The rise of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle has transformed the way people travel and seek accommodations. For many digital nomads, the ideal getaway isn't just about leisure; it's about finding a comfortable and productive space to work remotely.

As a short-term rental host, you can tap into this growing market by tailoring your property to cater to the needs of digital nomads. In this guide, we'll explore strategies to attract these professionals seeking a remote worker retreat.

Here are some of the platforms worth listing on if you’d like to showcase your property for the digital nomads - each of them have a different profile of users, so depending on your target audience, you may want to list your property on some or all of them:

Understanding the Digital Nomad's Needs

To effectively cater to digital nomads, it's essential to comprehend their unique requirements:

High-Speed Internet (obviously): Digital nomads depend on a reliable and fast internet connection for work, so a strong Wi-Fi signal is non-negotiable.
Dedicated Workspace: A comfortable and functional workspace is crucial, including a desk, ergonomic chair, and proper lighting. Ideally, prepare little C-shaped tables that can go over a sofa or armchair, that allow to put a laptop on it and work on any seat in the house.
Quiet Environment: Nomads need a peaceful and distraction-free environment to concentrate on work tasks and virtual meetings. Make sure at least one room in your house is soundproofed.
Flexibility: Digital nomads often have flexible schedules, so offering self-check-in options and flexible check-out times can enhance their experience. We recommend our KeyNest Points service - which can be used without installing any hardware, just by storing a key in your local store. Click here to find out more.
Local Amenities: Proximity to local amenities such as grocery stores, cafes, and fitness centres is highly valued. Having an option to change environment from time to time and work from a nearby cafe is a valuable perk for people staying longer than 2 weeks.

Tips for Attracting Digital Nomads to your Airbnb

Now that you understand their needs, here are strategies to make your short-term rental property appealing to digital nomads:

1. Reliable High-Speed Internet

Invest in a high-speed internet connection with backup options to ensure uninterrupted connectivity (and yes, backup is a key - in case one of the connections doesn’t work you need to be able to switch to emergency connection quickly - or risk a 1-star review)
Clearly state the internet speed and reliability in your property listing.

2. Dedicated Workspace

Create a dedicated workspace with a desk, ergonomic chair, and sufficient power outlets (always better to prepare 2-3 more than expected)
Provide stationery supplies like notepads and pens. Printer would be great as well.

3. Noise Management

Ensure soundproofing or a quiet environment to minimize distractions.
Mention the property's quiet surroundings in your listing.

4. Flexible Check-In/Check-Out

Offer self-check-in options and flexible check-out times to accommodate nomads' variable schedules.
Implement a self-check-in and check-out process with clear instructions - KeyNest can help here - you get to set up a remote check-in process without installing any hardware! See details at the bottom of this post.

5. Local Amenities Information

Compile a list of nearby grocery stores, cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, fitness centres, and co-working spaces.
Share this information with your guests to help them navigate the local area.

6. Comfort and Convenience

Invest in comfortable furnishings and amenities for relaxation during breaks.
Ensure a well-equipped kitchen for preparing meals.

7. Safety and Security

Provide information about the property's safety features and emergency contacts.
Offer secure storage options for valuable equipment.

8. Long-Term Stays

Consider offering discounts for longer stays, as digital nomads often seek extended accommodations.
Promote monthly rates to attract those looking for more extended work retreats.

Catering to digital nomads by tailoring your short-term rental property for remote work can open up new opportunities for bookings and revenue. By understanding their needs for reliable internet, dedicated workspaces, quiet environments, and flexible accommodations, you can create an inviting space for these professionals seeking a productive remote work retreat.

So, embrace the digital nomad trend, optimize your property, and watch your occupancy rates soar as you welcome a new breed of guests seeking a comfortable and efficient place to work and stay.

About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 5,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website.

Remote Worker Retreat: Tailoring Your Airbnb Rental for Digital Nomads