just you and the Blue Ridge.”

“The cabin sleeps 6 across two bedrooms (king + queen + sleeper sofa). The kitchen is fully stocked for real cooking — cast iron skillets, a spice rack, and a French press for slow mornings. The Appalachian Trail crossing at Max Patch is a 25-minute drive.”

What changed: Every vague claim replaced with a specific detail. “Beautiful mountains” became “Blue Ridge.” “Nearby hiking” became “Appalachian Trail at Max Patch, 25-minute drive.” “Nice kitchen” became cast iron skillets and French press. The hook sells the emotional experience, not the room count.

Your Description Action Plan

1. Rewrite your hook — those first two sentences before “Show more” must sell the experience
2. Apply the 5-part framework — hook, space, experience, neighborhood, practicals
3. Add specific keywords that guests in your market search for
4. Remove vague superlatives — replace every “amazing” and “beautiful” with evidence
5. Address potential objections — noise, stairs, parking, distance
6. Update seasonally — match your description to what guests will experience

Want to see how your description compares to top-performing listings? Rank STR analyzes your description for clarity, keyword usage, and conversion potential — then gives you specific rewrite suggestions based on what works in your market. Try it free.