Amenities added to increase bookings/value to guests

Amenities added to increase bookings/value to guests

Rental Property Investor · kelowna, bc · Member since 2016 · 48 posts · 22 votes

Hey

Looking for input from other members running their short term rental properties.

We are onto a new project where we have a small acreage that is nicely setup.

3 bed/2 bath house that can accommodate 8-10 guests

3 services rv pads that can come with newer trailers to accommodate upto anther 12 guests.

The property is close to the lake, golf, kids activities, town etc and have a Great Lake view.

Last year we added a large 1400 sq-ft deck to capitalize on the view and add a hot tub, 12x24 pool and lots of seating etc.

This year was a large fire pit area suitable for 12-16 people.

Next up are three choices and not sure what would give the most value (or do I do all 3)

1. The kitchen is older (mid 90’s) melamine/oak cabinets.

We would do modern shakers with butcher block counters. Put in a new 36” gas range and a double wall over/microwave to accommodate larger group cooking (it’s a large galley kitchen)

2. The unfinished basement turned into a games room

Would put rubber flooring down and add some gym equipment and activities like fooseball, pool, arcade, poker table with some cool movie and memorabilia decorations - pseudo man-cave for all ages

3. Removing a large old tree beside the deck and pool to add a 6-8 person barrel sauna (electric) and a deck structure with 2 cold plunge pools, faucet, all nicely landscaped and setup

We are primarily looking to target reunion/generation family gatherings

My main question is what of the above would give the potential for the best bang for the buck…or should I be looking to get it all done at once to streamline the work and have it be all done right out of the gates.

Input appreciated!

Here is a link to our other project. We like to do higher end styled places so this gives an idea of what we currently do and how this place will look

https://abnb.me/wMH39O71sBb

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Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
3y

Hey @Chris Muller, I think those are 3 great options. A couple of things:

1 - I love a good kitchen. If you are catering to large groups, they will want to cook at home rather that go out all the time. I wouldn't do the butcher block. Too much maintenance for a STR. I would do a tier 1 granite. It has been commoditized now and can be had pretty cheap. Much more durable.

2 - Does the basement have it's own egress? That would be something I would be wanting in case of emergency. Regardless the game room would be a big seller IMHO. No rubber floor. LVP all the way. Maybe some workout equipment mats under what ever you put down there. LVP looks so much better.

3 - You can't replace a mature tree. I would leave it IMHO. #3 is my least favorite. Have you checked other rentals nearby to see if they offer amenities like a hot tub or plunge pools?

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Chris Muller, I think those are 3 great options. A couple of things:

    1 - I love a good kitchen. If you are catering to large groups, they will want to cook at home rather that go out all the time. I wouldn't do the butcher block. Too much maintenance for a STR. I would do a tier 1 granite. It has been commoditized now and can be had pretty cheap. Much more durable.

    2 - Does the basement have it's own egress? That would be something I would be wanting in case of emergency. Regardless the game room would be a big seller IMHO. No rubber floor. LVP all the way. Maybe some workout equipment mats under what ever you put down there. LVP looks so much better.

    3 - You can't replace a mature tree. I would leave it IMHO. #3 is my least favorite. Have you checked other rentals nearby to see if they offer amenities like a hot tub or plunge pools?

  • Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I would def do #2 - make it the ultimate game room.  For me that would be #1 priority, updating the kitchen would be the next thing on my list.  Sounds like you got a great place.

  • Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    3y

    Option 1 or 2. 

    A nice kitchen would cater to a large group for sure! But so does a game room. 

    The kitchen will also not just make your adr go up, but also the value of the home 

  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y

    Toss up between 1 or 2.

    Like Mike said, don't do butcher block.

    I would go with Quartz.

    You could add some kayaks or canoe for people to use.

  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    Yoga mat. Best $40 you can spend :) 

  • Rental Property Investor · Manteno, IL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    If you're targeting family reunions, how about a pavilion area with an outdoor kitchen? Something to consider since you mentioned you have acreage, with a large enough pavillion you might even look to do use it as a wedding venue or other large family party/anniversary.  You could then make money by renting the home AND by renting the "venue" itself along with it.     

  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Mike H.:

    If you're targeting family reunions, how about a pavilion area with an outdoor kitchen? Something to consider since you mentioned you have acreage, with a large enough pavillion you might even look to do use it as a wedding venue or other large family party/anniversary.  You could then make money by renting the home AND by renting the "venue" itself along with it.     


     Right add a venue fee for events.

  • Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Sounds like an epic set up with awesome amenities but my instinct is that if you want large groups, and they don't have their own RVs, that 3 bedrooms is a bit light. There is a big difference between the ADR on 4 bedrooms and up vs 3s in most markets. I agree that finishing out the basement would be the best move but you might want to see if you can partition off at least one more bedroom down there. Bare minimum have some pull out sofas. 

  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    You have been given some great ideas, but I want to throw out one more. :) 

    If you have lots of "wow look at all these amenities" the dated kitchen gets overlooked. That is a STR interior design trick when an owner doesn't want to spend $----- on a kitchen or whatever it may be.

    Also, you said your avatar is generational family reunions. That answers your question between option 2 or 3. What do you think children and even adults of all ages would enjoy the most!

  • Real Estate Agent · Emerald Coast, FL · Member since 2016 · 820 posts · 486 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Ken Boone:

    I would def do #2 - make it the ultimate game room.  For me that would be #1 priority, updating the kitchen would be the next thing on my list.  Sounds like you got a great place.


    Another vote for the game room!

  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    @Chris Muller more games inside and out. If you already have a pool not sure more water makes it easier or harder for multi-generational families.  I also like a little shade.  On slab I see why you would do a rubber floor as it often isn't as cold as LVP.    I like good kitchens but not sure that with 3 bedrooms you prettier is gonna to hook people as much as more activities and space.

  • Cliff H.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Nashua, NH · Member since 2014 · 598 posts · 477 votes
    3y

    Quick thoughts:

    Skip the kitchen. Oak’s the strongest wood out there. Why trash it for shakers that need constant cleaning of those hard to clean square ridges and butcher block that’s looks nice until the first time someone spills grape juice or considers it a cutting board?

    What's the payback / ROI on any of the improvements you're considering?

    From the looks of it the basement reno’s the cheapest one out in the list. Others sound like $20k+ investments. How much extra revenue do you need to pay back $20k and how long will that take?

  • Rental Property Investor · Glendale, AZ · Member since 2016 · 6 posts · 2 votes
    3y

    Kitchen countertops

    Granite is a classic provided you seal it in case someone spills red wine.  Can withstand temperatures up to 350F without charring

    Quartzite is a beautiful alternative that we have in our home.  Same characteristics as granite provided it is sealed.  Granite and Quartzite are natural from the earth.  Go 3mm for a higher end look (slab will sit in cabinets).  2mm is more affordable as it sits on a wood slab that sits on top of your cabinets.  Your choice.

    Quartz is a man made option.  It won't stain as easily, but will char above 150F if someone sets a hot frying pan down on it.

    Agree with others.  No butcher block please.

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