HOSTING ON AIRBNB OR VRBO? HERE’S WHAT GUESTS EXPECT IN 2025
The vacation rental landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, and guest expectations continue to rise.
If you rent out your home on Airbnb, VRBO, or another short-term rental platform, it’s no longer enough to offer a clean place to sleep. Guests in 2025 are looking for hotel-level cleanliness, smart home conveniences, and hassle-free experiences—all with a personal touch.
At Second Home Care, we work with second homeowners across Truckee, Incline Village, and beyond to keep properties rental-ready and high-performing year-round.
Whether you host occasionally or have a full calendar of bookings, here’s what guests expect this year—and how we help you stay ahead.
1. Impeccable Cleanliness—Every Time
If there’s one thing guests expect in 2025, it’s a spotless, hotel-grade clean home. Post-pandemic standards haven’t relaxed—if anything, they’ve become more consistent and more publicly judged via reviews.
What guests notice:
Dust on baseboards or ceiling fans
Hair in the bathroom
Streaky mirrors or cloudy glassware
Smudged windows and fingerprints on appliances
Unwashed spa or hot tub areas
How Second Home Care Helps
We offer professional cleaning services between every guest stay, ensuring no corner is overlooked. Our trained teams follow detailed checklists and provide photo documentation, so you can be confident your property is guest-ready, whether you’re nearby or out of state.
2. Seamless, Contactless Check-In
Manual key exchanges are becoming a thing of the past. In 2025, guests expect easy, self-check-in experiences—and a clear digital welcome guide to go with it. While convenient to use battery-powered locks, backup plans are critical in Truckee.
Truckee standard:
Keyless entry systems with keyed backup
Instructions delivered in-app or via email
Local host available when access isn’t working (and it’s midnight, snowing, and you just made it over I-80…)
How Second Home Care Helps
Our team verifies access points are working at each inspection and ensures any backup options are in place, so your guests can arrive and settle in smoothly, day or night. As your local 24/7 contact, our team is on the ground and available.
3. Fast, Reliable WiFi
It’s 2025—guests aren’t just browsing social media; they’re working remotely, streaming content, and managing smart devices. Slow or unreliable internet is a deal-breaker.
What guests expect:
Fast, secure WiFi
Clear login instructions
Reliable connections for multiple users
No dead zones in common areas
How Second Home Care Helps
We can test your WiFi speed and signal strength. If guests report issues, we can help troubleshoot immediately, so reviews stay positive and repeat guests keep coming back.
4. High-Quality Amenities
Guests are no longer impressed by just a coffee maker and a few travel-sized shampoos. Today’s travelers expect a curated, elevated experience—especially in vacation destinations like Truckee or North Tahoe.
Must-have amenities in 2025:
Hot tubs or spas (well-maintained and clean)
Comfortable outdoor furniture
Quality kitchen appliances
Streaming services or smart TVs
Starter supplies like coffee, paper towels, and laundry detergent
How Second Home Care Helps
We offer spa maintenance, outdoor prep, and restocking services to keep your amenities in top condition. Whether you need a one-time refresh or ongoing support, we help create the kind of guest experience that leads to five-star reviews.
5. A Local, Personal Touch
While guests want convenience, they also crave authenticity, especially when visiting unique mountain towns like Truckee or lakeside communities in Incline Village.
What makes a home memorable?
A personal welcome note or digital guidebook
Local recommendations for hikes, restaurants, and events
High-quality toiletries or locally sourced snacks
Thoughtful design and cozy touches
How Second Home Care Helps
We get to know your home and your hosting style. Need help setting up a welcome station? Want to refresh your rental photos with a more seasonal vibe? We can assist with presentation, stocking, and staging to ensure your guests feel at home—and share that feeling in their reviews.
6. Quick, Reliable Communication
Guests want fast answers—before, during, and after their stay. Delayed responses can lead to lost bookings or poor ratings.
Guest expectations:
Replies within an hour or less
24/7 access to help in case of emergencies
Clear instructions and point-of-contact info
How Second Home Care Helps
We provide local on-the-ground support, so if a guest can’t access the home, finds a maintenance issue, or simply has a question, someone is available to respond right away. We coordinate with you or act on your behalf, depending on your preferences. There are many “non-local” companies out there – don’t be fooled; your family and guests deserve a true local company.
7. Maintenance That Doesn’t Disrupt Stays
Even small issues—like a loose faucet or broken light bulb—can impact the guest experience. And no one wants to deal with a hot tub breakdown mid-stay.
What guests want:
A home that feels well-cared-for
No disruptions during their stay
Fast fixes if issues arise
How Second Home Care Helps
With our regular inspections and preventive maintenance, we identify and fix small issues before they impact a guest. Our team is ready to respond quickly and discreetly if something comes up mid-stay. We are working and available for response, from Tahoe Donner to North Tahoe – seven days a week.
How Guest Expectations Impact Your Bottom Line
Great reviews drive more bookings—and let you charge higher nightly rates. Miss the mark, and it can take months (or longer) to recover your listing’s ranking and credibility.
By exceeding guest expectations, you:
Increase 5-star reviews and repeat bookings
Boost visibility in Airbnb and VRBO search results
Build trust with guests and platforms alike
Maximize your return on vacation home ownership
Second Home Care Makes Hosting Easier—and More Profitable
We understand what today’s guests want—and we make it easier for you to deliver. Our services are designed for second homeowners who want to keep control of their rental income without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.
What we offer:
Guest-ready cleaning and staging
Spa and amenity maintenance
Keyless entry and check-in management
Restocking and presentation refreshes
Home watch and emergency response
Whether you live nearby or across the country, Second Home Care helps you deliver a five-star experience every time—and actually enjoy the benefits of owning a vacation rental.
Let’s Get Your Home Guest-Ready for 2025
Want to take the stress out of short-term rental hosting? Our local team is here to help you protect your property, impress your guests, and grow your rental income—without the hassle.
Contact Second Home Care today to learn more about our rental support services and home care plans.