“I’m back for business!”
That’s what all business owners want to hear this year. As the COVID-19 trilogy is complete, we’re ready to reclaim our lives and the businesses we’ve had before it all began. Of course, things will be different this time around. We have to be more careful than ever to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
This implies that vacation rental property owners must not only focus on making their property stand out from their competitors. They must take extra steps to ensure the safety and convenience of their guests.
So what does this mean for vacation rental owners?
It means that they must ensure that their facilities and features are up to date with the demands and characteristics of today’s travelers. Of course, you can’t possibly anticipate everything your guests might need.
Take a look at some of these features you should consider adding to your vacation rental property this year if you plan to reopen.
1) Amenities for tech-savvy guests
With work-from-home and remote learning being the new norm, many people have had to invest in tech gear and gadgets to stay connected and productive. As a result, vacation rental properties should also offer amenities that cater to tech-savvy guests. This could include things like:
- Wi-Fi access throughout the property
- Laptops or tablets for guests to use during their stay
- A charging station with multiple outlets
- A printer and scanner
2) Self-check-in/out options
Confronted with the potential COVID-19 resurgence, many businesses are rethinking how they operate to limit contact and protect guests and staff. One of the best ways to limit contact is by offering self-check-in/out options.
This could be as simple as placing a keyless entry system on the property or providing a digital key via a guest’s smartphone. By allowing guests to self-check-in/out, you can minimize face-to-face contact and reduce the risk of transmission.
Additionally, self-check-in/out options are convenient for both guests and staff. It can help to streamline the check-in/out process.
3) Sanitation stations
Another way to help guests feel safe and comfortable during their stay is by providing sanitation stations throughout the property. You might want to include:
- Touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers
- Disinfectant wipes/paper towels
- Touch-free soap dispensers
Keeping our hands clean is essential to avoid spreading any illness or virus. Having sanitation stations readily available allows guests to easily clean and disinfect their hands and surfaces throughout the property. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
4) Plenty of kitchen linens and towels
One way to make your vacation rental property more inviting is by having plenty of kitchen linens and towels available for guests. This includes:
- Dish towels
- Rags
- Pot holders
- Oven mitts
- Tablecloths
- Hand towels
- Washcloths
Not only do these items make your property more functional, but they also give guests the impression that you care about their comfort and convenience.
Be sure to wash all linens and towels in hot water with soap before guests arrive. You may also want to consider hiring table linen rental services to minimize the laundry you must do before and after your guest’s vacation. This will guarantee that your kitchen linens are clean, fresh, and ready for the next tenants to use at all times.
5) Outdoor space
If your vacation rental property has an outdoor area, take advantage of it! Adding features like patio furniture, a grill, and/or a fire pit can make your property more inviting and enjoyable for guests.
These features will give guests more space to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and they can also be used as an additional revenue stream. For example, you could charge a small fee for guests to use the fire pit or grill.
6) Amenities for leisure and convenience
Many travelers rely on technology to stay connected and entertained while on vacation. As a result, it’s essential to ensure your vacation rental property is equipped with the appliances and tech amenities that guests need. This could include things like:
- An HDTV/wall projector with cable or streaming capabilities will be appreciated by renters who wish to spend a night watching their favorite movies.
- Game consoles will be a big hit for families with kids who love to play Xbox or PlayStation.
- Coffee bar: A coffee maker, mugs, and a variety of coffee pods may be used to create a tiny coffee station in the kitchen or living room. Consider offering a grinder with whole beans on hand. For those who value simplicity, there are French press coffee makers or percolators.
Consider investing in some of these critical features to make your vacation rental property stand out from the crowd. Doing so will make your visitors feel more at ease and persuade them to visit again.
You can set your property apart from the competition and increase bookings.
So, what amenities do you offer at your vacation rental?
