Do you know the trend among millennials and Gen Z travelers?
Within these age groups, the preference for vacation rentals has grown from 28% in 2021 to 35% in 2022 and continues to rise. Thanks to online platforms with features like instant booking, the adoption of vacation rentals has accelerated.
Now, if you're planning to invest in or already own a second home in Steamboat Springs, CO, you may be wondering how to make your property stand out. Check out these vacation rental hosting tips to help you land fantastic reviews and more bookings.
Highlight Your Vacation Rental's Unique Features
Effective vacation rental marketing is one of the keys to your success as a host. If you're listing your property on popular vacation rental sites, remember that accommodation descriptions are among the first things potential guests will check out after photos.
However, writing compelling vacation rental descriptions can be challenging. To make the process easier, don't forget to:
- Include the property type and exact location
- Emphasize amenities such as fireplaces, Jacuzzis, etc.
- Spotlight aspects like nearby facilities, stunning views, and so on
- Use adjectives that help readers visualize the guest experience
It's also good to use certain keywords to make your listing more appealing. Imagine yourself as a guest and go for search terms they're likely to use when searching for vacation rentals.
Provide Clear Check-in Instructions
Veteran hosts owe much of their vacation rental success to being meticulous. An easy way to start doing that is to help your guests with a smooth arrival process.
Provide your guests with all the information they need before check-in. These include where they can park their car, how to locate your property, etc.
If your property is equipped with complicated locks, send a video with instructions to help them enter. For a more personal touch, you can show your guests around. However, if you're busy, a property manager can help your guests feel more comfortable during their short stay.
Other Vacation Rental Hosting Tips to Keep In Mind
Guests always appreciate a well-stocked rental. So, try to go above and beyond with essentials like toilet paper, towels, and toiletries. Many hosts also provide a welcome basket, as well as a binder with local activity recommendations.
To ensure stellar vacation rental reviews, ensure your property is spotlessly clean. How you communicate with guests can also impact your property's performance. You or a property manager should promptly respond to all guest inquiries and concerns.
Lastly, take time to respond to all reviews. One of the most common vacation rental mistakes hosts make is ignoring negative feedback. You can always thank guests for leaving reviews and use them to identify areas for improvement and implement the necessary changes.
Increase Bookings for Your Vacation Rental in Steamboat Springs
Now that you know some vacation rental hosting tips, do you need a partner to help you with property management?
PMI Steamboat has a proven business system that gives vacation rental property owners a market advantage. We are a full-service real estate asset management company with over 20 years of industry experience.
Contact us to learn more about our short-term property management services.
