7 Tips for Designing a Successful Vacation Rental
Over the past several years, vacation rentals have surged in popularity. Travelers love the charm and comfort of staying in a home instead of a hotel, and more hosts keep popping up to meet the demand. The US vacation rentals industry is projected to reach $17 billion in revenue in 2022 and keep climbing toward $20 billion by 2026.
Done right, a vacation rental can pay your mortgage, generate extra income, and maybe even lead to some new friends. In this article we’ll discuss some of the essential considerations for creating a successful rental home. Here we go!
How to host a vacation rental that generates income and positive reviews.
Do some research in your area.
Whether you’re planning to offer a vacation rental because you love to host or because you want to make some extra money, it’s going to be a big investment. A little research up front can go a long way to helping you create a successful stay and make the most of your time and money.
Start off by browsing popular vacation rental websites like AirBnb, VRBO, and Booking.com to see what’s being offered in your area. Which properties are almost always booked and what do they have in common? Do you notice if certain types of homes or amenities are lacking in your city? How can you offer something that meets the wants and needs of visitors traveling to your area? And finally, how can you price your rental appropriately considering the comparable options?
Decide whom you want to host.
Any thoughtful offering begins with an important question: Who is this for?
To set your vacation home up for success, spend some time thinking about the kinds of travelers you want to host. Do you want to create a simple space for travelers on a budget or go all out creating a luxury stay? Would you like to accommodate a couple people at a time or offer a place for larger groups?
Once you get clear about who you want to host and the kind of stay you want to offer, you can move into creating your vision for the space. You might even make a mood board on Pinterest or a similar platform to gather ideas and see how they look together. Don’t start shopping for home goods and decor until you know how you want it to come together!
Create a memorable experience.
Put yourself in the shoes of your visitor. How do you want them to feel in your space? What will make them feel welcome and remember their stay? Walk through the whole experience—from arriving at your doorstep to checking out. What will get them smiling in the first few minutes of their arrival? Maybe a well-designed entryway? A handbook with recommendations for where to eat and explore the city? Some cold drinks available in the fridge?
Ensure a smooth check-in.
If you’ve ever stood outside the door of your BnB, tired from traveling, holding your suitcase, and trying to figure out how to get into the house, then you know how important a seamless check-in experience is. Make the check-in details easy to find on your listing and go the extra step of messaging your guest with simple instructions for arrival.
Don’t skimp on amenities.
Never underestimate the charm of a coffee maker and some fresh tea and coffee on the countertop. Have plenty of clean towels, and stock the shower with shampoo, conditioner and soap that smell amazing.
Make sure the kitchen has cooking essentials in case your guests want to make their own meals. One of the top reasons people choose vacation rentals over hotels is access to a kitchen, so make sure it’s ready for some action.
Many travelers will also appreciate an iron for their clothes and a hair dryer, since these essentials aren’t the most practical items to pack in a suitcase. If you really want to go the extra mile, you might even include a washer and dryer—especially if your visitors will be staying a long time or doing outdoor activities that get messy.
Include personal details.
Personal details often get skipped in vacation rentals, which is too bad because they make all the difference. Oftentimes people choose to stay at BnBs instead of hotels because they want to experience real life and get a sense of the local culture.
A few pieces of meaningful art, some interesting dishes, and other details like fresh flowers, a cool rug, and objects that celebrate the local culture will ground your guests into the place they’re visiting and make them feel more at home.
Take amazing photos.
It might seem simple, but the difference between a lackluster listing and one that gets attention can truly come down to the photography.
When people are searching online for a place to stay, all they have to make their important decision are photos, your description, and reviews from guests. If your rental is brand new and thus lacks reviews, then your photos really need to shine.
Take photos during an hour when the light in your space looks amazing. Present the home as it really looks, highlighting special details and showing every room so folks can imagine themselves in your space. Vacasa offers a great guide with tips for photographing your vacation rental.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, a successful vacation home makes guests want to tell their friends about it and to come back next time they visit. If you really put some planning and thoughtfulness into the space you create, you will end up with a rental that gets booked often, generates income, and leads to great reviews.
We hope you have fun designing your vacation home and meet many interesting people as you host for years to come!