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Writer's pictureOlga Kuznietsova

Transforming Spaces: How to Launch a Successful Vacation Rental

Modern life has become so hectic, and people long for vacations more than ever.  Unfortunately, the hectic chaos of today’s life has seeped into planning these long breaks. People have many choices on where, when, and how to spend their vacations, which can get overwhelming.


That’s where vacation rentals can step in.  These getaways can solve many of the issues that vacation-goers have with their home away from home. In this case, the onus of complexity falls on you. To avoid the ire of customers, follow these fundamental rules for starting a vacation rental business. 



How to start your vacation rental business

Now that you’ve decided to pursue vacation rentals as a business, it’s time to know what that entails. Namely, you must understand the necessary resources and knowledge for a successful startup. Here are some of the steps you’ll need to achieve this goal: 


Don't treat your vacation rental like a side gig. Approach it with the same seriousness and dedication as any other business.  Too often, you hear of influencers and gurus treating these vacation spots as a supplementary source of income and nothing more.  However, purchasing and maintaining these properties cannot be treated as anything less but a second job. 


That’s not to say you can’t have any other jobs. However, the startup of a vacation rental business is when you make it or break it. Startup investors are more likely to give your business a shot if you sincerely communicate your plans and goals. Take the rental startup seriously, and that’s when you will start seeing returns. 


Look for unorthodox but attractive properties. Unique properties can stand out in the market and attract more guests.  Don’t just look at houses in suburban neighborhoods. Look for properties near vacation spots that don’t typically offer hotels or other living facilities.  Families planning a vacation, with curious kids and a sense of adventure, will doubly appreciate these non-standard properties. 


Think about locations, architectural features, and local attractions that can make your property appealing.  Sometimes, it doesn’t even need to be a classical house. It could even be a small boathouse or a beautiful cabin, anything that stands out from the barrage of  Airbnbs out there.


Ensure basic utilities are working. The most common complaint you will see on social media and negative reviews is the lack of basic utilities. This includes water, electricity, heating, cooling, and internet. Guests rightfully expect these essentials to be in good condition during their stay.


Regular maintenance checks can prevent unexpected issues and ensure a comfortable stay for your guests. Additionally, consider installing modern conveniences such as smart thermostats and high-speed Wi-Fi to enhance the guest experience.


Invest in comfortable and durable furnishings. Quality furniture can enhance the guest experience and encourage positive reviews. Consider the comfort of beds, seating areas, and dining spaces. Opt for comfort before style, though do make sure the furnishings fit the overall aesthetic.


For example, opt for easy-to-clean materials and versatile pieces that can withstand wear and tear. Providing amenities like extra pillows, blankets, and high-quality linens will significantly increase guest satisfaction. Most people don’t need much more than that, so focus on the basics of comfort instead of anything superfluous. 


Take great (and honest) photos. If there’s any situation where books are judged by their cover, it’s vacation rental spots. People want everything to be perfect on vacation, and every little detail matters. High-quality images can attract potential guests, but make sure they accurately represent the space. Misleading photos can lead to disappointed guests and negative reviews. 


Use natural lighting to highlight the best features of your property, and hire a professional photographer for the best results. Additionally, provide detailed descriptions of each room and its amenities to give potential guests a clear understanding of what to expect.


Create a reliable website and establish a social media presence. People aren’t booking every rental through face-to-face appointments or Yellow Pages these days. An online presence is an outright necessity. Use social media to promote your property, engage with potential guests, and expand your brand. However, social media is not a replacement for a proper website. 


Social media is the marketing arm of your business, and that’s what it should be solely used for. Instead, the website will be the hub for booking, galleries, and customer support. Your website needs to be responsive, accessible, and most importantly, convenient to use. These in tandem will build your business as reliable, an important quality for vacation-goers. 


Final thoughts


Overall, vacation rentals remain a lucrative business opportunity, but it’s no “get rich quick” scheme like some claim. It requires hard work to get up and running, on top of the maintenance you will need after. It’s not just the first impressions you need to do well. Ensuring consistent and quality experiences will help you retain loyal customers. These same customers will spread the word about your business, and that right there is why getting things right from the get-go matters. 



Article by Edrian Blasquino

Edrian is a college instructor turned wordsmith, with a passion for both teaching and writing. With years of experience in higher education, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, crafting engaging and informative content on a variety of topics. Now, he’s excited to explore his creative side and pursue content writing as a hobby.

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