Preparing the Perfect Vacation Rental Property
The Vacation Rentals market is expected to generate a revenue of over $100 billion worldwide in 2024. As the pursuit of travel experiences continues to fuel the fast growth of vacation rentals, there’s no better time to capitalize on this trend.
Through the art of curating your vacation rental property, you can craft a space that caters to a specific guest experience, setting you apart from the competition.
Managing your Luxury Vienna or Rome property is easy if you follow several simple tips. In this article, you will learn how to create a perfect vacation rental property and maximize its potential for success.
Define Your Target Audience
Over 210 million US citizens took a summer vacation in 2023. Vacation rentals attract different guests — from families seeking more space and amenities than a hotel to couples looking for a romantic retreat to adventure travelers wanting quick access to hiking trails or ski slopes. Luxury travelers may desire upscale furnishings and amenities.
Understanding your potential guests and their needs during a vacation rental experience is key. Research your local market to determine what type of property is highest in demand. For example, near a popular beach, you may want a bright, airy beach villa. In a quaint mountain town, visitors may enjoy a cozy cabin. Urban locations often do well with sleek, modern apartments in walkable areas.
Additionally, examine competing listings in your area to discover which specific amenities and design elements guests favor. How many bedrooms/bathrooms do popular rentals offer? Which have the highest ratings and most bookings? Aligning your rental with local traveler preferences and trends will give you the best chance at success.
Designing for Guest Experience
Focus on crafting an inviting, functional property that will create a memorable experience for your guests. Start by paying attention to the exterior. Set up a friendly exterior that mirrors the entire feel of the property. Maintain colorful landscaping, add flowers, or provide comfy outdoor seats. A welcoming exterior will make a great first impression.
Once inside, build a well-designed interior environment. Select comfortable yet stylish furniture, provide appropriate storage for belongings, and aim for a clean and modern style.
A vacation rental should feel like an oasis, with a style that appeals to your target audience. For families, have beach chairs, umbrellas, and sand toys on hand. For remote workers, ensure reliable high-speed Wi-Fi and an ergonomic workspace. Focusing on comfort, functionality, and personalization makes for a five-star experience.
Create a Sense of Place
Here are some tips for creating a comfortable place for your tenants:
Reflect the Location in the Decor
Include artwork, photography, or crafts by local artists to bring a taste of the region into the space. Use local area rugs, pillows, blankets, and other accents featuring traditional regional patterns and textiles. Provide books on local history and guidebooks to nearby attractions. Find furniture and decor from local crafters.
Stock the Kitchen with Local Flavor
Offer food and snacks that are unique to your area — local coffee roasts, craft beers, baked goods, and spices. Include menus from favorite neighborhood restaurants, so guests can easily sample the local cuisine. Provide bags, bottles, and other gear to pack picnics with local treats.
Inform Guests of Nearby Activities
Offer brochures for area attractions like museums, galleries, festivals, and parks. Have hiking trail maps on hand for exploring the outdoors. Share insider tips on hidden gems only locals know about. List your favorite local hangouts, shops, and cafeterias.
Focus on High-Impact Touches
Big statements like an accent wall or a large piece of art can define the aesthetics. Add pops of color and texture with pillows, blankets, and rugs. Fill the environment with scents like fresh flowers, aromatic plants, candles, or diffusers. Include high-quality bedding and towels.
Lighting Sets the Mood
Use layers of illumination — natural light during the day and lamps at night. Install dimmers for flexibility. Place lighting to accent decor and highlight gathering areas. Provide flashlights for power outages.
Get the Basics Right
Ensure furniture is comfortable and sized appropriately. Beds and sofas should be high-quality. Add extra pillows and blankets. Mirror placement should be practical. Clean thoroughly between guests.
Technologies for Seamless Stays
Smart technologies can help simplify operations and improve the guest experience. Smart locks allow for easy digital access without the hassle of picking up keys.
Guest-controlled thermostats let visitors set their preferred temperature. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa provide added convenience by allowing guests to get information or make requests by voice command. Use smart bulbs to schedule and automate lighting.
Ensuring prompt and effective communication is important. Multiple contact options like phone, text, and email give guests different channels to get assistance if needed. Promptly responding to any inquiries demonstrates you value their time and comfort.
Bottom Line
Vacation rentals require time and effort to set up. By combining attention to detail, modern technology, and communication, you can create an experience for your tenants worth recommending and coming back to.
