The services made available to you at home can really make a difference and transform a guest that you will only see once into one that will return to your vacation home several times. Your services should reflect the location of your property, its type, and the profile of guests you wish to receive. When planning a vacation, choosing among the various options, a traveler can also be influenced by the services and options included in the offer that make your property more attractive than the others.
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It is true that your guests have chosen a vacation home instead of a hotel, but this does not mean that they do not expect great service. Here are some of the most important comforts to include in your rental property.
IN GENERAL
A traveler not only needs toilet paper included in the price; what he seeks is a memorable experience. Helping to realize this experience will improve every aspect of your stay.
1. CHECK-IN 24 HOURS
Having the ability to check in at any time of the day is particularly important, especially when something goes wrong during the trip.
This does not mean having to be available 24 hours a day. All you need is an automated check-in system, for example through a safety deposit box, a keyless system to access the house or any other tool that ensures good service and makes a great impression on your guests.
2. FAST AND CONVENIENT WIFI
A WiFi internet connection is probably the most important service in any modern vacation rental. Unless it is a property that is expressly difficult to reach for guests who want to get away from it all for a while, your travelers will expect to find WiFi included in the services.
In fact, not having a fast wireless internet connection can be one of the causes of a low number of reservations or bad reviews, unless it is expressly specified in advance.
3. SATELLITE TV OR STREAMING SERVICES
Although you will probably end up not using television, most guests will look for it among the options offered in your rental property.
The ideal combination is to offer satellite TV on a Smart TV with access to Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime, along with other channels for national information and weather forecasts.
4. DVDS AND BOOKS
If you don’t want to take satellite television or Netflix for your vacation home, offering guests a collection of movies and books can be a viable alternative. Just make sure you have something appropriate for everyone, including something to keep children occupied during a rainy afternoon!
5. GAMES FOR FAMILIES
Give your guests a hand and provide the families with pastels and markers, books and games in general. Thus they will avoid having to take all the toys from home.
You could even include some board games and cards for the whole family to enjoy! Pictionary, Trivial, Taboo, Twister and Uno have always been among the favorites of all families.
6. MAPS OF THE AREA, GUIDES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Be sure to include a large selection of local information for your guests, including useful recommendations for restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.
Also include brochures of theaters, parks, and historical sites.
7. ADAPTERS FOR ELECTRICITY AND CHARGERS
Most guests will bring their own adapters, but sometimes even the most experienced travelers can forget them, lose them or break them. Having universal stock adapters and chargers will make you their hero!
8. A WELCOME BASKET
As a tasteful touch, offer a welcome basket to newcomers. It doesn’t have to be something expensive; it can even be just a simple collection of local products – candles, coffee, wine, postcards – that will make your guests feel welcome and make you appreciate even more.
9. TRANSFERS AND TOURS
Instead of allowing guests to reserve these services elsewhere, look for a local partner and add these services as extras. There are different types of transfers and tours you can offer:
- To and from the airport
- To move around the city
- Private driver
- Guided tours
IN THE KITCHEN
It is important to keep the kitchen of your holiday home always well supplied with all utensils and appliances. A good supply of plates, glasses, cups, and cutlery is an important basis. But also wine glasses and bottle openers are a useful extra.
There should always be basic seasoning on hand such as salt and pepper, but to really impress your guests, add an assortment of spices, oils and a healthy offering of coffee, tea, and sugar.
11. APPLIANCES
Guests who prefer to cook at home even while on vacation will be happy to find all kinds of pots, a set of sharp knives, a kettle and a coffee machine. Appliances like the rice machine, slow cooking pot or blenders can also be very useful additions.
12. BREAKFAST INCLUDED AND FRIDGE STOCKED
Replenish the fridge with a couple of items ready for your guests to arrive. Some simple things included in the price- biscuits, fruit juices and breakfast ingredients. If you want to do something more, you can contact your guests to ask if they want any special supplies in advance. This could be especially useful for guests with certain dietary needs, making them feel right at home.
IN THE BATHROOM
Just because it’s not a spa doesn’t mean your guests can’t enjoy a bit of luxury and relaxation in a wellness center. Create a spa experience in your rental property. Bring the spa experience at home and pamper your guests with the following services:
13. BATHROOM ITEMS
This is a basic service for your home. Guests expect to find travel-size toiletries in any standard hotel but remain totally impressed when they get the same service in a vacation home.
You can start by mounting soap and shampoo dispensers on the shower wall, but you can also do more by offering hair conditioner, body lotion, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
14. FRESH AND FRAGRANT TOWELS
Invest in towels that will embellish your bathroom and make your guests feel clean, dry and comfortable.
15. HAIR APPLIANCES
It’s perfect to have a hairdryer handy for your guests’ use, but how about adding plates and curling irons? Why not give them this little extra to make them feel super pampered.
IN BEDROOM
We know well how the quality of our sleep affects our days. So if you want your guests to leave happy, make sure you let them have a nice sleep. Here is what you can do:
16. FINE SHEETS AND SOFT PILLOWS
Bed sheets can sometimes cost a fortune but investing in quality, easy-to-wash, and durable sheets will make a real difference to your guests. Take care of the bed by adding several layers of blankets and pillows for an unforgettable sleep.
17. MASKS, CAPS AND OTHER ITEMS
You can also improve your guests’ sleep with disposable masks and earplugs. Also provide gadgets like an alarm clock, a radio or one of those devices with music and noise for better sleep.
FOR CLEANING AND STORAGE
According to a survey of Trip Advisor vacation rentals in 2016, 67% of travelers believe that rental properties are better than hotels because they can do laundry when they need them (and free). But what do you think they need in a vacation home?
18. TO CLEAN
The simple act of providing cleaning equipment in an easy to find place will encourage your guests to take care of the house. Prepare a small cleaning kit and put it together with other household products from well-known brands. You can also prepare special instructions on what products to use for every corner of the house, such as kitchen surfaces or shower doors.
19. WASHER AND DRYER
In the best case, your holiday home will be equipped with a washer and dryer that your guests can use. Guests like to be able to keep their clothes clean; for some, it is even important to come home with a suitcase full of freshly washed clothes.
In case you are not equipped to wash at home, it is important to let your guests know where they can find a laundromat in the neighborhood. In any case, provide clear indications. Also make sure you have a drying rack to dry your clothes, especially the most delicate ones.
20. IRON AND WARDROBE
Iron and ironing board are indispensable- when clothes come out of the suitcase they always need a good stretch. Provide a raised floor for the suitcase so that your guests do not have to bend down to the floor to take out their clothes, and leave a sufficient number of little men for the clothes. A chest of drawers is always welcome when the suitcase is unpacked.
FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Impress your guests by anticipating their needs during their stay.
21. BEACH ITEMS
If your vacation home is near a beach, make sure you have towels, folding chairs, and a portable fridge. If you also have surfboards or inflatable mattresses, make them available to your guests.
22. ITEMS TO STAY DRY
Is it raining often in your area? Make sure to provide umbrellas or a pair of plastic ponchos for guests.
23. BIKES AND TIPS FOR GETTING AROUND
Provide useful tips on how to get around the city. Leave your guests with a map for the subway, bus timetables, and advice on getting around by car. An option that is always very appreciated are bicycles, which will make them feel like real autochthonous!
24. A PRIVATE POOL
This is not an option that can be easily added to the list, but according to a survey, 81% of travelers say that an included swimming pool is important when choosing a rental property. In case you have the opportunity to consider adding a swimming pool or a hot tub. This will allow you to increase prices and increase your income immediately!
