Last year, I stayed at an Airbnb while I visited family in the city. The pictures were amazing, and it looked like an authentic experience in a beautiful tiny home. However, my stay highlighted some critical aspects of sustainability that are often overlooked: practicality and comfort before style.
The Experience
The Good:
- Heated Bathroom Floor: A luxury that provided comfort, especially during chilly mornings even if the walkway to said amenity is on cold ground open to the elements.
- Central Location: The area was very central and had lots of restaurants and other amenities within walking distance.
- Adequate Towels And Heated Floor: Always a plus to have more than enough towels and heated floor in the bathroom/laundry.
- Historic Feel: The place had a genuine historic charm that added character and interest.
- Style over comfort: The place was amazing to look at and there were a number of Instagram opportunities if I had cared to take them!
The Bad:
- Expensive: The per night listing was very expensive and to justify that it should have been extremely comfortable. Relying on close local amenities is just not enough.
- Uncomfortable Seating in the Lounge and Kitchen Area: After a long day, there’s nothing worse than sinking into a chair that is too small and doesn’t offer proper support.
- Lack of Utilities in the Kitchen: As someone who is gluten and dairy-free, eating out isn’t always an option. The kitchen lacked basic utilities, counter space and essentials like salt, pepper, oil, pots and pans, making it challenging to prepare a simple meal.
- Uncomfortable Bed: A good night’s sleep is crucial, but the quilt was lumpy and uncomfortable to sleep in.
- Discoloured Bedding: Although the bedding smelled clean, the bedding sheets looked worn and not quite clean which was of course off-putting and made me doubt their cleanliness.
- Completely open to the elements: This was a converted outhouse so I understand that the architect was trying to keep it true to its origins but the fact is, no one wants their bedroom open to the elements especially when going to the toilet at night. Simply enclosing it with a glass walkway would have done the job.
- Safety: The lack of enclosed passage meant that the door of the bedroom had to be locked at night but when leaving to use the kitchen or other amenities, it was completely open and was therefore unsafe. The gate had a lock, but a thief could have just climbed over.
- Pet-Friendly But No Grass: Despite being advertised as pet-friendly, the place had no grass for our dog to toilet, which was inconvenient and disappointing.
- Lack of privacy: The BNB was at the back of a property. I don’t mind that, but there were no curtains or blinds on the windows. I could see directly into the owner’s living room. It was like living in a bubble.
What to Do Differently
From my experience, here are some practical steps that can be taken to create a more sustainable, comfortable, and beautiful living space:
- Prioritise Comfort Over Aesthetics:
- Invest in comfortable seating and beds. Functionality should always come before form when it comes to furniture.
- Stock the Kitchen:
- Provide essential cooking supplies like salt, pepper, oil and cooking pans and utensils. Consider dietary restrictions and ensure the kitchen is well-equipped for all guests.
- Ensure Clean and Stain-Free Bedding:
- Regularly check and replace bedding to maintain cleanliness and a fresh appearance. Stains, even if clean, can leave a negative impression.
- Pet-Friendly Amenities:
- For pet-friendly accommodations, ensure there are appropriate facilities for pets, such as a small grassy area for dogs.
- Sustainable Comfort and Safety :
- Incorporate sustainable features that enhance comfort, like heated floors, but balance them with practical necessities. Make sure your areas are safe for guests and have adequate protection from the elements.
- Privacy: Always ensure that you maintain a guests privacy but having blinds and/or curtains on all exposed windows.
Final Thoughts
Would I go back? Never. Despite the positives, the lack of comfort and practicality overshadowed the experience. Sustainable living is not just about being eco-friendly; it’s about creating practical, comfortable, and beautiful spaces. These elements make all the difference in ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay, whether at home or in a BNB.
By focusing on these key aspects, we can make sustainability a practical and enjoyable lifestyle choice. Let’s embrace the full meaning of sustainability—making our spaces functional, comfortable, and beautiful for everyone.
#Sustainability #ComfortAndStyle #EcoFriendlyLiving #BNB #SustainableLiving #ThoughtfulDesign #PracticalBeauty
I hope this insight helps you deliver more sustainable living spaces for your BNB in the future. Please note out of respect for the Airbnb owner, I have given private feedback and have not listed their property. Have you had similar experiences? Share your thoughts and tips for sustainable comfort in the comments!