How to write the description of your holiday rental listing: practical guide with examples

The description of your listing sells (or sinks) your holiday home just as much as the photos. Most owners copy a generic ChatGPT template, throw in four empty adjectives ("cozy", "charming", "unique") and forget about it. Result: the guest doesn't even read it. In this guide, I teach you how to write a description that converts, what structure to follow, which words to avoid, and real examples you can copy and adapt.

Why the description matters more than you think

Yes, photos are the first thing. No one disputes that. But when a guest has seen your photos and liked them, do you know what they do next? Read the description. And that’s where they decide whether to book or move on to the next listing.

On Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo, the description serves three functions:

• Convert: convince the guest to book.
• Filter: avoid guests who don’t fit (noisy groups if you don’t want them, families if you don’t have cribs, etc.).
• Position: the algorithms read your text. If you say "pool", "free parking" or "near the beach", the search engine takes it into account.

And above all: a good description reduces complaints. If the guest knows exactly what to expect, they won’t be surprised or leave a 3-star review for something already explained.

The structure that works

After reading hundreds of listings and seeing which ones convert, there’s a structure that repeats in the successful ones. It’s this:

1. Catchy headline (a phrase, the first line of the description)
2. Summary in 2-3 lines (the essential hook)
3. The space (what you will find inside)
4. The location (what’s nearby and how far)
5. Who it’s ideal for (couples, families, remote work...)
6. Rules and practical details (check-in, pets, smoking, etc.)

It’s not mandatory to follow it exactly, but if you get lost, return to it.

The headline: 60 characters to captivate

The headline is the first thing the guest sees along with the main photo. You have about 60 characters (depending on the platform) and you shouldn’t waste them on "Nice apartment downtown".

Bad headline:

Cozy and well-located apartment

Good headline:

Attic with terrace and sea views - 5 min to the beach

See the difference? The second one clearly states what it offers and why it’s special. A proven formula: [property type] + [unique feature] + [benefit or location].

Examples you can adapt:

• Loft with jacuzzi in Seville’s old town
• Rural house with private pool and BBQ - 4 beds
• Designer studio next to the metro - WiFi 600 Mbps
• Family apartment with crib and high chair - 2 min to the beach

The summary: hook in 3 lines

On Airbnb, the first 400 characters are visible without clicking "read more". Use them wisely. Here, you need to summarize the best of your home so that the guest thinks "this is what I’m looking for".

A real example that works:

Renovated apartment in 2023 in the heart of Malaga, 3 minutes walk from La Malagueta beach. Main bedroom with king-size bed, terrace with views, and fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for couples or small families wanting to experience Malaga on foot.

In 3 lines, you already know: where it is, when it was renovated, what’s inside, and who it’s for.

Words to avoid (and why)

Some words have been overused to the point of losing their meaning. When a guest reads them, they no longer mean anything. Worse: they send a bad signal.

Avoid	Replace with
Cozy	Specific details: "3-seater sofa with blanket"
Charming	What makes it special: "original hydraulic floors"
Unique	Real proof: "the only house with a pool on this street"
Well-located	Concrete distances: "5 min walk to the metro"
Everything you need	List: "coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, hairdryer"
Perfect for disconnecting	Why: "no neighbors around and zero traffic"

Golden rule: if you can replace it with a concrete fact, do it. "Near the beach" says nothing. "300 meters from the beach" does.

How to write each section

The space

Describe the home by areas, not as a boring list. Instead of "has living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom," tell how the space is lived.

Example:

As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a living room with a 3-seater sofa and Netflix-enabled Smart TV. The open kitchen features a central island where you can have breakfast while looking out the window. The bedroom at the back has a 160x200 bed and built-in wardrobe. The bathroom is complete, with a walk-in shower and fresh towels.

Mention:

• Bed sizes (important: many people ask about this).
• Appliances available.
• WiFi and speed (if good, say so).
• Climate control: air conditioning, heating, in which rooms.
• Details that set you apart: capsule coffee machine, iron, quality hairdryer, terrace, etc.

If you want to go deeper into what your home should have, there’s a comprehensive guide in technical requirements for a holiday home.

The location

This is gold. Many guests book based more on location than on the apartment itself. Be specific:

• Distances in minutes walking or driving.
• Real names of nearby sites (beaches, monuments, well-known restaurants, metro stops).
• How to get from the airport or station.
• What neighborhood it is and its vibe (quiet, lively, family-friendly, nightlife).

Example:

The apartment is in the Ruzafa neighborhood, one of Valencia’s liveliest areas. You have dozens of bars and restaurants within 5 minutes walking. The Xàtiva metro station is 8 minutes away, with direct connection to the airport in 25 minutes. Malvarrosa beach is 15 min by bus. The neighborhood is lively during the day but quiet at night. The building has double soundproof windows.

Pay attention to the last detail: if the neighborhood is noisy, mention what you’ve done to ensure the guest sleeps well. Reduce complaints.

Who it’s ideal for (and who it’s not)

Most skip this section. Mistake. Here you filter guests.

This apartment is ideal for couples, business travelers (desk with ergonomic chair and 600 Mbps WiFi), and families with a small child (crib available upon request). We do not accept bachelor parties or parties.

If you want to avoid large groups or bachelorette parties, say so here. If you’re pet-friendly, also. It saves you messages and misunderstandings.

Rules and practical details

Finally, list the important points clearly:

• Check-in from 4:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM.
• No smoking inside (terrace allowed).
• No parties or events.
• Pets: inquire before booking.
• Mandatory registration of all guests per Spanish regulations.

Regarding the last point, remember that registration in SES Hospedajes is mandatory. If you want to know more, check this practical guest registration guide.

Common mistakes that sink listings

1. Copy-pasting from ChatGPT without editing

It shows from a mile away. Generic phrases, hollow adjectives, zero personality. Guests read 20 listings a day and spot copy-paste in the first paragraph. Write yourself, even if it’s grammatically worse. Personality sells.

2. Lying or exaggerating

"Sea views" when you only see the sea peeking from the corner of the window. "5 minutes to the beach" when it’s 15. "Recently renovated" when the renovation was in 2015. This always results in a negative review. Always.

3. Not updating the description

If you’ve changed something (new appliances, added air conditioning, renovated the bathroom), update the listing. Many owners leave descriptions from three years ago.

4. Block text without spaces

A 500-word paragraph is unreadable. Divide into short paragraphs, use lists, leave space. Make it mobile-friendly and not overwhelming.

5. Forgetting about mobile

80% of bookings are made from mobile. Check how your description looks on mobile. Long paragraphs are even worse there.

Note: each platform has different rules about what you can include in the description. Airbnb, for example, doesn’t allow external links, phone numbers, or emails. Booking is more flexible. Review the rules before publishing or your listing might get blocked.

Complete example of a converting description

To see everything together, here’s a real example (with fictional data):

---

Title: Attic with terrace and sea views - 5 min to the beach

Description:

Bright renovated attic in 2023, with a 20 m² terrace and views of the Mediterranean. 5 minutes walk from Postiguet beach, in Alicante’s old town. Perfect for couples or families wanting to experience Alicante on foot.

The space

You enter into a living-dining room with a 3-seater sofa, Netflix-enabled Smart TV, and a window to the terrace. The fully equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, oven, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, and all the utensils needed to cook any dish.

The main bedroom has a king-size bed (180x200), built-in wardrobe, and air conditioning. The second bedroom, ideal for children, has two single beds. The bathroom is complete with a walk-in shower and quality hairdryer.

The terrace is the highlight: 20 m² with a table for 6, sun loungers, and sea views. Perfect for breakfast or dinner while watching the sunset.

WiFi: 600 Mbps with a router in the living room. Perfect for remote work.

Location

In the heart of the old town, 5 min walk from Postiguet beach and 3 min from Santa Bárbara Castle. Bars, restaurants, and supermarkets are on the same street. Alicante Train Station is 15 min walk, and the airport is 20 min by car.

Lively neighborhood during the day, quiet at night. The building has double soundproof windows.

Ideal for

Couples, families with children (crib available), and business travelers. We do not accept bachelor parties or parties.

House rules

• Check-in: from 4:00 PM (self check-in with lockbox).
• Check-out: by 11:00 AM.
• No smoking inside (terrace allowed).
• No parties or events.
• Pets: inquire before booking.
• Mandatory registration of all guests per Spanish regulations.

---

See? It’s not literature. It’s clear, specific, and well-organized information. That’s what sells.

How often to review and update

My recommendation: every 6 months. Check that the description remains accurate, distances are correct, no typos, and details are still there. And occasionally change the headline: a new headline can boost visits.

If you’ve recently renovated, added appliances, or included something that increases value (pool, jacuzzi, parking), update immediately.

And if you’re improving your listing, don’t forget the other parts: also look at how to improve your vacation rental ad and how to take selling photos. The description alone isn’t enough.

How Autoregistro fits in

A good description brings more bookings. And more bookings mean more guest parts to send to SES Hospedajes. The process of collecting guest data and uploading it to the Ministry’s system is a hassle if done manually.

Autoregistro automates this. The guest fills out a form with their details and a photo of their ID, and the data is sent directly to SES Hospedajes. You don’t have to do anything. It costs 1 euro per month per property (less than a coffee) and saves you hours of management.

If you want to focus on writing better listings, taking better photos, and getting reviews, delegate the boring registration part to Autoregistro.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same description on Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo?

Yes, but adapt it. Each platform has its audience. Airbnb is more informal, Booking more direct, Vrbo leans towards families. Change the tone even if the content is similar. And note: Airbnb doesn’t allow external links, phone numbers, or emails in the description.

In what languages should I write the description?

At least Spanish and English. If you get many reservations from a specific country (French, German, Italian), add that language. Don’t rely on Google Translate blindly: review with someone who speaks the language or pay for a professional translation. A poorly translated text gives a bad image.

How long should the description be?

Between 800 and 1500 characters works well. Shorter doesn’t provide enough info, longer no one reads. Prioritize clarity over quantity.

Should I mention defects?

Yes, major defects. If there’s no elevator and you’re on the 4th floor, say so. If the neighborhood is noisy at night, say so. If WiFi is slow, say so. It’s better to lose a reservation upfront than to gain it and get a 2-star review.

Does it change if I have a registered tourist license?

Yes. In many autonomous communities, it’s mandatory to display the license number in the listing. Check your local regulations in the regional requirements guide.