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Top Amenities Guests Expect in Short-Term Vacation Rentals
If you’re managing or thinking about investing in a vacation rental, I get it — you want to maximize returns while giving guests an unforgettable experience. And the key? Offering the right amenities, ones that guests expect and love. Whether you own a beach house, a cozy cabin, or an urban escape, aligning your property’s amenities with your guests’ expectations will not only keep them coming back but also increase your rental’s overall value.
Let's think through what it takes to design a home that not only boosts your average nightly booking price but also maintains high occupancy rates. Now, let's delve into what guests seek based on their location and how you can customize your investment to meet those expectations.
Mountain Vacation Rentals: Making Nature Luxurious
If you’re managing a property in the mountains, you’re selling an escape into nature. And when guests book a stay here, they expect a blend of rustic and luxury.
Over half the homes we manage are in the North Georgia mountains, specifically in the Big Canoe community in Jasper, Georgia. We specialize in property management for mountain homes and cabins. Here’s what can set your mountain vacation rental apart:
Hot Tub: Imagine your guests coming back after a day of hiking or skiing, craving nothing more than a hot soak under the stars. Hot tubs aren’t just a perk in mountain properties — they’re almost a necessity.
Fire Pit: Think about how much a fire pit adds to the overall experience. Your guests will love gathering around, roasting marshmallows, and sharing stories. This small touch creates a memorable outdoor experience.
Fully-Equipped Kitchen: Many travelers prefer preparing their own meals, especially in remote locations. Offering a fully-stocked kitchen with modern appliances could be the deciding factor for guests looking for a home-away-from-home experience.
Outdoor Space: Patios and decks with mountain views create an irresistible appeal. Add some comfy seating, and you’ve turned a regular view into a selling point.
Wi-Fi: Don’t forget — even in nature, guests want to stay connected. Offering reliable Wi-Fi is critical, especially for longer stays or work-from-anywhere travelers.
By incorporating these features, you’re tapping into what mountain travelers want most: comfort, connection, and the ability to fully enjoy the great outdoors.
City Vacation Rentals: Modern Convenience Meets Comfort
Managing a city rental is a completely different ballgame. Here, guests are looking for convenience, style, and a touch of luxury. To cater to this audience, think about what business travelers, couples, or city explorers would expect during their stay:
Luxury Essentials: Here’s where quality matters. High-thread-count sheets, plush towels, and upscale toiletries go a long way in setting your rental apart from competitors. These small details make a huge impression on city travelers who are often looking for a high-end, boutique hotel feel in a rental.
High-Speed Wi-Fi: When your guests are in the city, they’re usually either working remotely or streaming their favorite shows after a long day of sightseeing. A fast, reliable internet connection is an absolute must.
Smart Home Features: Tech-savvy guests love smart locks, app-controlled thermostats, and keyless entry. Not only does this add convenience, but it also creates an elevated sense of security for your guests.
Proximity to Public Transport: While this isn’t a physical amenity, make sure you highlight how close your property is to public transit or popular city attractions. City renters often prioritize location, and being near the action is a huge plus.
Washer & Dryer: Longer stays, especially for business travelers or families, call for practical amenities like a washer and dryer. It’s a small but essential addition that can make your property more appealing for extended bookings.
Offering these amenities ensures that your guests have everything they need for a smooth, comfortable stay in the city, which means more five-star reviews and repeat bookings for your property, which adds up to more revenue!
Beach Vacation Rentals: Relaxation and Fun in the Sun
If your vacation rental is on the beach, the focus is on outdoor living and making the most of that oceanfront escape. Here’s what beachgoers expect and why these features can elevate your investment:
Private Pool: A private pool can be a game-changer for beach properties, offering guests a relaxing escape from the crowds while still enjoying the water. Pools are particularly attractive for families with young children or travelers who want a more private, controlled environment to unwind. At Prime Luxe Homes, we’ve seen that beach rentals with pools consistently receive higher bookings and longer stays, especially in warmer climates where pools are used year-round.
Beach Gear: Guests love convenience, so why not offer beach chairs, umbrellas, and even snorkeling equipment? This small investment can save your guests the hassle of renting or buying these items and will set your property apart. Guests love personal touches like this, and they tend to leave extensive five-star reviews listing your attention to detail and impeccable hospitality!
Outdoor Shower: After a day in the sand, having an outdoor shower is a game-changer. It’s practical and keeps your property cleaner.
BBQ Grill & Outdoor Dining: For many beach travelers, the ideal day ends with a barbecue. Offering a grill and a comfortable outdoor dining area gives your guests a chance to enjoy their meals with a view, enhancing their experience.
Air Conditioning: This might seem obvious, but it’s essential. Guests staying in hot, sunny destinations expect air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable.
Ocean View: If your property has any kind of view of the water, make sure you highlight it. Guests will often pay more for the view alone, even if it’s just from the deck or balcony.
Beach rentals are all about relaxation and convenience, so the more you can provide, the more you’ll stand out from the competition.
In the end, the key is understanding who your guests are and what will enhance their stay. When you deliver the right amenities, you’re not just providing a place to stay — you’re offering an experience that guests will remember and rave about. And that’s what keeps the bookings — and the returns on your investment — coming in strong.
At Prime Luxe Homes, we take the guesswork out of managing short-term vacation rentals. With our deep industry experience, in-house design expertise, and advanced technology, we don’t just manage properties — we optimize them for success. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing rental or are just getting started, we’ve got the tools, data, and insights to help you make the right choices.
Not only do we understand what amenities work for different types of vacation rentals, but we’re constantly analyzing what’s trending and why. From hot tubs to high-speed Wi-Fi, we know what features will make your rental stand out in a crowded market. Let us handle the details of your property management, so you can focus on the bigger picture — growing your investments!
Blog post by: Ashley Rosales Valverde, Owner and Designer
September 18th, 2024
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