Reputation is everything, and it should be no surprise by now that potential guests are going to be looking up reviews and ratings of your short-term rental.
If you’re looking to set yourself apart from the pack, you can’t cut corners on guest experience or amenities. After all, the short-term rental industry has grown in large part because guests want more from their travel accommodations than a hotel would offer. Guests are likely booking your short-term rental over the hotel down the street because you offer something extra, like a washing machine or all the cookware and dishes needed to prepare and serve a family meal.
A simple way to up your reputation game is by offering the amenities guests have come to expect from STRs.
If you add new amenities to your STR, don’t forget to update your online listing. Here are a few amenities you can add to your rental to meet your guests' expectations.
WiFi should be a given for any STR location. But not all WiFi is equal.
As a business owner, you want to be able to brand yourself and stay top-of-mind with your customers. StayFi can help you do just that.
StayFi lets you brand your WiFi login page so that it’s your business’s name that your guests remember. Guests are required to provide their email addresses to log in to your WiFi. That means you can start building an email database so you can continue the conversation with your guests after they leave, which can lead to repeat bookings! As a bonus, StayFi is integrated with and partners with many companies, so you can streamline your marketing efforts.
It also provides a better WiFi experience for your guests. StayFi uses a cloud-managed system that’s simple to install and monitor and is seamless for your guests to use. It also boasts an omnidirectional, 600-foot coverage area and StayFi devices can mesh together to extend coverage (perfect for a property manager with multiple units in a condo).
Chances are that your guests are staying at your STR because they have plans to do things in your town. That doesn’t mean you should skimp on the TV, though.
Inevitably, your guests will have downtime and will be lounging around your STR. Cable can be an expensive option, but offering one or two streaming services can give your guests some variety (and maybe a chance to keep binging their favorite show).
A Roku, Chromecast, or other streaming device that allows guests to access their own streaming services is usually appreciated, but you may want to leave a note in check-out instructions to remind your guests to log out of their accounts before they leave.
How many times have you stayed somewhere and there haven’t been enough towels for everyone you’re traveling with? Don’t be that person.
Aim to have at least one for each guest staying at your STR, but to go above and beyond you should provide a couple extra of each type of towel.
The same is true for bedsheets, too. Make sure to provide an extra set of sheets and pillowcases in case an accident happens.
If you have the space in your property, a washing machine and dryer are amenities that can boost demand for your listing. Guests will seek out properties where they can do laundry without heading to a laundromat.
As an independent property manager, you’ve spent a lot of time and energy making sure that you’ve created a clean STR for your guests. But don’t just take those supplies home with you at the end of the day; leave them for your guests to use.
We all make a mess from time to time, and we all know that it’s best to clean it up immediately after it happens. Your guests will likely want to clean up a spill or drop food if it happens. Don’t leave them scrambling for the supplies to do so, or that mess will be left for you or your cleaning crew.
You don’t have to go overboard. Provide some paper towels, disposable gloves, disinfecting wipes, and a multi-purpose cleaner at a minimum.
You want your guests to feel like they’re at home when they stay at your STR. Providing dishes, cups, utensils, and glassware can give that extra touch to make your STR a little more comfortable.
If your property features a full kitchen, investing in a durable cookware set will pay off in the long run. What good is a kitchen if a guest can't use it to prepare a meal?
There’s nothing worse than going on vacation and realizing you forgot your toothpaste! Sure, your guests could go and buy some extra at the store, but if you provide some for them, you’ll save them a trip and be their hero.
You don’t have to go overboard on toiletries, but it’s a good idea to provide a basic set. Consider providing travel-size toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and facial soap. These are creature comforts that go a long way to keeping your guests happy.
If you offer longer stays it is reasonable to expect your guests to restock on personal hygiene items, but most guests (rightfully) expect to find essential amenities like hand soap and toilet paper to last through their stay.