The holiday season represents a lucrative opportunity for those who rent properties on short-term basis. Their less popular listings are suddenly in high demand as visitors from out of town come to celebrate with friends and loved ones, needing comfortable accommodations for their stay. But maximizing income during this profitable period requires effort and adaptation.
The holiday season represents a lucrative opportunity for those with vacation rentals if they prepare for it. Of course, it will take more than an enthusiastic, “Happy holidays!” to a guest as they walk through the door if you want to provide the best vacation rental for the holidays. In other words, complimentary cocoa and marshmallows aren’t enough.
Here are five of the most useful tips rental real estate investors and Airbnb owners can implement this holiday season to attract positive attention to their listings. With a few of the simple suggestions below, you can see a significant difference.
1. Showcase the Region’s Festivities
It’s not uncommon for an Airbnb owner to distribute a short list of local sites of interest for their visitors to consider. It’s a small gesture, but it’s often well received, and guests who would otherwise have to research an area themselves enjoy the convenience of having the info already available.
This practice carries over into the holiday season, and the concept remains the same. An Airbnb host can provide details of their region’s special celebrations and traditions, going out of their way to give their guest a memorable experience. A proactive approach is always best for securing positive reviews and high ratings for your Airbnb rental property, which is key for high occupancy rate down the road.
2. Share Food and Drink Together
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Food and drink are fundamental to almost every holiday tradition around the world. Guests will often appreciate a holiday treat, regardless of ethnicity or culture, and Airbnb owners can make time in their schedule to show their hospitality. Being the owner of the best vacation rental for the holiday season doesn’t have to cost very much, either.
Whether they purchase a rotisserie chicken, a bottle of wine, or holiday sweets, Airbnb hosts can provide more than just a room. They have an opportunity to connect with their guests, improving their stay and increasing the likelihood of a positive review. Even a plate of gingerbread cookies will do.
3. Decorate for the Occasion
A rental should look holiday-ready, and with the simple addition of a Christmas tree to an Airbnb property, guests will feel right at home. Airbnb owners should invest in other seasonal ornamentation like candle pillars made from cinnamon sticks, colorful wreaths, paper snowflakes, and tree branches — charming decor which enhances the space.
Rental real estate investors can also rearrange their floor plan to make their rental appear open and inviting. They should downplay the television and draw attention to areas where guests can sit, talk, and enjoy themselves. The furniture placement should allow for easy navigation with no obstructions or obstacles.
4. Provide Space Heaters
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Airbnb owners might have to adjust the thermostat in their vacation home to ensure the comfort of their guests. If they don’t, they could risk a negative review from an unhappy individual who felt their room was cold and inhospitable. That has the potential to influence would-be guests who decide to choose other listings.
To offset heating costs, an Airbnb host should provide space heaters. They can leave the rest of their home at a lower temperature while providing a practical solution that won’t dramatically raise their monthly utility bill. More than that, visitors will appreciate their host’s concern and thoughtfulness.
5. Research the Competition
A rental real estate investor or Airbnb owner can improve their space by researching their competition. They should look at the improvements others have made and determine which adjustments are relevant to their properties. They’ll likely come across something they hadn’t considered.
During the holiday season, Airbnb owners might advertise special features of their listings to increase their bookings and rental income. This is public information, and a competitor can capitalize on their good ideas. As long as they remain resourceful, on the lookout for fresh concepts, they can continue to enhance their rental.
Making the Most of the Holidays
A guest might seem content to stay in a bland, uninspired rental for the holidays, using it as little more than a place to sleep between visits to their friends and family. They’ll wake up, have coffee, and leave in the morning to return later in the afternoon, looking mostly disinterested.
But a rental property owner can make a substantial impression with a few slight changes. That same disinterested guest would feel far more welcome in a beautifully decorated home, with a list of local festivities, good food and drink, and a space heater in their room.
To provide the best vacation rental this holiday season, a property owner has to do more than the bare minimum. In the spirit of the season, you have to show generosity and kindness, hospitality and warmth. Through the five tips detailed above, you can.
This article has been contributed by Holly Welles from The Estate Update.