I never thought I’d be saying this, but we’ve now hosted over 300 stays—adding up to more than 500 nights! Between Airbnb and Vrbo, and now with two more short-term rentals recently added to the mix, I’ve learned a lot—sometimes the hard way. When we first started hosting, I truly had no idea what I was doing. We just jumped right in and figured things out as we went. And now, after trial by error, connecting with other hosts, and doing a ton of research, I’m ready to share some hosting tips & tricks!
One thing I wish we had known from the beginning? How important bedding really is.
In most short-term rentals, your guests are mainly there to sleep. Whether they’re traveling for business or vacation, they’ll likely spend their days out and about—and their nights in your bed. That means a good night’s sleep can make or break their experience.
And happy, well-rested guests? They leave 5-star reviews, book return stays, and help maximize your rental’s earning potential.
But comfort is only half the story. As a host, you also need to think about practicality—like how easy the bedding is to wash between guests, whether it holds up over time, and how much it costs to replace if (when!) something gets stained.
Over the course of hosting 500+ nights, I’ve picked up several tips that balance guest comfort with host efficiency—and I’m excited to share them with you. Let’s dive in!
1. Minimize Bedding Layers and Throw Pillows
I love a beautifully layered bed—but in a short-term rental, simplicity is key. Every item on the bed needs to be laundered between guests, so the more layers you add, the more time it takes to turn over the space.
Keep it streamlined: one comforter or duvet, one lightweight blanket, and no more than 1–2 decorative pillows. Let throw pillows add a pop of color, but don’t go overboard—chances are, they’re ending up on the floor each night anyway.
2. White Bedding Is (Surprisingly!) the Best Option
At first, white bedding might sound risky. Yes, guests will occasionally leave behind stains—but that’s exactly why white is great: it can be bleached back to bright and clean.
Plus, white is associated with cleanliness and hotel-level quality. It gives guests peace of mind and keeps your presentation feeling fresh and elevated. Stick to white for your sheets, duvets, and pillowcases. If you want to add color or pattern, use easily washable accents like throw blankets or pillows.
3. Always Keep Backup Sets on Hand
You’ll thank yourself for having at least two (ideally three or more) full sets of bedding per bed. I recommend buying multiples of the same exact sheets, shams, and duvet covers so they’re easy to rotate and mix in as needed.
It also makes replacing worn or stained items seamless. Pro tip: stagger your purchases so you’re not replacing everything at once. That way, you can extend your inventory over time without a huge up-front cost.
4. Expect to Replace Bedding Often
Unlike your own home, your rental bedding sees much heavier use and more frequent laundering. Even high-quality sets won’t last forever. Be ready to replace items regularly, especially if you’re hosting back-to-back guests.
That’s why you want to strike the right balance between durability, comfort, and price. Choose bedding that’s soft enough to satisfy guests, tough enough to handle frequent washes, and affordable enough that a replacement won’t break the bank.
5. Layer for Comfort—and Flexibility
Guest comfort varies widely. Some sleep hot, others cold, and some have specific temperature needs. In my opinion, the best approach is to create a simple layering system:
- Fitted sheet
- Flat sheet
- Medium-weight duvet
- Lightweight blanket or throw
This setup is easy to manage, feels luxurious, and gives guests the flexibility to adjust based on their preferences.
6. Zippered Pillow Protectors and Mattress Covers Are Non-Negotiable
These are your first line of defense against spills, stains, allergens, and even bed bugs. Zippered protectors keep your pillows and mattresses cleaner for longer and can dramatically extend their lifespan.
Choose versions that are machine washable and breathable, and make sure they’re part of your regular laundry routine.
Final Advice: What I’d Do Differently from Day One
If I could start over, I’d invest in better bedding from the beginning. I used to worry so much about stains and wear-and-tear that I went for the cheapest sets I could find—only to end up replacing them more often and dealing with inconsistent quality.
Here’s what I’ve learned: thoughtful bedding choices save you time, money, and stress in the long run. The right setup is comfortable for your guests, durable enough for frequent turnover, and easy for you (or your cleaners) to manage.
Whether you’re furnishing your first rental or refreshing a well-loved space, don’t underestimate the power of a well-made bed. It’s one of the most important investments you can make for guest satisfaction—and five-star reviews.
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