No one cares how “Cozy” your rental is.

Generic listings don’t convert. Words matter. Use better ones.

Let’s play a game.

Take a shot every time you see the words “cozy,” “charming,” or “nestled in the heart of…” in an STR listing.

Actually — don’t. You’ll be blackout drunk before you finish your market scan.

The Problem?

Hosts and hotel owners aren’t writing copy. They’re copy/pasting clichés.
And that’s a problem — because your words are your first impression.

You can spend all you want on furniture, amenities, and designer throw blankets…
…but if your listing reads like an IKEA label, no one’s booking.

Let’s Be Real:

Guests don’t want “cozy.” They want:

• A place where their family feels relaxed and safe
• A home base for wild adventures
• A romantic escape they’ll brag about
• A property that fits the mood of their trip

But instead of selling the emotion, most listings sell a vibe that no longer means anything.

The Airbnb Thesaurus (Words You Should Retire):

• “Cozy”
• “Charming”
• “Nestled”
• “Unforgettable”
• “Perfect for any occasion”
• “Like a home away from home”
• “Upscale yet affordable”
• “Tastefully decorated”
• “Minutes from everything”

These are space-fillers. And your brand deserves more than filler.

Say This Instead:

Let’s look at a real example:

❌ Before:

Welcome to our cozy, charming bungalow nestled near the heart of downtown. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers.

✅ After:

Sleep in, walk to coffee, and still make it to your dinner res in five. Our 1940s bungalow blends quiet charm with walkable energy.

❌ Before:

Our home is tastefully decorated with a modern touch and comfortable furniture.

✅ After:

No Airbnb wall signs. No clutter. Just a clean, modern space made for recharging (or remote working, if you must).

See the difference? One sounds like every listing.
The other sounds like you.

The Fix:

• Write like you speak — not like a brochure
• Avoid anything that could describe any other listing
• Focus on the experience, not just the furniture
• Be clear, be human, be specific

And for the love of bookings, if you use ChatGPT to help, at least rewrite it to sound like a human who’s been outside recently.

Copy is branding. Period.

If you want more direct bookings, you don’t need more adjectives — you need more truth.

Tell a better story.
Use better words.
Get better results.