Elevate experiences and boost direct bookings: A guest-centric guide
The vacation rental industry is booming, but many guests are left feeling disappointed by inconsistent experiences. They book a beautiful property online, only to arrive and find generic furniture, bare kitchens, and a lack of standards.
Elevate the guest experience from the moment they arrive by making their stay so amazing that they never want to leave. While we've touched on this in our previous posts, here's the nitty gritty to help guide you on how to provide an unforgettable guest experience. Let’s get into it.
Create unforgettable experiences, not just a place to sleep. Hotels offer a full-service experience: concierges, gyms, massages—you name it. While vacation rentals can't compete in every aspect, we can offer something even better — personalized luxury.
1. Think curated experiences, not cookie-cutter stays. Imagine offering in-home massages, private chefs whipping up delicious meals, fresh flower deliveries, or even same-day grocery shopping. Guests are willing to pay extra for these elevated touches. Did you know that according to Expedia's 2023 index, 57% of guests prioritize value for their money? Consider partnering with companies like The Host Co. for these specially-personalized, and curated add-ons.
Check out sojo’s welcome bundles to go above and beyond the basket.
2. Consistency is key—Be a brand, not just a rental. Imagine booking a stunning vacation rental, only to arrive and find mismatched furniture and threadbare towels. Perform regular inspections, ensuring everything from booking to turnover meets your high standards. Invest in quality furniture and amenities—nobody enjoys a lumpy couch or a flat pillow. Companies like Showplace, HostGPO, and Guested offer excellent solutions for furnishing your vacation rentals.
3. Ensure your team communicates consistently and efficiently. Every touchpoint, from booking to checkout, should reflect your brand identity and exceed guest expectations. Consistency builds trust and loyalty. When guests have a positive experience across all interactions, they're more likely to become repeat customers and recommend your property to others.
"If you don't have standards and consistency, it's really hard to say you have a brand."
— Max Farley
sojo CEO
4. Memorable experiences lead to direct bookings. Guests who feel valued and cared for are more likely to book directly with you next time. They know what to expect and trust that their expectations will be met. Use your listings to accurately showcase your property and what guests can expect, and highlight special amenities or perks you might offer. By going the extra mile, you create long-lasting memories that keep guests coming back for more. Use sojo’s From Listing to Loving: How to Capture Hearts and Bookings blog post for more tips on listing optimization.
Use an amenity checklist, like our Airbnb amenities audit for ideas on essentials every rental should have.
Need help automating guest necessities and gifts (for owners, too!) to make them feel special? We take care of the nitty-gritty tasks like amenity ordering and restocking, freeing you up to focus on what you do best—creating amazing guest experiences. Plus, our welcome bundles are guaranteed to wow and delight guests from the moment they arrive, including your furry companion, and especially during the holidays! Schedule a meeting with us today to see how we can help.
sojo is an Amenity Automation Platform for Vacation Rentals. With more than 30k properties on our integrated platform, we’re able to support property managers and their staff to keep turn days automated and the products a welcome surprise to their guests.
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