Elevating the Airbnb Experience: Part 1 - A Designer’s Stay in the Canadian Rockies
- mariacristina212
- Jun 19
- 6 min read
We recently traveled through Western Canada and spent time in Alberta that furthered our research on Airbnb's. Alberta is a province celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. Along the way, we stayed in a selection of Airbnbs ranging from urban stays in Calgary to cozy retreats in the picturesque mountain town of Banff.
As interior designers, we naturally evaluate every space through the lens of aesthetics and functionality, particularly when it comes to short-term rentals with budget-conscious goals. While these accommodations were generally well-priced and accessible for the average traveler, a few design decisions (or missed opportunities) stood out to us. Some spaces struck the right balance, while others could benefit from thoughtful improvements.
If you're currently investing in a rental property or considering purchasing in one of these scenic destinations, this Part 1 post offers a few key insights to help elevate the guest experience and set your listing apart.
Property One: Banff/Canmore
Banff itself truly exceeded our expectations, framed by rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and charming local spots, the area offers a postcard-perfect setting at every turn. We opted to stay in Canmore, a picturesque town just minutes from Banff and the iconic Moraine Lake. Our Airbnb was a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo located just outside the town center, yet still conveniently close to shops, restaurants, and scenic trails. The unit had plenty of appealing features: breathtaking mountain views, a private balcony with a BBQ, a cozy fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and dedicated parking.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at what worked and where there was room for improvement.
The Hits
1. Highlight & Unique Selling Point
The highlight of the condo was, without a doubt, the breathtaking view. Every bedroom and the main living area showcased stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountain scenery that invite guests to pause and fully appreciate the natural beauty. Don't forget:
If your property boasts a distinctive attraction like this, such as a beautiful landscape, it should be the centerpiece of your design and marketing efforts
Thoughtful styling that complements the view and high-quality photography can:
Help the listing stand out.
Increase booking rates.
Justify higher nightly rates.
Showcasing unique features delivers a strong return on investment by attracting more guests and maximizing revenue.
2. Layout & Functional Amenities
The layout was particularly well-suited for group travel. Spacious bedrooms and an open-concept living area fostered a natural flow between the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces. With ample seating throughout, the sectional comfortably accommodated our group of four, with room to spare for an additional guest.
Another notable feature was the fully equipped kitchen. For short-term rentals, especially in destinations where guests often prepare breakfast before heading out for the day, facilitating a seamless morning routine can greatly enhance the overall stay. Always consider:
Cookware, basic spices, coffee maker, toaster, and dishwasher.
Thoughtful extras like quality mugs, a variety of teas and coffee, and well-maintained cookware boost satisfaction.
Investing in these functional amenities not only improves guest experience but also delivers strong returns on investment. Well-equipped kitchens can increase booking appeal, justify higher nightly rates, and encourage longer stays, ultimately maximizing your rental income.
3. Experience, comfort, and atmosphere
The fireplace, although unfortunately out of order during our stay, was a great design feature that added to the overall atmosphere of the space. Especially in colder months, details like this can go a long way in creating a cozy and welcoming environment. That said, it's essential to ensure all amenities are in working order prior to guest arrival, as small disappointments like this can impact the experience.
The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and thoughtfully stocked with extra pillows and linens, a detail that guests will consistently appreciate. Soft lighting and hotel-style bedding created a clean and comfortable atmosphere. However, some elements could've been better:
Adding art pieces or textiles could improve visual interest and ambiance. The walls felt somewhat bare, and the monochromatic palette missed an opportunity to introduce warmth and personality. Incorporating a few well-chosen art pieces or textiles could add visual interest and a more inviting ambiance.
For essential toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap), consider purchasing refillable containers that look nice. This adds to the feel and look of the space and can reinforce your branding.
A small bistro table on the balcony offered a charming spot to enjoy breakfast with a view.
These thoughtful touches not only enhance guest satisfaction but also contribute to positive reviews and repeat bookings, reinforcing the overall return on investment for your property.
The Misses
1. Guest Experience & Personal Touches
Lack of personal touches impacted guest experience negatively.
Simple welcome signs or styled boards with Wi-Fi info, door codes, and amenity tips create a meaningful first impression.
Text messages for information are functional but miss the chance to feel curated and memorable.
Small gestures in short-term rentals often leave the most lasting impact.
2. Family-Friendly Considerations
Our group also included a toddler, and while the property was generally family-friendly, small touches geared toward young children would have enhanced the experience even further:
Include age-appropriate items like board books, toy cars, and local storybooks.
Use affordable, easy-to-replace items; avoid markers or crayons to prevent damage.
Small washable stuffed animals can make little guests feel welcome.
3. Interior Design & Décor
From a design perspective, the layout and furniture were functional and well-planned, but the space lacked style and character:
Décor felt generic, similar to a hotel catalog: neutral, minimal, and forgettable.
The unit’s interior resembled the building’s hallways and lobby, lacking distinctiveness.
Recommend seasonal décor swaps for a more intentional, curated look.
Suggest leaning into warmer tones to complement the cottage-inspired setting.
Incorporate nature-themed elements: animal motifs, foliage, camping references, and plaid for a rustic vibe.
Lighting is key: customizable options (floor/table lamps with dimmers) improve ambiance and functionality.
To breathe more life into the space, consider incorporating local art or mixing textures and finishes to add visual depth. The surrounding area features plenty of chalet and cabin-style architecture, which could easily inspire a cozier, more nature-driven aesthetic. Think warm wood tones, earthy textiles, and nature-inspired imagery or color palettes. You don’t need a full overhaul; just a few intentional touches can make a big impact. Layered throw blankets, curated wall art, travel books, locally inspired mugs, or even a styled shelf can give the rental a more thoughtful, welcoming feel. It’s not about going over the top; it’s about creating a space that feels personal and well-considered.
When sourcing themed décor, choose items that can be easily swapped out with the seasons to give your property a more intentional and curated look throughout the year. For this particular unit, we would recommend leaning into warmer tones to complement the cottage-inspired setting. Incorporating nature-themed elements such as animal motifs, foliage, camping references, and classic Canadiana touches like plaid can help reinforce that cozy, rustic vibe. Lighting also plays a key role in setting the tone. Offering guests customizable lighting options, such as floor or table lamps with dimmers, can dramatically improve both ambiance and functionality.
4. Architectural & Hardware Upgrades
Architecturally, while the building and unit may feel somewhat dated, there are plenty of easy ways to give the space a fresh look:
Use texture, pattern, and selected artwork to modernize without major renovations.
Budget-friendly upgrades: replace outdated cabinet hardware with matte black or brass knobs and pulls for instant elevation. Texture, pattern, and thoughtfully selected artwork can modernize the interior without requiring major renovations. A simple, budget-friendly upgrade like replacing outdated cabinet hardware with matte black or brass knobs and pulls can instantly elevate the space.
5. Furnishing & Sourcing
When it comes to furnishing, try to avoid sourcing everything from a single retailer like IKEA, as it can result in a space that feels overly generic. Focus your budget on a few key pieces that matter most to the guest experience. These items offer both visual appeal and practical value, contributing to a more memorable and elevated stay.
Comfortable seating
Quality bedding and towels
Well-made dinnerware.
Final Thoughts
This Canmore condo delivered on the essentials: breathtaking views, a well-designed layout, and all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. However, when it came to the finer details, such as décor and personalization, it felt more generic than memorable. For hosts in highly competitive markets like Banff, the difference between a good stay and a five-star experience often lies in the small touches. Thoughtful styling, a warm welcome, and unique personal touches can transform a standard rental into one that guests truly remember and recommend. Investing in these details not only helps your property stand out among the many options available but also increases the likelihood of receiving glowing five-star reviews.
Remember, our Airbnb styling services are here to help bring your design ideas to life. If you'd like to discuss your next property, feel free to book a call with us. We have a range of short-term rental interior design packages tailored to suit your needs. For expert advice on crafting the ideal investment property, take a look at our article Designing an Airbnb Plus Property. You can also discover why hiring a professional designer is worth it in Top 3 Reasons Why 3D Design Is a Game Changer in the Real Estate Industry.
If you need extra guidance, don’t hesitate to schedule a free introductory call with us.
Wherever you are in the world, we’re ready to assist!
STR Design Team
