7 Creative Ideas To Elevate Your Vacation Rental Business Above the Competition

According to data from Statista Market Insights, the global vacation rental market is expected to earn USD 100 billion this year. To claim a slice of this hefty pie, property owners and managers must set their vacation rentals apart from the competition and effectively communicate their value propositions to their target audience. This, in turn, will help their business secure more bookings, provide exceptional experiences to guests, and grow alongside the burgeoning vacation rental market.

Creativity is key to standing out in a competitive market like vacation property rentals. Aside from implementing promos and discounts, the properties you are managing must offer unique features and experiences that its close competitors are unlikely to match. Then, make sure these differentiators are prominently displayed on your business website to get the attention of your target audience. A fully customizable vacation rental website builder will enable you to put your properties’ distinguishing traits front and center and give your customers a sneak peek of what they can expect on their holiday. So, what innovative features and experiences can help your vacation rental stand out? Here are a few that are worth looking into:

Themed Decor

Enhance the guest experience by infusing your vacation rental properties with themed decor that reflects the destination's culture and ambience. If the properties you manage are beachfront bungalows, for example, you can consider decorating them with coastal or naval accents. A mountain retreat, on the other hand, can benefit from the use of forest-inspired ornaments that can enhance its rustic charm. On top of adding to the ambience of vacation rental properties, location-based flourishes can be incorporated into the design of your rental property website to highlight the theme of each accommodation. Decorative elements as well as descriptive language can work together to paint a picture of the experience guests can expect from their stay.

Showcase Local Art and Crafts

It’s an option to offer guests a taste of the destination's culture and heritage by showcasing local art and crafts in your vacation rental properties. Display handmade items such as paintings, textiles, sculptures, and pottery that celebrate the location’s unique identity or are made by local artists. Also, allow your guests to gain an appreciation for what these items stand for by informing them of the significance of each piece. Sharing pictures and articles about local artworks on your property website can make it easy for guests to discover what the items are for. Plus, blogging about local culture and art helps inform prospective guests about the unique features they can interact with should they choose to book the rental property.

Offer Custom Amenities

Perhaps you’re interested in setting your rental properties apart by offering personalized experiences. You can do this by offering custom amenities and touches that cater to each guest’s individual preferences and needs. These can take on the form of welcome baskets filled with locally sourced goodies, concierge services to help plan their itinerary, or special touches like in-room massages or private chef services. Such amenities make guests feel valued and appreciated. Mention these unique qualities on the property website so they can be seen by your target audience.

Incorporate Smart Home Technology

You can also future-proof the vacation rental properties you manage by equipping them with smart home technology. Among the essential devices and solutions that can enhance guest experiences are keyless entry, smart thermostats and lighting fixtures, and even voice-activated assistants. These smart home features can help enhance guest experience and make each stay more enjoyable.

Create Inviting Outdoor Spaces

If your properties have outdoor areas, make the most of them by creating inviting spaces where guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy the natural surroundings. Highlight the presence of a landscaped garden with a fire pit and seating area, a private patio with a hot tub and barbecue grill, or a rooftop terrace with panoramic views on your website to draw the attention of guests who enjoy spending time outdoors. Maximizing the appeal of these inviting spaces contributes to enhancing the guest experience and adding value to the property.

Cater to Families and Pets

You can attract families and pet owners by catering to their specific needs and preferences with family-friendly and pet-friendly amenities. Families, especially those who have small children, appreciate the option to use highchairs and cribs during their stay. Pet owners, on the other hand, are often cognizant of the effort it takes to turn a vacation rental into a safe and welcoming space for animal companions. To encourage these demographics to choose your vacation rentals, make sure you mention the amenities and features young children and pets can use during their stay.

Embrace Environmental Sustainability

Implementing eco-friendly practices and initiatives in your vacation rental properties demonstrates your commitment to environmental sustainability. Thanks to advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to adopt environmentally conscious practices without sacrificing guest comfort. You can install solar-powered lamps to automate outdoor night lighting or harness rainwater that can be used to maintain outdoor areas. Encourage guests to be part of these efforts by offering tips online and onsite on how to efficiently use water and energy and segregate waste properly. Doing so will help you earn the attention of eco-conscious travelers who want to keep their carbon and environmental footprints at a minimum while enjoying the finer things in life.

Adopting creative strategies will allow you to differentiate your properties from comparable accommodation options in your area or online community. More than that, though, it will also help you attract a wider customer base, enhance your guest’s experience in your property, and contribute to achieving success in the competitive hospitality industry.