A bad experience lingers longer than a good one

In the world of short-term rentals, one great review can drive weeks of bookings, but one poor experience can undo months of effort.

In a destination like the Azores, where tourism is on the rise and competition is growing, it’s essential to deliver a consistent and problem-free guest experience. Whether you manage your property yourself or rely on a professional team, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

In this article, we highlight five common mistakes made by holiday rental hosts and share practical tips to avoid them. If you’re committed to quality, guest satisfaction, and long-term profitability, this list is a must.

1. Slow replies (or impersonal messages)

If a guest asks a question and doesn’t hear back for hours or worse, days. Trust starts to erode before they’ve even arrived.

How to avoid it:

• Use automated, personalised messages to confirm bookings and share useful information;

• Respond within 1–2 hours (ideally within 30 minutes);

• Use a warm, helpful tone. Friendliness matters as much as speed.

At Your Nest, we guarantee real-time guest communication before, during and after every stay.

2. Poor descriptions and unclear expectations

If the listing promises “ocean views” and the guest only sees a sliver of sea between rooftops… the complaint is inevitable. The same goes for outdated photos, vague descriptions or misleading amenities.

How to avoid it:

• Use realistic, honest descriptions — in both English and Portuguese;

• Keep your photos recent and representative;

• Clearly state what is (and isn’t) included: towels, Wi-Fi, heating, parking, etc.

Need to improve your listing? Stay tuned for our article: “How to Make Your Rental Stand Out on Booking Platforms.”

3. Inadequate cleaning and maintenance

A musty smell, leftover hair or a broken appliance will turn even a beautiful property into a disappointing stay. Even minor oversights can result in harsh reviews.

How to avoid it:

• Create a detailed cleaning checklist;

• Regularly check all systems (taps, water heaters, door locks, etc.);

• Replace worn or stained textiles before guests notice them.

Your Nest works with trusted local teams to ensure top-quality cleaning between every stay.

4. Confusing or unfriendly check-in process

After a flight or ferry trip, no guest wants to struggle with unclear instructions or try to locate an unmarked key box in the dark.

How to avoid it:

• Provide clear, step-by-step instructions (with photos and map links);

• Offer key safes or smart locks when possible;

• Share a digital welcome guide with all the essentials.

 We support flexible check-ins in person, remote or hybrid. Depending on the property’s needs.

5. Ignoring feedback (or failing to ask for it)

Many hosts miss out on valuable reviews simply by not asking. Even worse: ignoring guest feedback, whether positive or negative, can give the impression that you don’t care.

How to avoid it:

• Send a polite thank-you message after check-out, encouraging a review;

• Respond to every comment, especially the critical ones;

• Use the feedback to improve your property and guest experience.

At Your Nest, all guest reviews are monitored and professionally managed to protect your reputation and boost your visibility.

Small mistakes, big consequences but easily avoided

If you want returning guests, glowing reviews and year-round bookings, you need more than just a nice house. You need to pay attention to the details that shape the experience.

The five mistakes above are some of the most common but they’re also some of the easiest to fix with consistency, care and the right support.

At Your Nest, we work every day to deliver smooth, memorable stays for every guest, while giving owners peace of mind and real results.

Want professional support to ensure your rental runs perfectly?
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