To be nervous of Air BNB guests?

[Getyourjab]

We have decided to let out our 1 bed cottage on the Devon/Dorset border.
We have just finished the renovation (new kitchen/ bathroom/ carpets etc) and are ready for guests, but have missed the deadline for my planned advertising outlet-The Lady- so our ad won’t appear until the August issue.
We have 2 bookings so far for the whole Summer…
My OH is keen to put it on Air BNB but I’ve heard horror stories about letting via AirBNB, but maybe they’re the exception. Like everyone, we’d like people who have a lovely time but will respect the place, not steal or ruin the time, effort and money we’ve spent.

Are you great Air BNB guests? Or where else can we advertise before Augustvto find some great guests who will look after the place?

Really useful feedback, thanks everyone.

I think I need to up my game to match Australian AirBNBs though! I don’t currently include air fresheners, fresh flowers, apple pie, Netflix (it’s a smartTV and I assume most people have their own log-in) or a full range of sauces, but it’s so interesting to hear of your experiences.

I don't either op, well flowers from my garden but once they've stopped then no more. I might put some HP sauce in there though for when they have a take away ....

It's doesn't need to be expensive or time consuming to stand out OP

On a cold winters day one owner put the heating on 30 mins before our arrival - the place was so warm when we checked in.
Another air bnb owner offered to tumble dry our clothes as it was raining and my clothes were getting wet of a drying rack.

You don't have to do these of course but you get rave reviews for going an extra mile.