15 Things Guests Notice Within the First 5 Minutes of Arrival
As hosts, we spend a lot of time thinking about occupancy rates, pricing, reviews, and calendars. But the truth is, many guests have already formed an opinion about your property within the first few minutes of walking through the door.
Those first impressions can set the tone for the entire stay. The good news? Most of the things guests notice right away are simple and inexpensive to improve.
Here are 15 things guests notice within the first 5 minutes of arriving at your short term rental.
1. The Smell
Before guests notice your decor or furniture, they notice imeddiately any odors (good or bad.)
A fresh, clean scent immediately creates a positive first impression. On the other hand, smell of smoke (especially ahem oregano), musty odors, strong cleaning chemicals, pet smells, or lingering cooking, can make guests feel uncomfortable right away.
2. The Temperature
If guests walk into a house that's freezing in the winter or unbearbaly hot in the summer, they'll notice immediately.
Whenever possible, adjust the thermostat before arrival so guests enter a comfortable space.
3. Cleanliness
Guests often begin looking around the moment they step inside.
They notice:
Dust on surfaces
Dirty floors
Smudges on appliances
Hair in the shower/beds
Unclean toilets
Stained linens
Even small cleaning issues can make guests wonder what else may have been missed.
4. The Lighting
A dark home can feel uninviting.
Turn on a few lamps or leave an entry light on if guests are arriving after dark. Warm, welcoming lighting helps guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
Motion lights or even solar powered ones to light the walkway to the door is an inviting gesture.
5. The Entryway
The entryway creates the first visual impression of your property.
Guests notice:
Clutter/trash (happens more often than you may think; cleaners may forget to take the trash and/or animals get into the trash bins and leave a whole trail of trash on the front)
Dirt
Cobwebs
Dead plants
Worn welcome mats
A clean and inviting entrance makes a huge difference.
6. Whether the Property Matches the Listing Photos
Guests naturally compare what they see to what they booked online.
If the property looks significantly different from the photos, disappointment can start immediately.
Keeping photos updated is one of the easiest ways to manage guest expectations. *At the very least, send guests a message ahead of time or notate it in the listing description.
7. The Beds
Guests almost always peek at the bedrooms shortly after arrival.
They notice:
Whether the beds look comfortable
How the linens are presented
Overall cleanliness
A well-made bed can instantly make a property feel more luxurious.
8. The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the first places guests inspect.
They often check:
Shower cleanliness
Fresh towels
Toiletries
Water pressure
Overall cleanliness
A spotless bathroom helps build trust. *Some cleaners leave chemical in the toilet intentionally. Have them NOT do this.
9. Supplies and Amenities
Guests appreciate seeing that you've thought about their needs.
Things they notice right away include:
Coffee
Tea
Toiletries
Extra toilet paper
Paper towels
Laundry supplies
These small touches help guests feel taken care of.
10. The Kitchen
Even guests who don't plan to cook often take a quick look at the kitchen.
They notice whether it feels clean, organized, and stocked with the basics they'll need during their stay.
11. Signs of Maintenance Issues
Guests quickly notice obvious maintenance problems.
Examples include:
Burned-out light bulbs (especially any entryway lighting)
Broken blinds
Loose handles
Scuffed walls
Damaged furniture
These issues can make a property feel neglected.
12. The WiFi Information
Many guests look for WiFi details almost immediately.
Make sure the information is easy to find and clearly displayed.
13. The Outdoor Space
If your property has a patio, deck, balcony, hot tub, pool, or fire pit, guests often check these areas soon after arrival.
A clean and well-maintained outdoor space can significantly enhance the guest experience.
14. The Small Details
Guests notice thoughtful touches more than many hosts realize.
Things like:
A welcome note
Complimentary snacks
Bottled water
S'mores supplies
Local recommendations
These extras often become memorable parts of the stay.
15. Whether the Home Feels Cared For
This is the biggest one.
Guests can usually tell when a host genuinely cares about their property and their experience. It's not about having the most expensive furniture or the fanciest amenities. It's about creating a space that feels clean, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared.
First Impressions Matter
The first 5 minutes of a guest's stay can have a lasting impact on how they feel about your property. Fortunately, most of the things guests notice first are completely within your control.
By focusing on cleanliness, comfort, maintenance, and thoughtful details, you can create a positive first impression that sets the stage for a 5 star experience.
If you're feeling overwhelmed managing all the moving pieces of your short term rental, you're not alone. From guest communication to cleaners and maintenance, there is a lot that goes into creating an exceptional guest experience.
Learn more about my cohosting services at Zabrina's Homestays and discover how I help owners create memorable stays, earn better reviews, and maximize their investment.
