Why My Airbnbs Keep Getting Featured in Condé Nast and The Plum Guide, and How You Can Too

Running a standout Airbnb in a city like San Diego takes more than just fresh paint and good Wi-Fi. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of seeing our short-term rentals featured in Condé Nast Traveler, The Plum Guide, and other curated platforms that don’t just list anything. These sites are selective, experience-driven, and not easy to break into — which is exactly why they matter.

Here’s how we did it, and how you can start turning your Airbnb into a property worth publishing.

1. Design That Tells a Story

People don’t just want a place to stay — they want a feeling, a vibe, a memory. Every property we create under The Carmine Collection has its own personality and narrative.

Take The Jade Manor — a historic home in San Diego with a tropical-meets-European aesthetic. Or Casa Kirra, where we leaned all the way into bold design by painting the living room pink and turning the garage into a hidden speakeasy-style bar. These aren’t just homes. They’re moments.

Tip: Pick a direction and commit to it. Don’t design for everyone — design for someone.

2. Photographs That Stop the Scroll

If your photos look like a Craigslist ad from 2010, you’re not getting featured anywhere. We work with photographers who understand mood, angles, and lifestyle. Clean edits. No overlays. No filters that hide the real vibe of the space.

Your photography is the first handshake. Make it feel like a warm, well-styled welcome.

Tip: Shoot your space like it’s going in a magazine — because if you do it right, it just might.

3. Obsess Over Guest Experience

The goal? Get guests saying, “This is even better than I expected.”

From beach cruisers at Casa Coolangatta to a clawfoot tub under the stars, we lean into moments that people remember and talk about. Every drawer has a purpose. Every corner is Instagrammable. Every detail is thoughtful.

Tip: Go beyond clean sheets. Think candles, robes, playlists, welcome notes. You’re not just hosting, you’re curating.

4. Join Platforms That Actually Vet You

Anyone can post on Airbnb, but not everyone gets on The Plum Guide. They send inspectors. They score properties on hundreds of details — comfort, design, cleanliness, even the vibe of the neighborhood.

We treat getting on curated platforms like a badge of honor. And the bookings that come through them? Premium. Guests know they’re booking quality before they even arrive.

Tip: Apply to The Plum Guide, BoutiqueHomes, or even pitch editors directly at travel publications. If you’ve built something unique, don’t be afraid to show it off.

5. Treat It Like a Brand, Not a Side Hustle

This isn’t just a spare bedroom with throw pillows. It’s a business.

We created The Carmine Collection to house our properties under one brand umbrella. That means cohesive design, consistent tone, and a guest experience that carries from one home to the next. People now search for us directly — because they trust what they’re getting.

Tip: Name your home. Build a logo. Create a vibe. Give people a reason to remember it — and talk about it.

6. Create a Presence Where People Actually Search: Instagram + TikTok

People are using social media like Google now. They type “San Diego Airbnb with a bathtub” into TikTok or “Windansea beach stay” into Instagram before they ever hit a booking site.

That’s why we built a presence on @The_Carmine_Collection. Our feed and reels show off the design, the lifestyle, and the secret spots around town. We use it to build trust, tell stories, and stay top of mind.

For Casa Kirra, we wanted it to stand out — so we made bold moves. A speakeasy-style bar in the garage. A pink living room. Thoughtfully layered spaces that spark curiosity and get people sharing.

Tip: Short-form video is your best friend. Post the unique features, guest reactions, neighborhood gems, and transformation clips. Turn your listing into a viral moment.