8 ways to create a great vacation rental property
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is an up and coming tourist destination that is attracting investors from all around the world to its pristine beaches and untouched jungles. Each year more and more tourists are visiting the community creating the demand for luxury facilities and accommodations. As the community continues to develop, so does the number of available vacation rental properties in the area, separating the good ones from the bad.
If you have a vacation rental in Santa Teresa or anywhere else in the world, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your guests have the best experience possible. Taking the effort to create a great vacation rental will not only assure repeat business but it will also allow you to charge more for your rental. Although some of these steps are common sense, it is amazing how many home owners forget the little things that can make a guests experience that much more enjoyable.
Those that use a proper management company should be able to rest assured that special attention is being paid to their guest’s details and requests. If your guests are constantly dissatisfied, then you may need to find a new rental agency or take maters into your own hands. Below is a list of 8 things that you can do to create a great vacation rental property.
1. Make sure the house is immaculate upon arrival. This may seem like common sense but you would be surprised how many rentals are dirty when guests arrive. Living in the jungle brings a whole new array of insects and critters that share your home with others. It is important to make sure that your rental property is cleaned the morning before the guests arrive. Make sure all of the trash bins are empty and all of the windows are spotless.
2. Constantly maintain your property to assure that everything is in working order. The jungle will take its toll on every piece of wood, metal and appliances that you have in your home. Outlets are certain to go out along with A/C units and water pumps. Double check everything before your guests arrive to make sure everything is in working order.
3. Create a guest book with a list of tips on how the guest can get the most out of the property. Make sure to have your phone number easily accessible along with everything your guests should know about the house and property. This should include a detailed list on how to use the AC units, the security system and how to properly lock up the property. A good list will cover every detail of the house and its amenities and will make your guests experience much more pleasurable.
4. Leave a greeting package for your renters. Remember that most of your guests will be doing a lot of traveling before they get to their vacation rental. The last thing that they will want to do upon arrival is have to run to the store to get some supplies. To leave a great first impression on your guests, provide them with a little greeting package with some local fruits, snacks and a bottle of wine or rum. It’s the little things that go a long way in the guests mind.
5. Make sure that the kitchen is properly stocked with supplies. It is important that you have everything the renters will need if they want to prepare a meal at home. You should also keep cleaning supplies and extra light bulbs on hand. A couple of flashlights and candles are a must as well in case of unexpected power outages. Don’t forget to stock plenty of drinking water and an extra propane tank for the stove just in case your guests run out.
6. Make sure that there is plenty of storage space for your guest’s belongings. Be sure to have closet space, shelf space and even drawer space available for guests so that they can properly store their stuff. Many vacationers will want to unpack their items and store their suitcases so they feel at home. This means it is important to provide them with plenty of storage spaces so if your bedrooms lack these amenities it is a good time to start thinking about how you might build them into your space.
7. Keep you rental current with furniture, art work and appliances. Your guests do not want to feel like they are visiting your grandparent’s house in the 1980’s. Your furniture should be clean and modern, or at least have a stylish theme that works throughout the home. Make sure that the media options in your vacation rental like televisions, stereo, and wifi are up to date. If a guest has to figure out how to connect to your dial up internet while they attach your VCR to the box TV on the dresser, then it might be time for an update.
8. Create a map and/or list of local places to eat, shop and see. It is a good idea to leave a list of your personal recommendations on local tours and things to do while visiting the area. A map of your favorite restaurants and amenities is also really helpful. The map should include a list of important emergency information like the numbers and directions to local hospitals, walk in clinics, and pharmacies. It should also include the whereabouts of the local grocery stores, cantinas and places to eat.
A good vacation rental agency can go a long way to make sure that your house is in tip top shape for your guests upon their arrival. If you have a rental property in Santa Teresa /Mal Pais, Costa Rica and would like more information about Costa Rica Beach Rentals Property Management Services, contact us today to find out how we can help.