Vacation rentals serve as a temporary home for people visiting another city or country. They have become a popular alternative to hotels because they:
- Offer enhanced privacy for guests
- Come with lower nightly prices than some hotels
- Help guests cook at home for healthier and more affordable dining
- Allow guests to experience destinations like a local.
How well a property delivers these can determine whether a one-time guest becomes someone who returns in the future. This can be achieved if the property reflects its location, the kind of property being offered and the type of guests targeted. So, if you are looking for the best property investment, here are amenities you should look for or consider adding:
1. Modern Kitchen
Today, many modern kitchens have open plans. However, open-plan kitchens are excellent if the property design already includes it. If it doesn’t, you can look for or add modern appliances and cabinetry to achieve that state-of-the-art look. Keep in mind that having something new is not the highest requirement. So long as appliances and furniture are maintained well and are in good working order, you are all set for a fantastic offering.
Also, consider a kitchen designed for luxury. There are staging tips online that can help you make your vacation rental appealing in photos and real life. Never forget to check the stocks in the kitchen as well. If the goal is to make a vacationer feel at home, the fridge should be filled with items to cook, roast or bake. It should feel like someone is regularly living in it.
There should be enough glassware, tools and beverages to match the house’s sleeping capacity – ideally, double that number. Also include non-breakable options for pool and outdoor use (and for families bringing kids).
2. 24 Hour Check-In
One thing hotels have that most people find inconvenient is a fixed check-in time with the reception. Since travelers usually don’t have total control over their arrival time, they would appreciate a more flexible check-in time so they can rest up as soon as they arrive – even if it’s very late at night.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to be available all day and all night for your vacation rental. The trick is to set up an automated check-in system that allows keyless entry, lockbox access and other services that offer guests more freedom with their check-in time.
3. Speedy and Reliable WiFi
This is a need in almost any lodging these days and vacation rentals are no exception. Unless you intend to make your vacation rental a place that lets people stay off-grid, away from technology and to just disconnect, a fast and reliable WiFi service should already be included in the price.
Regardless if you are targeting business travelers or vacationers, fast Internet can make or break the chances of your property getting booked. And, of course, it affects the impression the experience will leave with them as well. It’s hard to go anywhere without fast Internet in the modern age.
4. Pet-Friendly Facilities
Pet parents find it difficult to leave their furry babies behind. They may not even enjoy their vacation much if they do. This is another area where vacation rentals have the upper hand. If you allow pets in your property, you could go the extra mile and include pet amenities in the vacation deal.
This can come in the form of pet food bowls ready for use or stocking up a few treats for your furry guests. Pet owners will also appreciate access to pet food delivery and other animal care services so much. These attentive gestures are definitely worth mentioning in a review of the amenities later.
5. Toiletries
All decent hotels have travel-sized toiletries in their bathrooms, so why shouldn’t a vacation rental? Guests expect to find such amenities in hotels, but if they see these in a vacation rental, they will definitely be blown away.
Of course, there is still room to level it up with a few extra things. This can come as shampoo and soap dispensers mounted on the shower wall, a complete oral hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash), and even some spa-like offerings like essential oils, bath bombs and bath salts.
6. Sleep Amenities
Although most vacationers will be up and about during most of their vacation or business travel, the quality of sleep they get during their stay matters most. How well-rested they are will affect their impression of the property, which also determines whether they return or recommend it.
A great way to achieve this is by investing in good quality linen. Although investors don’t need to break the bank with expensive linen, ones that wash well and last a long time can provide more return on investment.
Besides providing fluffy pillows and layering sheets, guests will also appreciate some added sleep supplies like single-use earplugs and masks. Many people also find it difficult to catch some Zs in a brightly lit room, so blackout curtains or blinds are must-haves if you have light coming in. Alarm clocks and white noise players also help boost quality of sleep.
7. Air Conditioning
Air conditioning should be a given, especially in properties located in places with warm weather. Air conditioning in bedrooms provides added comfort that also supports better sleep. You can also have a centralised AC to keep your guests cool all day should they choose to remain indoors.
8. Cleaning and Laundry Facilities
Even if they don’t use it, seeing cleaning and laundry features stocked and ready for usage will impress guests with a vacation rental property. When adding cleaning supplies, put these where the guests can easily spot them.
Besides offering ease of access to these items, this will also encourage them to clean the premises and maintain it like their own home. This is useful for owners who don’t get much help in property upkeep. Washers and dryers are also necessary. These are useful not only for emergencies but also in enticing renters to extend their stay on the property.
Provide Guests the Ideal Vacation Experience
The best vacation rental offers everything a guest could ever need – be it a modern kitchen, complete toiletries and a comfortable sleeping environment. Going the extra mile with these amenities makes for a wonderful stay and will make your vacation rental the best among the rest.
Interested in investing in a potential vacation rental property? Check out the mortgage interest calculator for financing assistance and solutions available for you to access the most in-demand properties in your area.
