Other than location, a clean and cozy rental property with all of the comforts of home, are what people talk about. The proper amenities at your vacation rental can make all the difference between a one time guest and one who comes year after year. Depending on the location of your property and the time of year people visit, amenities will differ from place to place. Make your vacation home stand out from the rest with these tips and tricks from your experts at Maine Street Property Management!
Create a memorable vacation experience for guests that will surely have them leaving you a great review!
SMART LOCKS
Make sure your property is suited with a smart lock system allowing your guests to check in after hours. Being able to supply your guests with a unique code offers flexibility and convenience as well as security. Certain locks even alert you when a tenant arrives, so you may reach out to welcome them.
INTERNET
Nowadays everyone is on their phones and laptops, even on vacation. In order to keep your guests happy and thriving the biggest necessity is fast wireless internet. Wifi is a make or break deal when people are viewing your vacation listing preparing to book their special getaway.
TV
After a long day out and about, guests are going to want to come back to a relaxing atmosphere with a TV. Family movie nights and quiet time for kids results in the need for television. If you have internet there is no need to offer an expensive cable package when you can simply purchase a streaming device for your guests viewing pleasure. You may offer your Netflix or Hulu accounts for them to use or have guests sign into their own- either way they will be happy to know the option is there.
GAMES
If your guests are planning a technology-free vacation it’s a good idea to have a plethora of games, puzzles, and books available for all ages. Crayons, a deck of cards, and some board games will do just fine. Keeping them together in a drawer or closet will keep things organized and clean in your home.
GUIDEBOOK
Your property, and the town it’s located in, may be a new experience to many guests. Supplying an organized binder explaining how your house works with wifi passwords, where to find the games, and rules around which items may be brought to the beach, will keep your rental home running smoothly. You can also include great restaurants, local farm stands, and easy parking options so your guests will know exactly what to do when they leave your house for the day.
WELCOME KIT
For some extra pizzazz, an arrangement of flowers or a basket of local goodies will leave a lasting impression. Some coffee, cookies, and/or a hand written card will add a personal touch that your guests will not forget. If your property allows dogs, you could also add a bag of dog treats to your welcome kit if you know your guests will be bringing their furry friend along.
Not all guests are going to want to eat out for all three meals a day while on vacation. Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and silverware are just the base of what your guests will need. Being able to cook with all of the necessary kitchen equipment is essential for their stay. Check out our suggestions below.
STEMWARE
Wine glasses and even champagne glasses will add an extra touch to your kitchen supplies. No one wants to have to purchase a bottle opener while on vacation so supplying all of the necessities is convenient and cost effective.
SMALL APPLIANCES & UTENSILS
A coffee maker, blender, and tea kettle are perfect starters. A set of sharp knives and mixing bowls along with mixing spoons and spatulas will help your guests get started in the kitchen. If you have a grill for guests to use at your property some tongs and a grill scraper are also useful to keep on hand.
TO GO CONTAINERS
If your guests are going to the beach or for a hike, an abundance of reuseable Tupperware-style containers is good to stock up on. Some clingwrap or aluminum foil will also help guests keep food fresh.
KITCHEN CLEAN UP
It’s important for your guests to be able to clean up after themselves, especially if they are staying in your home for a week or longer. A roll of paper towels, a sponge and a bottle of dish soap will go a long way. A dish towel and drying rack will also help your guests stay clean and organized. If your property has a dishwasher include some detergent and leave operating instructions in your handy property information binder mentioned above.
KITCHEN EXTRAS
Salt and pepper is a great touch that all guests will use along with coffee filters, scissors, and matches. Having the convenience of the necessary kitchen equipment will differentiate your rental property from the next.
People go on vacation not only to have fun but also to relax and rest. Getting a good nights sleep is essential for having a great next day. Comfortable beds are just the start to making your guests nighttime experience a pleasant and restful one.
BEDDING
Quality cotton sheets wont pill and will last much longer than polyester sheets making your expenses lower over time. White bedding is easily bleached removing stains and dirt, extending their life. Extra blankets and pillows will give your guests the option to get cozy any way they like.
A/C AND FAN
For summer vacations an air conditioner or fan is essential in creating a comfortable sleep environment. No one wants to purchase a fan for their vacation home or stick to the sheets all night long. Having a fan or A/C in each bedroom will leave guests comfortable and happy.
WINDOW DRESSINGS
It’s important to give your visitors the option to get some good rest. This entails getting black out shades or curtains for the bedroom windows. Some guests may want to wake up to the sun, while others do not. Either way, your guests will thank you.
BEDSIDE GADGETS
Having an outlet or charging station next to each bedside table is important to allow guests to charge phones and tablets for the next day. If there are no outlets nearby an extension cord will do the trick. Providing an alarm clock or sound machine can also add more comfort to your guests’ bedroom.
A clean and well-supplied bathroom will make all the difference in your guests experience at your home.
TOILETRIES
A decent supply of toilet paper, hand soap, and a place to put guests toothbrushes is essential. A nice hand towel next to the sink and some tissues is also recommended.
BATHROOM AMENITIES
No one wants to pack a hair dryer for their vacation. If there is room under the sink or in a drawer, stash away a hair dryer for your guests’ use. At least one will do. Putting a first aid kit in a drawer in the bathroom is also recommended.
TOWELS
One of the most important bathroom amenities is to have a nice supply of fresh bath towels. A bath mat for next to the shower, face cloths, and hand towels are useful in order to make your guests feel at home. White towels are always the best as you can bleach them which removes extra stains and give them a clean scent.
EXTRA SURFACES
If your rental home only has a pedestal sink in the bathroom you may want to invest in a shelving system or small bathroom stand to allow your vacationers to store personal toiletries during their stay.
A clean space is a happy one. Your guests will appreciate a well kept environment. Give them the option to keep it up throughout their stay.
WASHER AND DRYER
This is a huge value-add in a vacation rental property and is highly recommended. Guests generally do not want to seek out a laundromat while on vacation. And – if it’s a beach vacation, clothes can get messy quickly! Leave laundry detergent next to or on top of the washing machine and keep specific directions in your property information binder.
IRON AND BOARD
In a closet or next to the washer and dryer an iron and ironing board can be kept for guests use. Throwing clothes in a suitcase can create wrinkles. Some visitors may want to have wrinkle-free clothes to wear to a nice restaurant or gathering while on vacation.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
A vacuum, broom, or some lysol wipes will help guests clean up messes throughout their stay. Plus, if guests see cleaning supplies in the home they will be more apt to keep the house nice and fresh, and know you do the same.
Guests don’t want to pack up their whole house especially if it’s only for one weekend. Make it easy for them by having some extra items laying around.
PACK ‘N’ PLAY
Stow away a play pen in a bedroom closet for guests to use that have little ones. They can be used for play time for infants, but they also make nice beds for babies and toddlers on vacation.
PET-FRIENDLY ITEMS
If your property allows dogs keep a set of pet bowls in the kitchen cabinet. Make sure you list this in your property information binder or listing so guests know they are there to use!
BEACH GEAR
Is your property a summer rental? Have beach chairs and toys available for your guests use. Keep them in a closet, shed, backyard, or garage. Special beach towels can also be provided so that none of your nice white bath towels are used in the sand.
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