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10 ways to delight guests at your vacation rental

When travelers search for a property, they have certain criteria that drive them to book. Here are 10 ways to offer the guest experience they’re looking for.

January 18, 2024

Traveler experience Vacation rentals

Simple but thoughtful touches can make a world of difference in creating a memorable stay. Ensure your vacation rental property is equipped to delight guests with these tips.

Amenities, amenities, amenities

There are many kinds of amenities, so it’s okay if your rental doesn’t feature all of them. However, you’re more likely to delight guests if you:

1. Provide some modern basics, like Wi-Fi and cable or streaming TV

2. Show off your hospitality with extras like a gift basket or list of local attractions

Kitchen considerations

Whether they’re cooking large meals or simply preparing the occasional drink or snack, make your kitchen convenient and cozy for guests by:

3. Investing in an easy-to-use coffee maker

4. Stocking a basic collection of spices, starting with salt and pepper

Safety standard

It may be a temporary leisure visit, but it’s still a new home in a new city. Keep guests safe and help keep their sense of vacation wonder intact by:

5. Installing and maintaining outdoor lighting — automatic floodlights in particular can create an extra sense of safety for guests arriving or returning after dark.

6. Installing carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors — it may seem obvious, but it’s still one of the first things travelers check out after they check in.

Well lit private back yard with wooden patio and hot tub.

Outdoor lighting beautifies a space and helps guests feel safer.

Bathroom drawers with neatly placed bath amenities and toiletries. Shelf storage with liquid soap dispenser and rolled up white towels.

A well-stocked bathroom is a welcome sight.

Bathroom basics

Bathrooms are extremely personal spaces. Invite guests to feel at home with small touches like:

7. Conveniently placed toilet paper and hand soap

8. An array of travel toiletries placed in bathrooms and showers — they’re cheap, and your local grocery store probably has a section for these small wonders.

Above and beyond

Have you ever packed in a hurry and only realized you forgot something (or many somethings) after check-in? Show guests you’re going the extra mile by:

9. Supplying plenty of laundry detergent and surface cleaner.

10. Providing extra phone chargers and headphones — this sounds pricey, but many online retailers offer inexpensive versions of these items in bulk.

Once you’ve spruced up your property’s offerings, make sure you’re showcasing all the perks of staying at your vacation rental by updating your amenities in the Vrbo dashboard.