In this guide to vacation rental features, we will be going from room to room to help you determine the best features to include in your rental. From bedrooms to bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entertainment areas, and outdoor areas, we help you equip your rental with everything it needs to succeed.

Our first room that we will focus on is the bedroom. Without a doubt, this is one of the most important rooms in your rental. A well-equipped bedroom can be a deciding factor for many guests. A poorly-equipped bedroom on the other hand can put guests off quickly.

How do you know what vacation rental features should be included in the bedroom? For starters, you could consider your last stay at a guest house, Airbnb or even hotel. What features impressed you the most? What would you expect during your stay? What features are typically missing, even though they add value?

Vacation Rental Features for Bedrooms

The master suite as well as the additional bedrooms are meant to give guests somewhere to relax and unwind. As such, this room needs to be fitted with everything needed for a good sleep. Some of the most important vacation rental features to add to your bedrooms include the following:

• Beds. One of the most important features in any rental is a comfortable bed. A small, hard, bed with synthetic bedding and uncomfortable pillows is something that every guest dreads. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes, and consider what sort of bed you would want to sleep on for any given time. While double beds can be sufficient in smaller properties, queen and king beds offer even more comfort and luxury. Whichever size of bed you choose, invest in the best quality bedding possible. A luxurious alternative to feather and down duvets is wool duvets, which retain heat without adding bulk. High thread count duvet covers, pillow covers and sheets are a must-have, while pillows should be firm, soft and plump.
• Storage. This can include free-standing or built-in cupboards that have ample space for guests to hang up clothing and store luggage, shoes and other items that may be brought with them. At the very least, you should have a small closet that can fit a few items. This goes a long way in making your guests feel at home. An inviting vacation rental is far more likely to get repeat bookings as well as glowing reviews.
• Writing desk. Do you have space for guests to work? Make sure that the desk has international plug points, along with easy access to your WiFi modem, and a phone line, if possible. To go one step further, you can also invest in writing paper and some basic stationery. Ask your guests whether any special equipment is needed for their stay. Those travelling on business would welcome items that may come in handy during their stay. A quick email or call to find out whether any office items are needed goes a long way.
• Heating and cooling. During the hot summer months, air-conditioners and overhead fans are highly recommended – especially in cities such as Cape Town that see temperatures rise to the 30 degree Celsius mark and higher. Likewise, fireplaces or gas heaters and underfloor heating is useful during the winter months. Small touches such as heated towel rails in the en-suite bathroom will also be appreciated.
• Extras. If you want to go the extra mile, you could also consider details such as fluffy bathrobes and slippers, luxury spa toiletries, candles, bedside rugs, couches or love seats, dressing rooms, humidifiers, aromatherapy oil burners with a selection of soothing essential oils, fruit baskets, battery chargers, device chargers, extra plug adapters, easy to care for houseplants, fresh cut flowers and anything else that you yourself would appreciate when staying away from home.

______________________________________

How else can you be sure that your vacation rental features are designed with guests in mind? Investing in professional vacation rental management is the simplest way to provide your guests with the very best level of service during their stay. From bookings management all the way to day to day management, guest concierge and even marketing, a manager will help you prepare your rental for guests.

To learn more about how a short term manager can be the best of all vacation rental features, contact the Totalstay team today.