If you want to attract more guests, get better reviews, book more rental dates, and ultimately make more money on your short-term rental property, it's time to get familiar with the art of creating inviting spaces that guests will love to call their temporary home.
In the world of hospitality, first impressions are everything, and that's why it's crucial to ensure that your short-term rental property feels warm and welcoming from the moment guests step through the door. The right atmosphere is an easy and reliable tool for setting the tone for a memorable stay, leaving guests eager to share their positive experiences and return for future visits. In this article, we delve into the details of how to transform your short-term rental into a cozy retreat that guests won't want to leave.
Choose the Right Furniture
When it comes to furnishing and decorating short-term rentals, striking a balance between style, durability, and affordability is critical. Here are some strategies for choosing furniture and decor that will enhance the appeal of your rental without breaking the bank.
Start by selecting inexpensive, durable furniture. Consider shopping at budget-friendly stores such as Ikea, HomeGoods, or Target to find stylish deals. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist are also good places to find bargains.
When choosing major pieces, opt for furniture made of durable materials such as metal, hardwood, or high-quality laminate that can withstand wear and tear. For example, a metal-framed chair with a cushion will be more durable than an upholstered chair. A sofa with wooden arms will last longer than a couch with upholstered arms.
Think About Flooring
If you have it in the budget, replace floors with inexpensive, stylish, and durable materials such as vinyl plank flooring. While replacing floors may increase upfront costs, you may recoup costs through increased prices, more frequent bookings, less maintenance, and fewer repairs.
If you want to protect the flooring, especially wood floors, make sure high-traffic areas are covered with attractive area rugs. Rugs add warmth and style while also extending the life of the flooring.
In Pennsylvania, it's always a good idea to place a large, waterproof doormat at any entry door to reduce tracking water and dirt into the rest of the home.
Add Coziness with Pillow Power
Pillows and throws can add comfort and style to seating areas while also being easy to replace or clean. It’s easy to find trendy, inexpensive pillows and throws that make any short-term rental cozier and more attractive. Even a few well-placed pillows and throws can transform a sterile space into an inviting home.
Style with Wall Art, Decor, and Plants
Even if your short-term rental is full of stylish furniture and lovely pillows, it won't look homey until you add a layer of wall art, decor, and plants. They can add personality and charm to your rental and help eliminate the empty, lifeless look.
Start by shopping for bargain prints or photographs that complement your decor style. When it comes to wall art, choosing higher-quality, smaller pieces works better than choosing large bargain pieces. Large-scale bargains can simply look cheap. So, be picky when selecting paintings, prints, or photographs, and use wall art sparingly.
Don't use photos of your family or friends. Your guests should not feel like they are staying at your home, so don't imprint it with your family photos or mementos.
A few decorative objects like vases, books, or bookends are a nice touch. However, decorative items like these present a few challenges. It's easy for guests to leave with them, and they require a little more housekeeping to dust and organize. Unlike wall art, it's difficult to discern the value of these kinds of objects, so choose bargains. Use decorative objects sparingly. A few warm up the room, but too many start to look cluttered or disorganized.
A few well-placed houseplants are another way to add life and freshness to a space. Choose low-maintenance varieties that can thrive indoors. Also, consider using artificial plants. For example, a few small, fake succulents look natural for very little money without requiring long-term maintenance.
Add the Right Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in a short-term rental. Thoughtfully chosen lighting can enhance the overall ambiance of the space, making it more welcoming and appealing to guests.
Think about lighting in layers. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a layered effect that adds depth and warmth to the space. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while task lighting is more focused and helps with specific activities like reading or cooking. Accent lighting highlights particular features or areas, adding visual interest.
Choose light bulbs with a warm color temperature (typically around 2700K to 3000K) to create a cozy and inviting glow. Avoid harsh, cool-toned bulbs, as they can make the space feel cold and uninviting.
Place table and floor lamps strategically throughout the short-term rental to provide additional lighting and create a cozy atmosphere. Choose lamps with shades that diffuse light softly for a warm and inviting glow.
Install dimmer switches for overhead lights to give guests control over the room's brightness. This allows them to adjust the lighting to suit their mood or activity, whether they're relaxing in the evening or working during the day.
For the safety of your guests and your property, do not provide candles, lanterns, or any other lighting that uses live flame.
Stock up on Amenities
Providing a range of amenities and extras can greatly enhance the guest experience in short-term rentals. Toiletries, linens, and basic kitchen supplies are expected by guests.
Offering extras like snacks, beverages, and local guidebooks can go a step further in enhancing the guest experience. These kinds of thoughtful gestures show you care about your guests' comfort and enjoyment. Local guidebooks or recommendations can help guests explore the area and discover hidden gems, enhancing their overall experience.
Extras make guests feel welcomed and valued, creating a positive impression that can lead to repeat bookings and positive reviews. Small touches make a big difference in guest satisfaction and help ensure a positive experience that guests will remember fondly.
Welcome Guests to a Pristine Home
A clean property is crucial for guest satisfaction in the short-term rental market. It is often one of the first things guests notice upon arrival and can significantly impact their overall experience. A clean property provides a comfortable and relaxing environment, allowing guests to fully relax and feel at home during their time at the rental.
All renters will expect a certain level of cleanliness when staying in a short-term rental. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and may result in negative reviews or a loss of repeat bookings.
Increase Rental Value with a Little Extra Effort
The short-term rental market is competitive in Central PA. Vacation rentals in the Harrisburg, York, Hershey, Lancaster, and Gettysburg regions operate at high standards. If your property doesn't meet expectations, your booking rates may drop, and your repeat business may be poor.
But don't despair. With just a little extra effort, your short-term rental can be booked at a higher rate, more often, with more repeat bookings. And we're here to help. Contact us to find out how we help short-term rental owners make more money with less effort.