How Special Enhancements Can Improve Your Vacation Rental Guests' Experience
Recently, my family and I took a vacation at Blue Mountain Beach, located on the 30a highway in Florida. We've visited the area for a few years now and have grown to love the friendly locals, stunning beaches, and laid-back atmosphere of the small communities that make up the region. During our stays, we have been consistently impressed with the exceptional guest experiences provided by the vacation rental owners. From their attention to detail to their extra amenities, they have truly prioritized our needs and made our stays effortless.
This vacation reminded me of the importance of prioritizing guest experience for vacation rental businesses. In the hospitality industry, guests are the top priority, and a guest-centric experience means putting their needs and wants at the forefront of every decision.
Prioritizing guest experience in vacation rentals can benefit the property in many ways, including:
Repeat business: Satisfied guests are more likely to return to the same hotel or recommend it to others.
Positive reviews: Happy guests are more likely to leave positive reviews, which can drive more business to the hotel.
Competitive advantage: Offering a guest-centric experience can set a hotel apart from the competition.
Increased revenue: Happy guests are more likely to spend money on amenities and services offered by the hotel.
Going the extra mile to provide exceptional service can create a memorable experience that encourages guests to return or refer others to the business.
As a vacation rental owner, there are several ways to prioritize and enhance the guest experience, including:
Personalization: Guests appreciate when their stay feels personalized to their needs and preferences. Consider offering personalized recommendations for local activities or restaurants based on their interests or dietary restrictions. If you know they are celebrating a birthday, leave them a small gift or note.
Communication: Clear and timely communication can help ensure a positive guest experience by providing important information about check-in procedures, amenities, and local attractions. It should be easy for a guest to communicate with you when booking and during their stay.
Cleanliness: Hiring a professional cleaning service can ensure that the rental property is in top condition for each guest and make their stay more enjoyable.
Comfort: Equipping the rental property with comfortable bedding, furniture, and amenities can help guests feel at home during their stay.
Feedback: Encouraging guests to leave feedback about their experience can help vacation rental owners make necessary improvements to enhance the guest experience for future guests.
Support the Guest in the Planning Process:
Another way to enhance the guest experience is by providing helpful information before their arrival. Consider adding blog posts or a library of helpful information on your vacation rental website or marketplace listings. This could include tips on local attractions, interesting facts about the area, and important information about the rental property itself. By providing this information, you can help your guests have a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation.
Additional ideas to make trip planning easier for your guests:
Itinerary ideas that cater to their interests.
Packing tips: include items that are provided, comfortable items they may want, and extras that would come in handy.
Add a customizable playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.
Recommended road trip stops.
Vacation meal suggestions: restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, and local recipes for you to try.
Recommendations for local resources: the visitor center, grocery stores, pharmacies, retailers, local events, specialty shops, rainy day activities, and nature exploring must-sees.
Warnings and tips on how to prepare, such as weather notes (ex: it cools down in the evening significantly), beach flag descriptions, or wildlife in the area and what to do if you encounter them.
If pets are allowed, add a list of supplies provided and fun things to do with your furry friend. If pets are not allowed, suggestions for local boarding places or pet sitters.
Providing a Warm Welcome to Your Guests Upon Arrival
Consider adding special touches to the rental property, such as personalized notes or welcome letters, a basket of snacks or refreshments, and fresh flowers. Leaving a printed list of local attractions and recommendations for dining and entertainment, a basket of toiletries and travel-size essentials, and a map of the area can also help make guests feel welcome.
Here are some more ideas to consider:
Leave a small gift or souvenir as a token of appreciation for their stay.
Complimentary 1st-day breakfast or beverage service.
Local Coupons or Specials
Inviting smells and sounds
Clear instructions on how everything works (ex: fireplace, grill, etc.)
Playful options
Variety of games to play
Trivia of the area
S’mores kits
Nature scavenger hunt printout
Relaxation enhancers
Puzzles
Binoculars for bird watching
Surround sound for music
Sound machine
Books or magazines to read
Visitor Journals
Cozy elements
Fluffy towels
Extra pillows
Robes
Outdoor blankets for the bonfire or beach
Elements of nature placed throughout (ex: seashells, stones, driftwood, flowers, etc.)
Adventure and/or outdoor activities or toys
Snowshoes
Pool toys
Beach gear
Folding hiking poles
Kayak or paddleboards
Headlamps or lanterns
It's the little things that make an experience memorable, and by providing exceptional service that exceeds guests' expectations, vacation rental owners can establish a loyal customer base and stand out in the competitive vacation rental market. By making a conscious effort to prioritize the needs of guests, a vacation rental can establish a reputation for excellence and ensure long-term success.
If you are looking to enhance your guest experience either on your website or at your property, I would love to talk through options with you.
