Vacation Rental Upgrades you Must Consider to Attract more Guests

Updating your vacation rental is a great way to increase the number of bookings and subsequently your income. As a vacation rental owner, you should not think twice about spending money to update your property.

If you are wondering where to start, here are seven vacation rental upgrades that you can focus on to help you command a higher rate and get positive reviews online.

1. Upgrade Kitchen Appliances

One of the main reasons people opt for vacation rentals is to cook their own meals. So, it makes sense to upgrade your kitchen. You don’t have splurge to buy ovens and cooktops with too many features that your guests won’t use. Instead, opt for mid-range appliances so that you can remodel the look and feel of your kitchen without spending too much money.

Think of getting stainless microwave, refrigerator, stovetop, and oven as they can fit into any type of kitchen décor with ease.

2. Add Dining Space in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the easiest room in a vacation rental to upgrade. So, after installing spanking new appliances, take a look at the dining area. If your kitchen does not have a dining area, create one.

After all, the kitchen is the heart of a home and your guests will love to sit here after a tiring day of sightseeing and enjoy a wholesome family meal. So, add that much-needed dining space to the kitchen and you will be amazed how it changes the ambience of the room.

3. Change the Lighting

You don’t have to overhaul your entire home to upgrade it. Change the lighting fixtures in the living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom and viola, you are done. You can opt for a mix of recessed and pendulum lighting. Also, add a few aesthetically pleasing table lamps. This will make your vacation rental look bright and also showcase design elements in a more positive light.

When changing the lighting fixtures, don’t forget the lighting in the garden and backyard, if any. The right lighting will make your vacation rental look more welcoming and cheerful.

4. Upgrade the Bedrooms

Remember, your guests should have a comfortable night in your vacation rental. So, spend money on buying soft bedsheets, fluffy duvets, extra pillows and of course comfortable mattresses. You can opt for a memory foam mattress that offers optimal lumbar support. Also, make sure you get the right window treatment. Put in shades to block the early morning sun so that your guests can enjoy staying in bed late.

Add vibrantly colored rugs on the floor that cushions their feet and also make the bedroom look cheerful and cozy. Ensure there are electrical outlets next to the bed for guests to charge their handheld devices. These simple things can go a long way in garnering positive reviews for your vacation rental.

5. Give the Bathroom a Facelift

Usually, the bathroom will be the last place that you will think of upgrading as it can be expensive. You may feel that if there is hot water, functional toilet, and good sink drainage, your guests will have nothing to complain about. While this is true, you can make their stay more luxurious by looking to add things that make guests feel special.

Repair cracks and chips around the bathroom; give the walls a fresh coat of paint; change the lighting and make it brighter; ensure that the plumbing fixtures are upgraded and there is adequate water pressure; and last but not the least, offer guests spa-quality towels, aromatherapy candles, bath oils, fragrant soaps, and quality shampoo and conditioner.

6. Focus on the Front Yard and Backyard

The last thing you need is your guests pulling up in front of your vacation rental and getting dejected looking at the state of the front yard. Make sure that you give the exterior walls of your property a fresh coat of paint. Check the hedging or boundary wall of your property. Ensure that house number is clearly visible.

Then turn your attention to the garden. Prune overgrown shrubs and trees and mow the lawn. Depending on your climate zone, grow flowering plants and greenery in well-maintained flowerbeds and pots. Make sure you have good patio furniture where guests can sit and enjoy the lush greenery. You can build a fire pit in the backyard. If you have the funds, add a swimming pool and hot tub so that guests can enjoy themselves and give you positive online rating and reviews.

7. Change the Flooring

This can be an expensive investment, but it will be worthwhile, especially if the flooring is looking a little- worn round the edges. You can go with wooden flooring as it is timeless and adds an elegant touch to the interiors.

Make sure that you also add rugs and carpets in the rooms to insulate them in winter and keep them cool in summer. If you find wooden flooring too expensive, install laminate or tiles that look like wood. Both options will cut down your costs, but give your vacation rental an effortless upgrade.

If you want to ensure your vacation rental is occupied throughout the year and guests are clamoring to book it, these are the upgrades you should plan for.