The boom of vacation rentals in recent years has allowed even those with no hospitality experience to turn family homes into mini-hotels. With more tourists seeking authentic vacation experiences, locals can grab this opportunity to invite savvy travelers in pursuit of homier alternatives to hotels that have been meticulously planned by teams of professionals.
If you’re planning to convert your extra space into a rental unit, here are a few tips to help you set up a warm and inviting area that will easily entice both avid travelers and staycationers alike.
Update Amenities and Don’t Forget the Necessities
The qualities of a good rental unit don’t stop with pretty designs and stylish furniture. The key to a good rental is still having enough amenities and providing all the essentials that a guest needs. Make your rental unit a comfortable and relaxing place by addressing everything that constitutes a good living space. This can include having a fast and reliable wifi connection and a working aircon for when the weather gets too hot.
House guidelines are another important feature that rental units must not overlook. Provide a notebook or binder that includes house rules, wifi details, and other pertinent information such as bus schedules and maps.
- Bathrooms
Always check if the bathrooms are clean, well-stocked, and equipped with working showers and heaters. If necessary, replace shower heads and fix plumbing systems to address leaks. Provide adequate lighting, but limit exposure to ensure privacy.
A touch of greenery will also add life to the bathroom and make it feel more inviting. Reglaze any worn or damaged surfaces and use specialized cleaning products to prevent mildew.
- Kitchens
If your rental allows guests to use the kitchen, make sure that it is constantly clean and has all the necessary tools and appliances for cooking simple meals. Having a refrigerator, a kettle, and a coffee maker is a good place to start. You can also provide an ample-sized cooking area complete with items such as pots, pans, spatulas, ladles, and a rice cooker. Encourage your guests to clean up after themselves by ensuring that the sink is unclogged and that sponges and other dishwashing items are within reach.
If you have a smaller unit, the dining area is usually adjacent to the kitchen or common area. The dining area should be fitted with good seating and have adequate space for your guests to use comfortably.
- Bedrooms
Your guests will most likely be looking forward to being able to relax and recharge, so you should prepare the sleeping area to make it as cozy as possible. Make sure that the room is quiet enough and install soft furnishings like curtains and rugs to drown out outside noise. Pillows, blankets, and sheets should also be well-fitted and soft enough for guests to have a restful sleep. Provide enough closet hangers and lighting fixtures that allow for reading at night without the risk of eye strain.
Provide Ample Space
A simple, spacious layout is one of the most fundamental features of a good rental unit. Remove unnecessary elements such as lavish and expensive items that could make the area look too cluttered and busy. Having too much furnishing also invites accidents and additional expenses, especially if you’re having guests with children or pets.
Depending on the size of your unit, you may also have to accommodate large groups. Ensure that all rooms have enough space for walking around.
Freshen Up Paint and Flooring
Of course, your rental unit’s design largely depends on your personal style. However, neutral colors and warm tones are best for evoking that homey and relaxed feeling. This aesthetic also blends well with soft textures and elements like fuzzy blankets.
When it comes to flooring, vinyl and hardwood are good choices because of their durability. Vinyl in particular is non-porous, making it highly resistant to moisture. Carpets are generally not recommended for rental units as they can be tedious to clean and maintain. But if you need to have carpets, choose darker-colored ones with a good underlay.
Fix the Lighting
Lighting is another element that could make or break a rental’s ambiance. Brighten up the rooms, especially bedrooms and kitchens, by ensuring access to natural light. Making a room too dark can make guests feel constricted and uneasy. At the same time, you should avoid harsh, overhead lights and opt for soft-white lights instead.
For rooms with large windows, use light curtains or blinds to add privacy or block sunlight. If your place is on a waterfront property or a beach-type area, consider hanging bamboo blinds to give your space a more nature-inspired feel.
Add Art and Decor
Aside from improving the atmosphere, adding a dash of artistic flair gives your space some personality. Having a few crafts, paintings, and plants in your rental makes it feel lived-in. As a bonus, placing them in strategic locations can hide eyesores such as wall cracks and chipped paint. Small elements like a welcome basket, a vase of fresh flowers, and decor specific to the holiday that coincides with your guest’s stay will also add charm to your living space. Just remember not to overdo it or the space will look messy!
Your guests will be looking for a home away from home. Make your rental unit more inviting to travelers by offering a living space that revolves around their comfort, relaxation, and enjoyment. Vacation is essentially all about the experience, so be sure to prepare your space in a way that will make your guest feel welcomed like a true local.
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