Running a Rental Business

Know What Guests Look For in a Vacation Rental

Vacation rentals are a glorious boon to traveling families, and to the property owner who can cash in on their spending. By providing the home-like atmosphere that make people more relaxed, (the reason for a vacation…right?) there is an edge to hotel stays from being less expensive overall to families who may have special needs […]

By Amy Willard

Last updated: January 18, 2024

Vacation rentals are a glorious boon to traveling families, and to the property owner who can cash in on their spending.

By providing the home-like atmosphere that make people more relaxed, (the reason for a vacation…right?) there is an edge to hotel stays from being less expensive overall to families who may have special needs (dietary, allergies, space constraints, etc.). But there are things that guests look for universally, wherever they stay.

Pillows on bed. Photo by Nik Lanus on Unsplash.

Keep it Clean

“Clean” means different things to different people.  Some are strict, others are more lax.  I have personally stayed in places that I wouldn’t let my dog stay in for lack of another choice. 

If you’ve hired a separate vacation rental cleaning person/company, make sure they meet the standard you want, consistently.  There are two specific things that will make your guests immediately think your property isn’t cared for.

Visible hair, especially in the bathroom.  Though every human sheds hair (head and body), it is a common conclusion that if there is hair, the place isn’t clean.  Get every single hair out…vacuum every room.

Dust. It gathers especially under beds and lower horizontal surfaces like bottom shelves of end tables, baseboards, and remote corners.  Make it a habit with you or your cleaner(s) to get behind/under the furniture about once a month.  In dryer climates it may need to be more often.

Two woman smiling. Photo by Kirschner Amao on Unsplash.

Be Charming

One of the reasons folks choose a vacation rental property over a hotel is their charm.  They don’t all have the same bedspread covers, carpeting, or chairs.  Contribute to their experience.

  • Add unique decorations and wall hangings. 
  • Have one bedroom “designated” as a kids room…include books and games for children to dig into.  Kids love finding toys that are different than their own.  
  • Include some bubble-bath or other pampering goodies to the master bath.
  • Make a list of local restaurants and coffee shops they might want to visit.  Good food makes good memories
  • Make the yard/patio area inviting, even in winter.  Guests may want to come back!

Be Responsive

It’s safe to say most people will not be visible to you for the duration of their stay, but there are those that will need some hand-holding despite your best efforts to plan for their needs. 

Sometimes all it takes is some reassurance on your part to help them enjoy their trip.  Know that it’s not about you or your property…some people are just needy.

5-Star General

Getting those high ratings can sometimes mean some extra work, but people look for those first…and the number of ratings you have. They will also look, if you have them, at your low ratings.  Check for other tips on how to drive traffic to your property to keep it full and profitable.

This is first and foremost a people business. Your property is part of their experience, positive or negative.  The Golden Rule is a good place to start.

Amy Willard Avatar
Amy Willard , Amy Willard's knowledge in the vacation rental industry has allowed her write content focused towards aiding property managers in elevating their businesses.