As you may know, guest experience is everything when it comes to building a thriving property rental revenue stream. A great experience leads to satisfied guests, which leads to high reviews and more bookings. Give your guests an exceptional experience, and you may even snag repeat bookings!
Several elements impact guest experience, but one that many property owners overlook is property amenities.
Vacation Rental Amenities can make the difference between an "ok" stay and a "wow!" stay.
In other words, amenities can be the missing link to the valuable 5-star review.
So, what kinds of amenities are vacationers looking for? Here are the top 10 you need to implement in your vacation rental to make your guests feel cared for and comfortable:
1. 24-hour check-in
Vacation home guests don't want to worry about being tied to any schedule other than their own - they are on vacation! Removing check in windows gives your guests freedom to check in on their own time whether out of preference or necessity - sometimes things go wrong in travel and make schedules shift.
Providing 24-hour check-in doesn't mean that you need to be available 24 hours a day; you just need to set up some sort of remote or automated check in system. Lockboxes, keyless entries, or outsourcing to a property management company are some great ways to provide flexible check in for your guests without infringing on your time - and make an excellent first impression!
2. Fast and convenient WiFi
We are in an extremely digital age, and that means that fast Wifi is seen not as a commodity, but rather a necessity. Whether it's for work or play, vacation home renters will expect a quality internet connection, so much so that the lack of easily accessible wifi could result in fewer bookings and more negative reviews.
3. Electrical adapters and chargers
Most seasoned travelers will carry chargers with them, but many times, an outlet adapter is not thought of when traveling to a different country! Plus, if a charger is forgotten, it can really put a damper on a vacation. Having a reserve of various chargers as well as outlet adapters could make you the vacation hero.
4. Landline phone
While it may sound odd, many guests report appreciating having access to a landline phone while on vacation. Some may not be comfortable with newer technology, or your vacation home may be in a pocket with poor cell service. Whatever the reason, you can make quite the impression by providing a landline for your guests. For an extra bump in vacation rental amenities value, include a list of popular take-out restaurants in the area - just make sure to include a "local calls only" clause in your booking contract.
5. Tea, coffee, and cooking essentials
While many guests choose the vacation home route over a hotel for access to a kitchen, it's inconvenient to have to hit the store before being able to take a load off. Providing things like tea, coffee, sugar, and other pantry staples can allow your guests to put their feet up and enjoy a cuppa right when they arrive. To go the extra mile, you can coordinate with them in advance to stock the fridge and pantry with things they would like (or hire someone to do it for you). You can give the extra convenience and "wow factor" by having their fridge and pantry ready without worrying about food allergies or preferences.
6. Vacation rental toiletries
When guests check into a hotel, they expect to find complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. For some reason, they don't have the same expectation when using a vacation home. That means that just providing the basics of bathroom essentials is already going to put you above the competition, such as:
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap/body wash
Mouthwash
You can provide travel sizes, or install dispensers in the shower that you can fill with larger bottles.
7. Local maps, guidebooks, and recommendations
One of the main reasons travelers opt for a vacation home over a hotel is so they can have a more authentic local experience - live in the neighborhoods, shop at the stores, and see what life in your city is like for residents. Put together a binder of local maps, guide books, and recommendations of your favorite spots in your city.
8. A complimentary welcome basket
Everyone likes a gift basket, and even more when it's free! This doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor, but a small basket of items from local vendors, snacks, coupons, or other goodies can make a wonderful impression on your guests. Get creative with it!
9. Transfers and tours
We all know the logistics of planning a vacation can be a nightmare. Using completely separate vendors for transportation, lodging, local tours and excursions, and everything else can be a pain to keep track of. You can help alleviate that pain point for your guests by partnering with companies you trust and offer service add-ons when they book with you.
10. Office supplies
The rise of remote work has allowed people to experience the world without using vacation days. Many people who live life as digital nomads move around the world, working in each place they find themselves. As such, they are looking for vacation rentals that offer office amenities. A spacious desk outfitted with a comfortable chair, pens, paper, chargers, and even a printer or computer monitor can give those on a "workcation" a great place to focus and work quickly so they can enjoy their time in your city.
Implementing these vacation rental amenities into your property can make a huge difference in your bottom line.
While these amenities may seem small, they are what will make your rental property feel more like home to your guests, which is exactly the feeling that spurs guests on to recommending your specific property, or even returning themselves! If you want to implement an amenities protocol at your vacation rental property, but don't want to do it yourself, we are here to help! Contact us for package information.
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