Making your short term rental REALLY stand out (AirBnB, VRBO and more!)

I’m sure that you would love to increase your occupancy rates (who doesn’t!?) for your short-term holiday let? No one wants to lower their prices to get more people through the door. There are many ways to make your property stand out and attract more guest bookings.

We’ve spoken to many Airbnb landlords and discussed how they have increased their booking rates. They all tell us that making their property unique in some way has made a huge difference. Many holiday let properties look the same and have similar features. To make your property stand out, think about adding unique features or décor. For example, you could create a themed room, such as a beach or safari room, or add a statement piece of furniture that catches the eye. Another idea is to incorporate local art or crafts into your décor to give guests a sense of the area's culture and heritage. Guests are usually looking at least 5 or 6 properties at a time, having a unique element in your description and your photos make your property memorable when it comes to the important time of booking!

What to do on a rainy day in the UK..... ;( 

One of the unique challenges that holiday let landlords face in the UK is the unpredictable weather. While the UK has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities, the weather can often put a damper on things. Making provisions for indoor activities to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, no matter what the weather is like outside should also be an important consideration.

What about providing indoor entertainment for guests by having a retro arcade machine? Not only is it a unique feature that sets your property apart, but it's also a fun and engaging activity that guests of all ages can enjoy. With a range of classic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, an arcade machine is sure to keep guests entertained for hours.

At Arcade Depot, we’ve supplied lots of our various machines to landlords and they tell us that they are perfect for their holiday lets. Our machines are brand new, sturdy and include a variety of classic games. Plus, we offer delivery anywhere in the UK and Europe, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Need a quick fix? Then why not provide board games, books, or puzzles. These are inexpensive and easy to source, but they can make a big difference in the guest experience. They provide a fun and relaxing way to pass the time, and they're great for families with children or groups of friends.

Creature comforts from home

I love it when a place we go to has those little creature comforts of home like a home theatre system or a collection of movies (especially access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc) at the property? A great way to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, especially on rainy evening in. Guests will appreciate the home from home experience, especially if they're looking for a relaxing getaway.

Passionate about your local area

Aside from indoor activities, there are other ways to make your holiday let stand out. For example, you could offer a unique welcome package for guests, such as a basket of locally sourced snacks or a bottle of wine from a local producer. This is a great way to make guests feel special and to show that you care about their experience and that you’re passionate about your local area.

What about making a local guidebook or brochure that includes recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities. This is a useful resource for guests who are unfamiliar with the area, and it shows that you're invested in helping them have a great stay. Who doesn’t love a great restaurant recommendation when they travel somewhere new?

In conclusion, making your holiday let unique and providing provisions for indoor activities are essential ways to attract more bookings and ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay. By incorporating features like a retro arcade machine, board games, books, or a home theatre system, you can provide guests with a fun and engaging experience, no matter what the weather is like outside. Offering a unique welcome package or local guidebook, you can show guests that you care about their experience and help them make the most of their stay.