Everyone loves a good vacation, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long stay, and we’ve all stayed in amazing accommodations we’d love to one day return to; and, obviously, other not-so-great ones we’d rather forget. Owning and managing a vacation rental is a significant job and takes thought, effort, and consistency. Here are six top tips that will push you in the direction of five-star ratings.

1. Develop Strategic Marketing

Marketing might sound like an intimidating thing to take on if you have no experience with it, but it doesn’t need to be that scary. How far you take it depends on how big you foresee taking your rental property. Whether it’s a quaint fishing cabin or a high-spec chalet, you’re creating a story, otherwise known as a brand, about your rental home and what it offers; from the atmosphere to facilities, to natural or urban surroundings. What do you want your guests to know about your home? How would you like them to enjoy it? That picture in your mind should be your marketing strategy. It represents the essence of your home, and how you want your guests to feel. You can play into the theme, using the surrounding area and local amenities and sites to create a sense of excitement and anticipation. A simple but highly effective marketing trick is to book a professional photography session to showcase your rental in a professional light. A photographer has the tools and the knowledge to capture your home from its best angles. Great photos are an excellent way to communicate your brand and get those bookings.

2. Go Digital

Almost everything is done online nowadays. You’ve very likely found your own most recent vacation accommodation online and possibly paid for it online as well. Your guests will be no different. Creating a website or using a well-established booking platform will get your property out there and improve your visibility. Most of these platforms offer customers a chance to review their experience; while that can be a scary thought, it’s actually a huge constructive benefit for your home and the effort you’ve put into it. Your positive reviews will attract further bookings, and any less than favorable ones is an opportunity to make necessary improvements. Eventually, you’ll be getting five-star ratings out of the experience.

You may also consider creating a digital welcome book that includes your house rules, a greeting, possible activities and amenities in the area, recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shopping outlets, as well as more practical information such as locations and hours for parking, local transportation, ATMs, supermarkets and pharmacies.

3. Interior Design and Decor

Investing in the interior design (hard furnishings) and decor (soft furnishings) of your property can make a big influence on how often it is valued by the renter and how much it stands for per night. When your guests arrive at your vacation home, they probably already have some pre-conceptions of what their experience will be like. Your property should reflect your branding, and your branding should reflect your property. That is, the design and decor should both align with and inform your brand. If your market is Airbnb Canmore, play into the Rocky Mountains, the incredible wildlife, and the interesting local culture. Your vacation rental should feel curated, well thought out, and intentional, reflecting the experience your guest is hoping for.

4. Housek​​eeping and Maintenance

There is nothing worse than checking into a rental that is unclean, unorganized, and dinged up after the previous tenant’s wear and tear. Investing in special pieces in your vacation homes, such as a king-size bed, a jacuzzi tub, or even a fancy toilet, will help get you a higher dollar; but these facilities still aren’t the most necessary for creating a memorable experience for your guest. If you’re stuck between buying a new, fancy shower head and hiring housekeeping professionals, go with the latter. One of the top points of review that accommodations receive – hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals alike – is on cleanliness, and that makes a lot of sense! As long as the property is sparkling clean and aired out, most tenants will be happy, even if the amenities and facilities aren’t luxurious. A simple life can be a lot of fun during vacation as long as it is pulled off hygienically and comfortably. No one wants to stay in another person’s filth. Hiring reputable cleaners will ensure your property is properly and efficiently cleaned up after each stay; also that the space and all of its furnishings will be treated in such a way so as to maintain their lifespan.

5. Hire a Property Manager

Whether you’re renting out your own home or have purchased a property with the intention of making it a vacation rental, any property is an investment. Hospitality can be a full-time job, and hiring a property manager can minimize the effort and time you would need to put in while maximizing the payout. A great property management company will offer services like marketing support, 24/7 hospitality, and investment advice. While they will take a fee of 10%-20%, you will be paying for the experience you wish your guests could have. Having someone constantly ‘on the ground’, who your guests can turn to in times of need or confusion, will reassure you that your investment is well-taken care of; you can then begin to enjoy the fruits of that investment with no strings attached.

mountains and railroad bridge

6. Set Up For Success

Around-the-clock hospitality goes beyond making yourself accessible at any time. It’s also about how you set up your vacation rental prior to arrival. No one likes running out of toilet paper, or needing more towels, pillows, or blankets out of the blue and not finding some to restock with. Put policies in place to ensure that guests have constant access to these essentials, and are provided with adequate supplies so they don’t have to carry the weight of the basics. This small effort on your side will leave an unforgettable impression on your guests as it will allow them to simply sit back and fully enjoy their vacation. Leaving little extra, thoughtful amenities such as coffee and tea, snacks, and bottled water can perhaps be above and beyond for some, but this is actually becoming more of the norm; many renters are looking for those experiences, ones that will make them feel pampered just as they would be in a hotel. Don’t forget to leave the wifi login details somewhere obvious, and consider leaving a personalized welcome note, snack, or token to really make your guest feel special!

Whatever your vision is for your vacation home, it takes significant work, thought and resources to create a profitable rental. Vacation properties don’t just sell themselves, no matter how great the view is. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to reaping the rewards in no time!

Further Reading & Inspiration