What Vacation Rental Features Do Guests Look For?

From adjustable beds to fireplaces, guest preferences in their vacation rentals will vary significantly. It’s impossible to please every guest, but there are some features that every guest enjoys seeing on a booking page. When designing and adding features to your vacation rental home, focus on the most popular and sought-after amenities and features first.

Learn what guests love most in their vacation rentals!

Internet Access

In this wireless and connected world, a lack of wi-fi can be a dealbreaker for many guests, especially those on business or with easily bored kids. Wi-Fi helps make any device more efficient, and combining your vacation rental’s internet with smart home devices and entertainment systems can make your listing seem much more convenient and luxurious. You’ll want to opt for wireless internet access and display the password when guests arrive.

Garage or Good Parking

Guests who bring a vehicle to their vacation rental will want to know it’s secure and that they won’t have to fight over a parking space every day. Ensure your vacation rental offers ample parking options; the more private, the better. Alternatively, a full-size garage that can accommodate a vehicle safely is a preferable option. Clean out your garage and obtain quotes for garage door repair if necessary. A working garage can be a major asset for most guests.

On-Site Laundry

The ability to do laundry can be a coveted amenity for many families. Children and pets can be very messy, often requiring emergency laundry services. At other times, guests may be staying for a longer period, in which case they’ll want to wash their clothes instead of packing extra. The option to do laundry can put many guests at ease. Consider connecting a washer and dryer and sprucing up a dedicated laundry room to appeal to all types of guests.

Equipped Kitchen

Not all guests will want to go out to eat every day. Some may enjoy take-out, or they might want to cook for their families. Vacations are often for parties or reunions, so a fully equipped kitchen can be a major asset for many guests. At the very least, ensure your guests have access to a decently sized refrigerator, stovetop, and toaster oven for quick and convenient meals. Pots, pans, dishware, silverware, and a sink are also helpful.

Spa Bathroom

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, and there’s little that is more relaxing than a warm, spacious shower or bath at the end of a busy day. Ensure your bathroom can provide a fully relaxing and immersive experience. Spa bathtubs or soaking tubs can add a lot of luxury and appeal. Separate showers and tubs can accommodate the preferences of more guests. Soft towels and complimentary toiletries can add the finishing touch. If you want to go above and beyond, consider adding spacious sink counters, heated floors, and a window with a view to create an excellent luxury vacation bathroom experience.

Comfortable Sleeping

Vacation days are filled with a lot of walking and activity. Guests will want a quiet, safe, and comfortable place to rest their heads. Ensure that each sleeping arrangement is comfortable and accessible for a wide range of guests. Invest in high-quality mattresses, sheets with high thread counts, adjustable beds, and fluffy pillows. If your vacation rental home has pull-out couches or guest rooms, ensure that these mattresses remain comfortable as well. The bedrooms should also be private and quiet. If there is loud construction or noisy neighbors nearby, consider ways to soundproof the rooms. Ensure the thermostat is adjustable and accessible; each room should receive proper ventilation for a comfortable sleep, even when away from home.

Self Check-In

It can be inconvenient for guests to have to wait for you or other staff members to assist them with check-in. Additionally, some flights or road trips end in a late arrival, and specific check-in times can be frustrating and limiting for many travelers. Self-check-in allows travelers to relax and arrive at their own pace. Keyless entry makes for a smooth transition between each guest for you, too. Awkward key exchanges aren’t necessary. Consider outfitting your locks with keyless entry to make things easier all around. Keyless number pads can be fitted on most doors, as long as they meet the minimum thickness requirements for the lock. Consider consulting with a professional if you are having trouble fitting it on your door. You may need door replacement in rare cases. I found some stylish exterior doors near me that were already compatible with keyless entry, which will come in handy for doors that are too thick.

Outdoor Space

A room with a view is often at the top of a guest’s preferences for lodging. A balcony, pool, porch, spa, or spacious yard can allow them to make the most of their vacation stay, especially if they have kids or pets. Ensure there is sufficient outdoor space to enjoy a meal or host a small gathering, at the very least. Guests will be able to enjoy the view and community outside your home as a bonus.

Conclusion

It may be impossible to rearrange your home to suit each traveler’s preference, but there are some features that every guest finds merit in. Self-check-in and adjustable thermostats add convenience and comfort. Spacious bathrooms and kitchens allow for independence and relaxation while they’re away from home. Outdoor spaces enhance the versatility of a vacation home and can help entertain kids or pets. If you’re looking to improve your vacation rental’s amenities, focus on enhancing the comfort, convenience, and overall enjoyment of the entire space.

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