9 Simple Ways to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out

Use these simple tips to make your vacation rental stand out from the competition. Maximize bookings and delight guests with unique experiences!

How to make your vacation rental stand out amidst the sea of listings? The sure thing is that slapping a fresh coat on your walls and moaning your lawn isn't enough. Guests have high expectations and will only book vacation rentals that strongly capture their attention.

If you want constant bookings and maximum cash flow for your vacation homes, you must be willing to go the extra mile. Being meticulous about your home and customizing guest experiences is a great starting point. In this guide, we'll share top tips for standout properties. Let's dive in!

How to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out

1. Name Your Properties

Your property names are one of the first things guests will notice when searching on OTAs or scanning the web. So make them stop-scrolling, reflecting your unique property characteristics. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Your vacation rental location
• The surrounding area
• Any unique elements or luxury amenities
• Your ideal guest
• Any upgrades or renovations recently done

For example, naming a property as a "1-bedroom cabin in the mountains" won't do the trick. Instead, opt for a "Peaceful chalet for couples with sauna, near Great Smoky Mountains National Park". Now, that's an attention grabber.

Unique vacation rental properties

2. Establish a Theme

Let's talk interior design! We highly recommend choosing a specific theme for your vacation rental to add character and personalization. Ensure your theme is cohesive in all areas of your house for an immersive guest experience. Here are a few popular themes to consider:

• Boho/Free-spirited
• Luxury with tropical vibes
• Old-school glamour with vintage art
• Elegant minimalism
• Bold palette
• Rustic-chic with wood accents
• Industrial
• Movie themes

Your goal with your vacation rental theme should be an "Instagrammable" home. This is a great way to advertise your property, as guests will post pictures of it online without having to do much on your end.

You can even create "Insta-worthy" corners in your house, such as neon lights, mirrors, colorful walls with paintings, string lights outdoors, or state-of-the-art furniture.

Vacation rental amenities checklist to make your properties stand out

3. Share Your Story

Every property has a story, and yours is no exception. To make your vacation rental stand out, share the history, inspiration, and little details that make it unique. Describe how you discovered the property, what made you buy it, and who lived there. Mention special events or encounters that took place infusing your personal touch.

Guests rave about storytelling! They want to know all the behind-the-scenes to resonate and feel welcomed. Make them so invested in your story that they feel like they know you personally. This is your power and your competitive advantage.

4. Highlight Special Amenities

Go beyond the basics and offer luxury amenities to impress vacation rental guests. Yes, your rental property is where they'll sleep at night, but it can be so much more than that. Anticipate your guests' needs and spoil them with thoughtful extras that'll make their stay unforgettable.

Here are a few ideas:

• Swimming pool, jacuzzi, or sauna
• Home cinema or streaming services
• Book or board game collection
• Personalized bath robes and slippers
• Private yoga space
• Hidden garden oasis
• Private rooftop terrace

Vacation rental amenities as soon as guests arrive

5. Focus on Local Experiences

One of the best ways to make your vacation rental stand out is to partner with local providers and offer guests curated experiences. For example, you can partner with a local distillery and offer wine and cheese nights under the stars. Or, you can offer cooking classes and guided tours to nearby attractions.

Guests expect guidance from you as a local expert. So, apart from sharing event details and popular attractions with them, use that opportunity to upsell your services. Your local collaborations will not only support the community but also earn you a commission. Win-win!

6. Showcase Local Art

Another stellar way to show that you support local vendors is by placing their crafts or art pieces in your vacation rental property. For instance, display paintings, wooden creations, or handmade pieces in your rental home to add character. Guests will appreciate your effort to stand by the local community and might invest in the art pieces themselves.

Boost your vacation rental bookings

7. Target Specific Niches

A broad guest profile is essential, but specializing in niche audiences is also a good idea. This will be your unique selling point that will differentiate you from the competition. Plus, you'll be attracting your "tribe of people", so guest satisfaction will be higher.

For example, you can focus on the pet-friendly niche and equip your home with beds, toys, treats, and pet-sitting as an add-on service. Or, if an adult-only approach is more suited to your rentals, focus specifically on couples without kids looking for romantic getaways. Narrowing down will set you apart.

8. Personalize Stays

Your house is more than a place of rest. Make guests feel at home and safe to reconnect with families, spouses, and friends. Your responsibility is to give them the "tools" to enjoy stress-free vacays.

For example, if there's a nearby park or sandy beach, gift them a picnic basket filled with goodies with your brand logo. Encourage them to savor these delicacies together at lunch for quality time. You can also offer them branded beach towels and umbrellas.

Alternatively, a basket with local snacks, wines, and a personalized note welcoming them to your vacation rental home can go a long way. These details matter. They might cost you a bit of money but will return tenfold. It'll show guests you're an attentive and caring host and make your vacation rental stand out.

How to make your short-term rental stand out

9. Make Your Properties Accessible

Inclusivity and accessibility should be a top priority for all hosts. Putting the extra work to create a vacation home that people with disabilities can access is key. Here are some suggestions:

• Grab bars in the bathroom
• Stair climbing wheelchair
• Step-free entrance
• Easy-to-reach surfaces and tabletops

Highlight all these features in your vacation rental listing to showcase that you're a good fit for people with mobility issues. Don't forget to add inclusion phrases to show that you're open to hosting all people from different backgrounds.

Basic amenities for people with disabilities

Level Up Your Vacation Rental Game

From the moment guests come across your listing, they start forming an impression about your brand. To make your vacation rental stand out, consider their needs and do your best to satisfy them.

The vacation rental industry is indeed fierce. However, standing out and winning those sweet bookings is still possible. Building your own book-direct website is a step closer to a unique vacation rental business.

At Houfy, a community of more than 50,000 guests and 15,000 hosts, we give you the tools to break free from large OTAs like Airbnb and their hefty commission fees. Take your business into your own hands, enrich your listings with unique features, and win visitors without the middleman. List your property today!