How to Write a Short-Term Rental Listing Description (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)

June 6, 2026·5 min read

There are over 7 million Airbnb listings worldwide. Your guests are comparing five of them side-by-side, on a phone, while distracted. Listing copy is one of the few factors you fully control — and most hosts write it like a real estate brochure. That's the wrong format for this job.

Why STR Copy Is Completely Different From MLS Copy

MLS descriptions sell to buyers who've already decided they want to move. STR descriptions sell to travelers who are still deciding whether this trip is worth it — and whether your place is the one they'll remember.

The stakes are different: a buyer tours before committing. An Airbnb guest books sight-unseen based entirely on your photos and words. That's a complete trust transaction, and your listing copy either earns it or loses it.

Two questions every STR description must answer immediately: What makes this place worth booking over the alternative? And Is it right for my specific trip?

The 5-Part STR Description Formula

1. The vibe hook (1 sentence)

Lead with the feeling, not the floor plan. Guests buy experiences.

Spec-first (forgettable):

"3BR/2BA near beach, fully equipped kitchen, sleeps 6."

Vibe-first (books):

"A sun-drenched bungalow two blocks from the water, with a hammock on the deck and a kitchen stocked for real cooking."

2. The space (3–5 sentences)

Describe the layout in plain English. How many guests does it sleep comfortably — not the fire code maximum, the actual comfortable number? Is the kitchen stocked for real cooking or coffee-only? Answer the questions guests message about before they book.

3. The one standout amenity

Every listing has a thing: the rooftop hot tub, the record collection, the wood-burning fireplace, the EV charger, the outdoor shower. Find yours and give it a sentence of its own — this is what guests screenshot and send to friends, and what drives the booking decision over a comparable listing at the same price.

4. Location in 3 specific facts

"Centrally located" is noise. Travelers care about: how many minutes to the main attraction, what coffee shop is walkable, and whether parking is included or a nightmare. Three concrete facts beat a paragraph of location fluff every time.

5. Who it's best for

Pre-qualify your guests in the last sentence. "Ideal for remote workers who need quiet and fast WiFi" or "Great for families — the backyard is fully fenced and the Pack 'n Play is set up." This cuts misfit bookings, which is where bad reviews come from. Fair Housing rules still apply — describe the space, not who you prefer to host.

Platform-Specific Nuances

Airbnb: The first ~500 characters show before guests click "more." Your hook and standout amenity must both fit in that window. Most hosts waste this space on specs.
VRBO: Guests skew toward families booking longer stays (5–10 nights). Emphasize kitchen quality, laundry access, and outdoor space. Nightlife proximity matters less.
Booking.com: Attracts more value-conscious and business travelers. Lead with what's included — parking, fast WiFi, airport distance — before atmosphere.

What PLG Generates for Short-Term Rentals

PLG's STR mode researches the property location — pulling nearby attractions, transit options, walkability data, and neighborhood context — and writes platform-optimized copy tuned for travelers, not MLS buyers. You get a description built for each platform's format in about 15 seconds, Fair Housing compliant and ready to post.

Try it at PropertyListingGenerator.com. No credit card required.

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