Dwight Calwhite, a Las Vegas host with 30 rentals and 21 quarters as a Superhost, says guests don't notice the difference between a $150 and $1,500 mattress. He skips premium bedding and spends that money on photo-worthy amenities like hot tubs and arcade machines instead, which actually drive bookings and 5-star reviews.
I'm gonna say something most short-term rental hosts won't. If you're managing a short-term rental and you're obsessing over mattress firmness or sheet thread count, then you're focused on the wrong things. I own and operate over 30 furnished rentals in Las Vegas and have been awarded Superhost status 21 quarters in a row. Over the past 9 years, I have learned that you're much better off saving money on bedding and spending those savings on amenities and photo-worthy decorations. After thousands of guest stays, Here's what I've learned. Most guests won't notice the difference between a $150 or a $1,500 mattress. They also aren't likely to notice the difference between a $30 or $300 sheets. The microfiber sheets I use cost far less than 200-thread count Egyptian cotton, and they also dry much faster. Faster drying means lower labor costs. And forget about feather-topped innerspring mattresses. That cost $1,500. Just go with the $150 memory foam mattresses that ship right to your front door. You're much better off spending your money on items that will catch the eye of your potential renters in your listing photos. Guests book based on photos, amenities, and perceived experience, not inner springs or thread count. I recommend using your budget on high-demand amenities like hot tubs, pool tables, arcade machines, and neon signs, which will create the memorable, unique experience that makes them want to write a gushing 5-star review. If you want help building a high-performance furnished rental portfolio, please go to dwightcalwhite.com to schedule a free one-on-one real estate consultation with me.
