Short-stay host preparing an accommodation listing with property photos in Kenya
Accommodation & booking

Preparing a short-stay property for online booking

A host checklist for listing short-stay accommodation with accurate unit details, photos, capacity, amenities, pricing, availability and guest policies.

Published 18 September 2026Reviewed by Marima

A strong accommodation listing reduces avoidable questions by setting accurate expectations before the guest books. The goal is not to make the property sound perfect; it is to make the stay predictable.

Describe the exact space

State whether the guest books an entire place, private room or shared room, along with occupancy limits and the physical unit details.

Use current, representative photos

Show sleeping areas, bathroom, living areas, kitchen where relevant, entrance, parking and important amenities. Avoid images that belong to a different unit.

Publish availability you can honour

Block owner use, maintenance and existing direct bookings so unavailable dates are not sold online.

Make guest rules visible before payment

Check-in, checkout, smoking, pets, parties, visitors, deposits and cancellation terms should be clear before confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important part of a short-stay listing?

Accurate space, availability, price components and guest expectations are more important than promotional wording.

Can I list one apartment instead of a whole hotel?

Yes. The Marima Booking model supports individual short-stay and entire-place inventory.

Should cleaning fees be hidden in the nightly rate?

Pricing should be transparent. Where a separate cleaning fee applies, it should be disclosed clearly before booking.

Can I block dates for my own use?

Yes. Non-bookable dates should be recorded so guests do not see them as available.

Need help with Marima?

Explore the relevant Marima service or contact the team for product and service information.

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