Are you thinking about turning your home into a vacation rental? With the booming sharing economy, now is a great time to start. According to recent studies, the vacation rental market is expected to grow by 3.8% annually through 2025. This means that there are more vacationers than ever looking for unique, comfortable places to stay.
But before you list your property on Airbnb, you should do a few things to ensure your rental feels cozy and inviting. Keep reading for our top tips on how to build a vacation home rental that feels like home.
1. Start with the basics.
Make sure your rental has all the amenities guests need, including fresh linens, toiletries, and plenty of towels. A fully stocked kitchen is also a must—no one wants to go on vacation and have to go out to eat every meal. Many vacationers also appreciate having a washer and dryer on-site, so they can pack light and do laundry during their stay.
Depending on your property, you may also want to consider adding extras like a hot tub, pool, or home gym. These amenities can help your rental stand out from the competition and make it more attractive to potential guests. But these amenities must be built securely, so you need to work with professional real estate developers who can ensure they’re up to code. Because these amenities can be expensive to install, research the vacation rental market in your area to see if they’re worth the investment.
2. Add some personal touches.
Once the basics are covered, it’s time to add some personal touches to make your rental feel like home. Hang some artwork on the walls, put out fresh flowers or candles, and add a few books or magazines for guests to enjoy. People want to feel like they’re staying in a home, not a hotel room, so anything you can do to make your rental more comfortable and inviting will go a long way.
But you should only add personal touches if they won’t interfere with the functionality of your rental. For example, if you have a strict no-pets policy, don’t put out bowls and beds for pets—this will just confuse and frustrate guests. You must also be careful with scented candles, as some people are allergic to them. Consider how your personal touches will affect your guests’ experience before you add them to your rental.
3. Make it comfortable.
In addition to making your rental look good, you also want to ensure it’s comfortable. This means investing in quality furniture and bedding. Your goal should be to make your rental so cozy that guests never want to leave! You may also want to provide some basic kitchen supplies, like coffee, tea, and sugar, so guests can make themselves at home as soon as they arrive.
Remember that comfort is not limited to the physical space—it also includes things like noise level and temperature. Provide earplugs for guests if your rental is located in a noisy area. And if your rental doesn’t have central heating or air conditioning, be sure to provide fans or space heaters so guests can adjust the temperature to their liking. You may also want to provide a portable air conditioner for guests who are sensitive to heat.
4. Pay attention to the details.
The little things can make a big difference in making your rental feel like home. Be sure to pay attention to the details, such as stocking the pantry with snacks or leaving a basket of tourist information in the living room. When guests feel like you’ve thought of everything, they’ll be more likely to have a positive experience and want to come back.
Extend your hospitality beyond the rental itself by providing a list of your favorite local restaurants, attractions, and activities. You can also leave a welcome note for guests, thanking them for choosing your rental and offering any assistance they may need during their stay. These personal touches will show your guests that you care about their experience and want them to feel at home.
5. Don’t forget about technology.
In today’s world, technology is a must—even when you’re on vacation! Be sure to provide guests with access to Wi-Fi and include charging stations in each room. You might also want to consider investing in smart home devices, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, which can make life easier for guests while they’re staying with you.
If you’re thinking about turning your home into a vacation rental, these tips will help you get started on the right foot. Remember, the key is to focus on making your rental feel like home—cozy, comfortable, and full of personal touches. With just a little effort, you can create a vacation rental that will be in high demand all year round!
