Getting to a holiday rental should feel like a sigh of relief.
When your guests arrive they might be tired from their trip to Brisbane. They might have just driven a long way on the Great Ocean Road or dealt with traffic in Sydney. The first impression they get is really important. They open the door, bring in their bags and look around. In a few minutes they have already decided if they like the place or not.
In Australia, where there are many short-term rentals it is not just about how big the place is or how nice the furniture looks. It is the little things that make a stay feel easy and comfortable. When you think about what your guests need before they even ask you, build trust with them.
Here are six things that every Australian vacation rental should have to make guests feel really comfortable and leave reviews.
1. Easy Access to Clean Drinking Water
One of the things guests need when they arrive is water.
Even though the water in Australia is very clean, guests from other countries might not be sure if it is safe to drink.. In some areas where people collect rainwater guests might be even more unsure. If you provide drinking water it shows you care and are professional. Many people who manage properties use services like Neverfail water delivery to make sure there is bottled water when guests arrive. This small thing can make a difference and prevent guests from having to go out late at night to buy water.
In holiday homes by the beach or in areas or in properties that families like to stay in, having drinking water is not just a nice thing to have, it is necessary for comfort.
2. A Nice Welcome Snack That Shows You Care
Comfort is not about physical things, it is also about feelings.
A small welcome snack can make guests feel valued and not just like they are paying customers. You do not need to spend a lot of money on this. Just think about what’s local and what people like to eat. In Victoria, where there are wineries you could leave some nice crackers. In Queensland you could leave some macadamias. Just a few good biscuits with tea and coffee can make guests feel welcome.
Research shows that food and local products are very important to people who travel and visit places. If you include some touches like thoughtful tableware decor you are showing guests that you care about where they are and what they like.
Guests do not expect you to spend a lot of money on them. They do appreciate it when you show you are thinking about them. A small thoughtful welcome gift can make a difference in what guests say about your property.
3. Good Toiletries That You Can Refill
There is nothing better than getting back to your holiday rental after a long day at the beach or in the bush and finding out there is no shampoo.
Providing toiletries is just basic hospitality now. You should have body wash, shampoo, conditioner and hand soap. Make sure they are all full and clean. Refillable dispensers are an idea because they are clean and good for the environment and they can also save you money in the long run.
Many travellers care about the environment. I want to stay in places that are sustainable. If you use toiletries and try to reduce waste you are showing guests that you care about the same things they do.
When guests feel like you have thought about what they need and have taken care of the things they can relax and feel more at home.
4. Air Conditioning and Heating That Works Well
The weather in Australia can be very hot or very cold depending on where you’re
If you have a holiday rental in Perth and it is summer you need to have air conditioning.. If you have a rental in Tasmania in the winter you need to have good heating. The air conditioning and heating should be easy to use and work well. You should also leave instructions on how to use them and make sure the remotes have batteries.
These little things can make a difference in how well guests sleep and how comfortable they feel.. When guests are comfortable they are more likely to leave good reviews and come back to your property again.
5. A Kitchen That Has Everything You Need
One of the reasons people choose to stay in holiday rentals of hotels is because they want to be able to cook and feel at home.
If your kitchen is not well-equipped it can be frustrating for guests. You should have everything you need to cook, including knives, a chopping board, cooking oil, salt, pepper and good cookware. The appliances should be easy to use and work well. Australians love their coffee. It is especially important to have a good coffee machine.
A good kitchen makes guests feel like they are at home. Can take care of themselves. It also means they do not have to go out to eat all the time, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
6. Clear Instructions That Make Sense
Comfort is not about physical things it is also about feeling like you know what you are doing.
Guests want to know how to use your property without feeling confused or overwhelmed. You should leave a guide that has all the information they need including how to use the Wi-Fi, the appliances and what to do in case of an emergency. The guide should be easy to understand and friendly.
If you include amenities like water you should explain how they work and where to find more if you need it. When guests feel like they have all the information they need they feel at ease and can relax.
Making Your Property Comfortable
These days luxury is not about how a property looks, it is about how it makes you feel.
Guests remember how they felt when they stayed in your property, not how it looked. So you should think about the things that make a stay comfortable like drinking water, welcome snacks, toiletries, air conditioning, a good kitchen and clear instructions.
If you want guests to leave reviews and come back to your property you should think about what they need and try to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Walk through your property like you are a guest and see what you can improve. Fix the things that might be annoying or confusing.
Because, in the end the properties that stand out are not always the expensive ones. They are the ones where everything works well and feels like it was thought about carefully.
