The travel and tourism industry is constantly evolving, but the demand for luxury rentals is on the rise. Well-heeled travelers today want more than just a place to stay; they are looking for an experience. This trend is particularly noticeable in Central Pennsylvania for visitors to Harrisburg, Hershey, York, Lancaster, and Gettysburg. Property owners who can tap into this growing demand for premium amenities, privacy, and unique offerings can create high-margin properties with higher booking rates.
The Growing Demand for Luxury Rentals
In 2019, luxury properties had an occupancy rate of 49.1%, the lowest among all property price tiers. Fast-forward to the period between 2022 and 2023, and this rate climbed to 55.9%. This notable increase signifies a shift in traveler preferences toward luxury accommodations. Smart property owners in Central Pennsylvania can capitalize on this trend by upgrading amenities, investing in high-quality furnishings, and emphasizing exclusivity in their listings.
Who Is the Luxury Rental Market?
It's crucial to understand what constitutes a luxury rental. Travelers opting for luxury accommodations often expect high-quality interiors that feature premium furniture, high-thread-count linens, and designer touches.
They're also looking for state-of-the-art amenities such as modern kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, home theaters, and smart home technology.
Extra privacy is a plus, and features such as security gates, private pools, spacious rooms, and secluded outdoor living areas can command top dollar.
Finally, unusual or hard-to-find benefits like historical charm, scenic views, proximity to attractions, and personalized services can also elevate your vacation rental into the luxury category.
Luxury Amenities
One of the most effective ways to attract luxury-seeking guests is by upgrading the amenities offered. Investing in high-end appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and custom cabinetry is a high-profile way to communicate quality and luxury. A well-equipped kitchen can be a major attraction for families and groups.
Spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers, soaking tubs, heated floors, and luxury toiletries are another big draw. Even mid-priced hotels now feature top-of-the-line bathrooms, so STRs must step up their game to compete.
Offering home theaters, gaming rooms, and outdoor entertainment areas with high-quality audio-visual systems is another way to set your property apart. In fact, any inviting, well-maintained outdoor living area is catnip for vacationers. They want spaces to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
High-Quality Furnishings
Short-term rentals have a reputation for furnishings from Ikea or Target. So, if you want to bump your rental into the luxury category, upscale furnishings play a crucial role. While you can still bargain shop, make sure you furnish your properties with pieces that feel both stylish and substantial. Look for high-quality materials like leather, solid wood, and natural fabrics. These not only look and feel premium but also last longer.
When deciding on decor, stick rigidly to a theme. Whether it’s modern, rustic, or vintage, a well-coordinated look can enhance the overall appeal of your property. You can round out your theme with carefully selected art pieces, decorative accessories, and luxurious linens. These small details can make a big difference in creating a posh ambiance.
Unique Features
Certain features are hard to find in rental properties, so they can set your property apart from the competition and attract guests looking for a memorable experience. Central PA is known for its historic charm, so if your property has historical significance, lean into it in your listings. Original architectural details, antique furnishings, and historical artifacts appeal to the luxury traveler.
STRs with stunning views of the countryside, historic downtowns, Amish farms, battlefields, old railroads, winding rivers, beautiful bridges, rolling farmlands, or gentle mountains should showcase these views in their listings. Invest in high-quality photography to capture the beauty of these vistas.
Emphasize your property’s proximity to local attractions such as Hershey Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, or the Lancaster Central Market. Being close to popular destinations can be a significant draw for tourists, and properties near major attractions can command top dollar, especially during big events or the tourist season.
Offering personalized services such as a concierge, private chef, or guided tours can elevate the guest experience. These services can be offered à la carte or promoted as part of the luxury package.
Emphasize Exclusivity
Once you have upgraded your property, it is essential to market it effectively. Emphasize the exclusivity and premium experience in your listings to attract luxury travelers. Here are some tips for crafting compelling listings:
Professional Photography: Invest in professional photography to showcase your property in the best light. High-quality images can significantly impact the perceived value of your rental.
Detailed Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of your property's amenities, furnishings, and unique features. Highlight what makes your property stand out and why it offers a luxurious experience.
Guest Reviews: Positive reviews from previous guests can build trust and credibility. Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews highlighting their luxurious experiences.
SEO Optimization: Optimize your listings with relevant keywords to ensure they appear in search results. Terms like “luxury rental,” “premium amenities,” and “exclusive experience” can attract the right audience.
Partner with Local Businesses
Collaborating with local businesses can enhance the guest experience and promote your property. Partner with local tour operators to offer exclusive experiences such as wine tastings, historical tours, or outdoor adventures. Collaborate with local restaurants and caterers to provide gourmet dining options for your guests. Offering in-house dining experiences can be a major draw. You can even partner with local spas and wellness centers to allow guests to book in-house massages, yoga sessions, or beauty treatments. These services can add a touch of luxury to your guests’ stay.
More Luxury = More Profits
The demand for luxury rentals is on the rise, and property owners in Central Pennsylvania have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend. By upgrading amenities, investing in high-quality furnishings, highlighting unique features, and emphasizing exclusivity in listings, property owners can attract luxury-seeking travelers and increase their occupancy rates.
Embrace the luxury trend and transform your short-term rental into a premium destination that offers an unforgettable experience for your guests. If you're ready to find an experienced co-host to help your property become a sought-after retreat in the heart of Central Pennsylvania’s thriving tourism landscape, contact LMT Perfection today, and let's start talking about your STR.