There are many different ways to go about increasing bookings for a vacation rental property. You can adjust rates to suit the market, revamp your listing with better photos and descriptions, and of course: make sure that the property is kept as clean as possible at all times.
If you are able, you may opt to make more significant adjustments and upgrades to existing spaces in your property. A great way to increase rental appeal is to set up some feature rooms.
A “feature room” isn’t anything specific. However, many people recognize that a standout room here or there can make a big impression on your vacation rental property and its potential guests. If it’s something unique, fun, or even useful, it may just be the feature that puts one property ahead of the rest in a guest’s online search.
With that said, we’re going to look at a few examples of rooms you can set up with relative ease, as well as some touches you can add to make them stand out.
1) Home Cinema
One of the most assured ways to impress prospective guests browsing vacation rental properties online is to create an inviting home cinema.
Granted, this idea is certainly a bit of an investment. A good home cinema will have dark walls, comfortable recliner chairs, and a big-screen TV. If you want to take things a few steps further, you might also consider surround sound, a projector, and structures that help tier recliners in a miniature stadium seating imitation. Even a more basic version of all of this will help your listing stand out.
There are many ways to help create the perfect space, but a simple and affordable option is to stock up on décor. Choosing a few of the best movie posters from history, having them framed, and hanging them on the walls can turn this from a room with a large TV and cozy seats into a legitimate home cinema.
2) Billiards/Pool Room
Many homeowners love the idea of having a room devoted to games of one kind or another, but most don’t get around to building these rooms into their own homes.
By creating this unique space in your vacation rental property, you can really be catering to a fun desire or idea some prospective guests have been dreaming of in their own homes. And while a gaming room can be a lot of things (we’ll cover another example up next), few can top a well-designed billiards room.
This can be a fairly simple environment consisting of a nice billiards or pool table, a rack on the wall for equipment, and enough space for people to move around the table and play the game. Really, the table does most of the work, both functionally and in terms of attracting attention to your listing.
Ready to really take this room to the next level?
Consider installing a bar. Guests will likely enjoy the opportunity to play some billiards regardless, but they’ll enjoy it all the more if they can also hang out at an indoor bar in between games.
3) Poker Den
Sticking with the idea of a gaming room, setting up a poker den can really be as simple or as involved as you want to make it.
On one end of the spectrum, you can transform this space by simply using a poker table topper and a deck of cards. Be sure to include details in your property listing that the room can easily be converted for gaming.
If you really want to make an impression, you can invest in a more permanent table, comfortable chairs, and nice chips and cards. Like the billiards room, a poker den would also benefit from a home bar and help take this room to the next level.
Remember, the idea is to create a feature room that most people won’t already have in their own homes. A dedicated space for a late-night poker game while on vacation may just do the trick.
Want to elevate this room even more? A nice touch may be to draw up some poker basics in a visually appealing way. Get creative; think rustic chalkboard or a framed plaque. For guests eager to play but lack the understanding of the rules, this will help them jump right in.
Consider Texas Hold’em basics, general poker terms, like Omaha, and anything else that you feel may be helpful to learn the game. It will complete the room and provide valuable assistance to your guests.
4) Home Office
A home office may not be meant for entertainment the same way a home cinema or a poker den may be. However, a well-designed and well-furnished office space is still an appealing feature. More people are working remotely than ever before, and some are seeking vacation rentals from which to do so.
A home office space will stand out fairly well on its own. However, you can add some extra appeal by prioritizing your office lighting.
An office that gets plenty of natural light is often preferred. If this isn’t an option, you can equip the room with smart lighting and show images of different brightness and color settings. People appreciate having control over their workspace, and this is a good way to give it to them.
Elevate Your Vacation Rental
Whether you choose to incorporate one or more of these rooms into your property, you will ultimately add value to your listing.
More than ever, guests of all ages are on the hunt for unique experiences. Don’t forget to include this updated content on your booking sites to promote your property’s unique features to its fullest – whether through amenities or a feature room.
