There are some obvious reasons people want to book a short-term rental over a hotel. So, it’s not surprising that more and more people choose to do so. People love so many of the amenities and comforts that a short-term rental has to offer. They also tend to prefer the price point per square footage that they receive. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the reasons people choose to go this route and how you, as the property owner, can maximize these appealing factors.
It offers more privacy.
Most people who book a short-term rental want a little privacy. Hotels can feel less private because of all the other guests in the building. You have to share elevators with them, pass them along the hallways, share the business center, etc. You even have to hear them through your walls when you’re trying to sleep. Some guests are not quiet, nor are they respectful of your privacy. However, there are fewer people to contend with in a short-term rental.
You can maximize this offering by ensuring that you respect their privacy. Allow tenants a self-check-in option. Don’t use cameras in any interior spaces. If you have video cameras on the exterior, make sure that guests are aware. If you have more than one rental on the property, make sure the walls are soundproof and consider initiating quiet hours.
It feels cleaner.
When you think of a hotel, you may think of all of the people who stayed there before. You may also wonder how clean those rooms get after each stay. Hotels can have quick turnovers and can sometimes feel less clean. However, people are often more comfortable staying in a short-term rental because they expect a lot of care and attention.
Since guests are looking for cleanliness in your property, make sure you take this seriously. Give your property thorough cleanings, so guests continue to come back and give you raving reviews.
It makes traveling with a pet easier.
Some guests choose short-term rental properties over hotels because they want to travel with their pets. While some hotels/motels allow this, the room accommodations are typically smaller and less suited for pets. Short-term rentals that allow pets tend to have more options. The space is typically larger and often includes an outdoor area. Overall, this can be more pleasing for guests traveling with pets.
If your short-term rental allows pets, consider ways you can make your property even more enticing. For example, create a nice area for guests to take their dogs outside for a walk, mention nearby dog parks and pet stores. You can also add pet treats to a gift basket (and maybe a gift card to a local pet shop).
It’s usually larger than a hotel room.
There are lots of people who choose a short-term rental because they want more space. Maybe they’re traveling with family or friends. On the other hand, they may just like larger accommodations.
No matter what size your rental is, maximize this by carefully considering how you decorate and furnish the place. Even consider your paint colors. If it’s a smaller space, you may be better off painting the walls white to give it a larger feel and staying away from oversized furniture. If it’s a larger space, make sure to mention it in your listing. Let people know what all they’ll be getting when they rent your property.
It’s a cost-savings.
Overall, staying in a short-term rental allows guests to get more for their money. This is an easy one to maximize on. Be descriptive in your listing. Let guests know the amenities, rooms and more that your property offers. You can also offer deals for multiple-night stays or off-season rates. Consider ways you can give guests more for their money while also staying within your budget.
It’s more personal.
A hotel doesn’t feel personal. Most of the rooms tend to look alike. However, a short-term rental can feel very personal. There might be unique artwork on the walls or a theme. Make it even more personal by leaving them a handwritten note in the rental to welcome them. Create a beautiful gift basket for them. And, offer up some recommendations for local places to visit.
It allows people to act like a local.
Many people just want to know what it feels like to live in the area. When they stay in a short-term rental, they have a better chance to feel this way. Take this a step further by offering them a local guide of the best places to visit and leaving a gift basket in their room with many local favorites (and maybe a few gift cards or coupons to local shops and eateries).
It offers the comforts of home.
This is a big reason people choose to stay in short-term rentals instead of hotels. They want the comforts of home. That means they still want to sit down on a comfy couch and stream their favorite shows in the evening or on rainy days. They want to cook up their favorite treats or store some necessities in the fridge for later.
It’s essential to ensure your short-term rental offers the comforts they want. Offer your guests the basic needs for the kitchen like cookware, dishes, glasses, etc. Consider going one step further by providing water bottles, coffee, tea, spices, sugar, artificial sweeteners and more. Make sure your living room has entertainment options like a big screen TV, cable and streaming options, board games, books, etc. Ensure they have a comfy bed to sleep in and think about adding end tables with USB chargers for their mobile devices.
There are plenty of ways you can maximize on all reasons guests tend to choose short-term rentals over hotels. We hope this list helped you brainstorm.
If you’re looking for help managing your short-term rental or for more ideas on how to get the most out of your investment, please reach out to us at PMI. Visit our website https://www.propertymanagementinc.com/
