If you’ve ever hosted a short-term rental, you know the details matter more than you’d expect. A flickering light, a kitchen drawer that sticks, or furniture that’s seen better days might not seem like a big deal, but guests notice. And when those small issues add up, they can turn what should’ve been a great stay into something just “okay.”
On platforms like Airbnb, where your rating directly impacts how often your place gets booked, “just okay” isn’t enough. You don’t need a full remodel to turn things around, though. Small, thoughtful upgrades—things that make the space easier to use or more pleasant to be in—can make a big difference.
In places like San Jose and Orange County, where guests have plenty of choices, it’s not just about how your place looks online. It’s about how it feels once someone walks through the door. The right improvements help shape that feeling, and that’s what people remember when it’s time to leave a review.
It Starts with First Impressions
Before guests even step inside, they’ve already formed an opinion. The driveway, the porch light, the way the front door looks—these things register whether you want them to or not. That doesn’t mean you need a dramatic overhaul, but it does mean the property should feel well-cared-for.
Clean, freshly painted trim, working outdoor lighting, and a tidy entryway go a long way. If there’s space for it, even something simple like a small bench or a couple of chairs outside can add charm and make the property feel more inviting.
When the front of a house feels welcoming, guests start their stay on the right foot. And when they feel good walking in, they’re more likely to forgive a few quirks inside.
The Kitchen Is Still King
Most guests aren’t coming to cook a full holiday meal, but they still care about the kitchen. It’s one of those spaces that signals how well the home has been cared for. If the appliances are outdated, the counters are scratched, or the cabinets stick, guests notice, and it’s not in a good way.
The good news is, you don’t always need a full remodel to make an impact. Small upgrades like swapping out cabinet fronts, improving the lighting, or adding a simple backsplash can give the entire space a more modern, polished feel. Even replacing older appliances with energy-efficient, mid-range models can go a long way, both in photos and in everyday use.
For hosts in competitive markets, where listings need to impress from the very first image, an upgraded kitchen is one of the best investments you can make. Revive Real Estate’s kitchen remodeling services in San Jose and Orange County are designed with this in mind—helping you refresh your space in a way that attracts guests, improves reviews, and makes your rental feel like a place people want to come back to.
Bathrooms Are Small but Mighty
If there’s one area where guests are least willing to compromise, it’s the bathroom. Even if everything else is beautifully decorated, a dimly lit or dated bathroom will stick in their memory.
Cleanliness obviously matters, but so does the feel of the space. A new vanity, upgraded lighting, or even just a fresh mirror and fixtures can make a bathroom feel like it belongs in a more upscale rental. If you can fix poor ventilation or outdated flooring, all the better. But even small tweaks can shift the overall experience.
When a bathroom feels fresh, clean, and bright, it sends a clear signal: this host pays attention.
Don’t Underestimate Function
While design updates get all the attention, the functionality of your space shapes the day-to-day guest experience. This is where you can quietly earn those five-star reviews without needing to spend a ton.
Think about the little frustrations that might pop up during a stay—slow Wi-Fi, confusing thermostats, not enough outlets by the bed. These aren’t the kinds of things guests will mention if everything works well, but they will bring them up in reviews if they’re missing or poorly thought out.
Adding a few smart home touches, like keyless entry or a digital guidebook, can make a stay feel smoother and more modern. So, you can place a power strip with USB ports on the nightstand, or make sure the lighting is intuitive and bright where it needs to be.
You want the space to feel easy. That’s what people remember, even if they don’t always say it out loud.
Comfort Still Reigns
As short-term rentals have become more common, expectations have grown. Guests don’t want a stiff mattress, creaky furniture, or the bare minimum in linens. They want to feel like they’re in a space that was put together with care.
Upgrading the bed, adding blackout curtains, or investing in decent towels won’t go unnoticed. And while none of these improvements are particularly flashy, they often show up in reviews in the form of words like “comfortable,” “quiet,” or “relaxing,” which are all good signs that you’re on the right track.
If your property has space for lounging indoors or out, it’s worth making it feel cozy and livable. A small reading nook, a couple of good chairs with soft blankets, or a shaded patio with simple furniture can make guests want to stay a little longer.
Personal Touches Matter More Than You Think
Not every improvement has to be a big investment. In fact, some of the things guests remember most are the little extras that show you actually put thought into their stay. A few snacks on the counter, a handwritten note, a stocked coffee corner—these kinds of details can make the space feel warm and welcoming.
When a place feels like it was set up by someone who cares, not just someone running a business, guests notice. They’re more likely to leave a positive review, and even more likely to come back.
Whether it’s a bottle of water on the nightstand or a short list of your favorite local spots, small gestures like these can turn a good stay into a great one.
The Bottom Line: Guest Experience Wins
At the end of the day, every improvement should come back to one question: Does this make the guest’s experience better?
Aesthetic upgrades might help your photos pop, but it’s the comfort, cleanliness, and ease of use that keep your ratings high. The good news? Most of the improvements that matter don’t require massive budgets. They just require intention.
If you do decide to invest in larger updates, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, make sure those changes align with what your guests actually need. The best upgrades don’t just look good—they help your property work better for the people who stay there.
Author Information
Author Name: Rebecca Denis
Rebecca Denis is the Head of Interior Design at Revive Real Estate and an accomplished interior designer with over a decade of experience creating inspired, functional spaces. Known for her refined aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, Rebecca brings creativity and strategy together to transform everyday interiors into meaningful experiences. She’s built a reputation for turning ideas into inspiring spaces that balance beauty, comfort, and function. Rebecca’s diverse portfolio includes commercial projects, curated show homes, and bespoke custom interiors—each reflecting her belief that thoughtful design can elevate how people live, work, and feel in a space.