When it comes to renting your holiday home, don’t cut corners. Making sure your home and furnishings are relaxing and inviting will amplify the guest experience, but proper preparation is the best way to impress your guests. As an owner of a holiday rental, you know how much work goes into maintaining your property, but you also know your investment is paying off when you see guests enjoying themselves in your beautiful accommodation. The following are a few top tips for holiday rental owners.
Update your description.
When guests book a holiday rental, one of the first things they look for is a description of the property. There are tonnes of websites out there that show rentals, but not every one of them is created equal, and your property’s description needs to be unique to stand out in search results. Make sure it’s accurate, so if anything has changed, your guests don’t end up disappointed if it’s not as advertised.
Use clear photos.
Clear photos can help to ensure your property stands out in a crowded marketplace. When listing your rental online, new, well-lit photos can make the property stand out. Don’t be tempted to use a wide-angle lens to make your property appear bigger – guests will feel cheated when they arrive only to find things are much smaller than they looked.
Make the visit memorable.
One of the most important aspects of listing a rental is making it feel welcoming and comfortable to renters. It should feel like a home away from home, so consider leaving a welcome note and some homemade baked goods as an affordable gift. If you know your guests are celebrating a special occasion, fresh flowers on a table and petals on the bed can make the experience even more memorable.
Work on your property’s interior design.
When you own a rental property, it can be tempting to input your personal tastes in the design. It’s important to remember, however, that your taste might not be to everyone’s liking. Understandably, you don’t want to make your property so neutral it could only be described as beige, but it is possible to make the décor neutral in a chic way. Steer away from clutter and focus on solid pieces of furniture and good lighting. These three things can go a long way to improving the aesthetics!
Maintain your outdoor area.
The outdoor approach to your property, whether this is a driveway, front garden, or just a pavement makes a huge first impression on your guests. If the outdoor area is littered, dirty, or overgrown, nobody is going to want to stay on your property. If you’re not much of a gardener, just a few potted plants can dramatically improve things, and always make sure pathways are safe and accessible.
Clean every corner.
There is nothing more disgusting than finding someone else’s hair in the sink. Similarly, a greasy kitchen can really put guests off your property, whilst dirty floors are never a good look, especially if guests want to walk around barefoot. Your property should be spotless from top to bottom, including under furniture. You never know where guests might end up looking, so you don’t want to leave them any nasty surprises.
Leave a detailed manual.
One of the essential rental tips for owners is to leave a detailed manual. This is incredibly useful for operating kitchen appliances like the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, which guests may otherwise be confused about. You can also give tips on local places to eat and visit, which most guests will appreciate.
Add some luxury items.
A posh soap and soft towels can make a big difference in the eyes of your guests. Even something as simple as a bathrobe will improve your reviews, whilst a free bottle of champagne can set you apart from similar properties in your area.
Respond to reviews.
Don’t forget to reply to all the reviews left on your profile page. It will help potential guests see you’re an attentive host and will build trust with people unsure about whether staying with you is a good idea or not.
Set your goals.
Setting goals is one of the most productive things you can do for your rental property. Setting goals will set the stage for a successful holiday season. Your goals will define your expectations, which is the only way you will be able to measure your accomplishments and keep your finances in check.
All holiday rental owners want their rental property to be a success. However, there can be many hurdles along the way. Having the right plan in place is essential for owners who want to maximize the revenue generated from their property, but hopefully, the tips above will also help.
