New host seeking advice on small room layout

JohnL · 11-11-2025, 10:45 PM

Seeking advice from hosts on how to furnish/use a small 3rd room. My soon to be AirBnB has a weird floor plan - it is an 700sf, 3 floor ADU with a room on each floor: The lower is the smallest room at 7x11 feet + full bath with washer/dryer. It is 8 steps below grade and also where the panel/water heater is (a lot of the floor plan is eaten by stairs down and up). Middle is 11x11 kitchen/living room so clear cut use, top floor is 11x14 plus a 1/2 bath and closet that will be used as a bedroom.

My issue is what to do with the lower level. It's where the only tub/shower is, but the room is tiny and can either comfortably accommodate a loveseat/TV *or* a full size bed/dresser *or* be a home office type set up. I plan on also listing on Furnished Finder as my location is only popular for AirBnB in the spring/summer which is why setting up as a home office is also a consideration.
Hosts - what would you do? I worry if I maximize for sleeping space, it will be a poor experience for parties of 4 as the main "hang out" space isn't that spacious. But is optimizing for parties of two severely limiting any potential income? Would love to learn from your experience.

legaleagle · 11-11-2025, 10:53 PM

Since the room only fits a full bed you really cannot say it sleeps 2 more a full bed only sleeps one adult. If you do decide to do that you will really need a professional photographer to make sure the photos show all these stairs and that any family of 3 understands that their child will be 2 floors below them , I would also add that on photo description because in these smaller rooms you probably have to zoom out anyways which will make the room feel bigger than it really is.

Honestly I think this will be an issue because guests may not really read the whole post and just go off the pictures which mis represents the space. I would make it an office space to not have to worry about guests feeling dissapointed.

propeciaplayer · 11-13-2025, 11:06 PM

Is there a way to do a twin bed and a desk? Not everyone who travels is a romantic couple. It could be a parent and kid, two siblings, two friends, etc. It’s nice to have a second sleeping space but doesn’t have to be more than a twin bed. Even couples use a second sleeping space.