With the advent of services like Airbnb, it’s easier than ever to rent out a property to travellers. Although this means a greater choice of properties on the market for people to rent, it does mean you have to work harder to attract travellers to your rental.
Even if your property is in the ideal spot for travellers and holidaymakers, you can’t just assume it will rent itself. You still need to put in the work to make sure your place is pulling in the bookings.
Make sure it has the essentials
Have you made sure you’re providing the essentials? Do you have all the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom facilities guests have come to expect? Do you supply towels, kitchenware and bedding? Is there wi-fi, parking, and a welcome pack to help guests find everything?
Keep it clean
It should go without saying but arranging a cleaner is not the beginning and end of making sure your property is ready for guests. Have you got a check list so that everything is done to a good standard and nothing is missed? Are breakages and maintenance issues checked for and dealt with?
If it’s your guests that notice a light bulb has gone or that the shower is blocked, then that will affect reviews and return visitors.
Maximise your properties features
What are your properties best features and are you making the most of them?
For example, if you’ve got a bit of outside space, kit it out for your market. If your property is in a sunny location, you don’t necessarily need to go all out and install a pool, but how about providing hammocks or sun loungers?
If you’ve got only got a small outdoor space, can you make it seem cosy? The cost of laying a patio, adding a pretty table and chairs, and planting a few roses, will be a worthwhile expense if you’re looking to attract couples. You can top this off by offering champagne or a breakfast hamper for your guests to enjoy in this romantic space.
Offer some extras
This leads nicely onto providing some tempting extras. What type of extras you want to offer will depend on who you’re looking to attract. It could be a hot tub, a cinema room or games room. Or it could be something much smaller, such as a luxury welcome hamper, high-end toiletries, a fancy coffee machine, 24-hour check in or late check out.
Check out the competition
If you’re unsure about how much to spend, or what you should provide then it may be a good idea to check out the competition. What are the most popular properties in your area offering their guests? What style or standard of accommodation is doing well?
