What Matters Most for Vacation Rental Success?
Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes
What Matters Most for Vacation Rental Success?
Most Popular Reply
Jason WrayPro Member
Banker · Nationwide · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votesLocation, Location, Location is really the best start to ensuring your jam packed throughout the year and not just seasonal. Social media, transparency with renters, going the extra mile, offering more than just a home. Reasonable rates and options for a discount if rented more than (x) days.
Make the home extra attractive buy some things that make the home stand out like games for both the parents and the kids. Cornhole board games, Horse shoes, Volley Ball net or Basketball net, Non expensive poker table with cars and chips, board games, Playstation or Nintendo for the teens, even spend a little extra for a full size stand up arcade game.
You would be surprised the extra stars and kind words a few family nights of fun can make memories and people wanting to come back!
26 Replies
- 2yJason WrayPro MemberBanker · Nationwide · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Location, Location, Location is really the best start to ensuring your jam packed throughout the year and not just seasonal. Social media, transparency with renters, going the extra mile, offering more than just a home. Reasonable rates and options for a discount if rented more than (x) days.
Make the home extra attractive buy some things that make the home stand out like games for both the parents and the kids. Cornhole board games, Horse shoes, Volley Ball net or Basketball net, Non expensive poker table with cars and chips, board games, Playstation or Nintendo for the teens, even spend a little extra for a full size stand up arcade game.
You would be surprised the extra stars and kind words a few family nights of fun can make memories and people wanting to come back!
- Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes2y
Hello Jason,
I completely understand what you’ve said, and it sounds quite smart for future investment and current maintenance. The situation applies to the already listed property, and from a business perspective, I’d like to know: for you, is maintaining the 5 stars the most important, or are there other aspects you consider more critical?
- 2yMichael BaumPro MemberOlympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Hey @Saulo Dias, @Jason Wrays first statement is right on. Location, location, location is the key.
I am not as convinced that a limited season is a huge drawback. We are booked solid for 5 months out of the year, the rest of the time it is pretty much empty and we do fine.
It all comes back to location. The right area will yield great results, even better if you can get more days. If you look at Orlando, 365 market for the most part but it is one of the toughest markets to succeed in.
- 2yCollin HaysBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Reviews are great, but you have to have bookings first. You need a property that isn't easily duplicated. An awesome view, creek side, lake side, etc.
Loading up the property with a bunch of junk you can get a Lowe's won't get it done.
- Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes2y
Hi Collin,
I hope you’re doing well!
I’d like to get your opinion on the importance of reviews in increasing bookings. Do you believe that reviews are the main pillar for securing more reservations for a property that is already listed?
I appreciate your perspective!
- Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes2yHi Collin,
Quote from @Collin Hays:
Reviews are great, but you have to have bookings first. You need a property that isn't easily duplicated. An awesome view, creek side, lake side, etc.
Loading up the property with a bunch of junk you can get a Lowe's won't get it done.
I hope you’re doing well!
I’d like to get your opinion on the importance of reviews in increasing bookings. Do you believe that reviews are the main pillar for securing more reservations for a property that is already listed?
I appreciate your perspective! - Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes2y
Quote from @Jason Wray:
Location, Location, Location is really the best start to ensuring your jam packed throughout the year and not just seasonal. Social media, transparency with renters, going the extra mile, offering more than just a home. Reasonable rates and options for a discount if rented more than (x) days.
Make the home extra attractive buy some things that make the home stand out like games for both the parents and the kids. Cornhole board games, Horse shoes, Volley Ball net or Basketball net, Non expensive poker table with cars and chips, board games, Playstation or Nintendo for the teens, even spend a little extra for a full size stand up arcade game.
You would be surprised the extra stars and kind words a few family nights of fun can make memories and people wanting to come back!
Hello Jason,
I completely understand what you’ve said, and it sounds quite smart for future investment and current maintenance. The situation applies to the already listed property, and from a business perspective, I’d like to know: for you, is maintaining the 5 stars the most important, or are there other aspects you consider more critical?
- Member since 2024 · 21 posts · 7 votes2yHi Michael,
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Saulo Dias, @Jason Wrays first statement is right on. Location, location, location is the key.
I am not as convinced that a limited season is a huge drawback. We are booked solid for 5 months out of the year, the rest of the time it is pretty much empty and we do fine.
It all comes back to location. The right area will yield great results, even better if you can get more days. If you look at Orlando, 365 market for the most part but it is one of the toughest markets to succeed in.
I hope you’re well!
I was curious about your insights on the Orlando market. Why do you think it’s challenging to achieve success there?
I appreciate your thoughts on this! - 2yJohn UnderwoodPro MemberInvestor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votesThat is exactly what I was thinking. You need to have the location, views and reason why someone would want to part with their vacation money to stay at your house.
Quote from @Jason Wray:
Location, Location, Location is really the best start to ensuring your jam packed throughout the year and not just seasonal. Social media, transparency with renters, going the extra mile, offering more than just a home. Reasonable rates and options for a discount if rented more than (x) days.
Make the home extra attractive buy some things that make the home stand out like games for both the parents and the kids. Cornhole board games, Horse shoes, Volley Ball net or Basketball net, Non expensive poker table with cars and chips, board games, Playstation or Nintendo for the teens, even spend a little extra for a full size stand up arcade game.
You would be surprised the extra stars and kind words a few family nights of fun can make memories and people wanting to come back!
- 2yJohn UnderwoodPro MemberInvestor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
Quote from @Saulo Dias:
Hi Michael,Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Saulo Dias, @Jason Wrays first statement is right on. Location, location, location is the key.
I am not as convinced that a limited season is a huge drawback. We are booked solid for 5 months out of the year, the rest of the time it is pretty much empty and we do fine.
It all comes back to location. The right area will yield great results, even better if you can get more days. If you look at Orlando, 365 market for the most part but it is one of the toughest markets to succeed in.
I hope you’re well!
I was curious about your insights on the Orlando market. Why do you think it’s challenging to achieve success there?
I appreciate your thoughts on this!It is super saturated. Tons of competition.
- Investor · FL · Member since 2016 · 332 posts · 388 votes2y
Number one thing impacting vacation rental success is management. I have seen identical properties next to each other with one producing $63k and the other $140k and the only difference is who is managing it (including self managers). I have seen places in terrible locations get great returns because in managing it they knew how and where to market it. Location is very very important but sometimes poor location can be overcome by great management. Amenities are great, but some simple less expensive things in the marketing by the manager might net more bookings. Poor managers fail to do the research to figure out what the market will pay and either under charges to fill the calendar or over charges and fails to get booked. Poor managers fail to make repairs(or insist on them to owners), fail to followup on cleaners and fail take care of guests, therefore the reviews tank impacting bookings/ADR. I self manage and I hold myself accountable to each property's success. When I see a property starting to underperform, as the manager I have to run the data to figure out why and then make adjustments whether is lack of amenities, need updated photos, replace a couple pieces of dated furniture or increase my focus on advertising that property specifically.
- 2ySarah KensingerPro MemberReal Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Education
Market
Location
Amenities
Great Design
Marketing
A business mindset at all times
- 2yGarrett BrownPro MemberRental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2024 · 505 posts · 551 votes
You have gotten some great feedback here already, but since you mentioned the property is already listed, it changes some things.
Reviews are definitely extremely important to the success of your STR. It is not the only thing that matters though. You need to figure out who the average guest visiting your area is and why they are coming. If you can craft an experience that is above and beyond what the guest expects when visiting your location, then the reviews will come in positive.
I think the customer service, amenities, and ability to make the stay stress-free for the guest are the biggest advantages once you are booked. Also, not just sitting and waiting for bookings to come through Airbnb or VRBO and going get them yourself can drastically help you outperform similar properties near by.
- 2yAndrew SteffensBusiness MemberTampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I agree with everything above and will just add that in today's market I feel the right answer is all of the above. I will explain.
During COVID (at least in my market FL) you could rent an outdated house 15 miles from the beach and other attractions and decorate it off of Facebook marketplace for $2,000 and rake in cash. Those days are over.
Of course as mentioned above location is of the utmost importance. But so is pricing. So is amenities. So is interior and exterior finishes. As are reviews, photos, customer service, management, and so on and so forth.
If you have a quality, well located property you can take a bad review here and there. The market is competitive but if you deliver a consistent quality, in demand product at a good value you will do fine. I am not sure what I would pick as the most important ingredient, rather it is an overall recipe that will get results.
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews - 2yMichael BaumPro MemberOlympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Saulo Dias:
Hi Michael,
I hope you’re well!
I was curious about your insights on the Orlando market. Why do you think it’s challenging to achieve success there?
I appreciate your thoughts on this!@John Underwood said it best. It very saturated. We looked at places in the right neighborhoods that work for STRs a few years ago (pre-pandemic). There were some great places like a nice 4/3 on a corner lot, overlooking some preserve land. Pool/spa combo, full enclosed. It was just under 400k.
My wife always wanted a place in that area. Seemed like a decent deal! It was a current vacation rental....at $59 a night. The calendar was almost empty. That is practically free.
In order to do well in the great Orlando area, you need a large place. Like a 9/10 or 10/11. Fully themed out. And I mean really done well in order to be competitive.
If you want to get the real skinny, reach out to @Shawn McCormick. He know all the best places to buy a STR in that area.
- Interior Decorator · Nationwide · Member since 2017 · 44 posts · 35 votes2y
Hi Saulo,
This thread is packed with great insights! At my company, Showplace, we've identified several key strategies that significantly impact vacation rental success after setting up over 800 homes in the last 3 years:
Thoughtful Design and Amenities: Creating a unique and inviting atmosphere tailored to your target audience can make a significant difference. A well-designed space that meets the needs of your target audience. Think family-friendly, bachelor party crowd, traveling nurses, to luxury retreats.
Competitive Market Analysis: Conduct an in-depth competitive analysis to help increase occupancy rates and distinguish your properties from the competition. Our latest case study revealed that our owners achieved 35% higher occupancy and earned 35% more annually by implementing our recommendations.
Right Now, there is an Amenities Arms Race. To stand out, offering amenities that your neighbors don't is crucial. Unique features can be a game-changer in attracting guests and enhancing their experience. Think game room, hot tub, peloton, neon signs, pool table, arcade games, and pickleball.
Optimizing Listing Photos: The first impression matters. Our data indicates that 80% of guests don't look beyond the first five photos on an Airbnb listing. Focus on making these initial images compelling and representative of the property's best features.
- Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2016 · 740 posts · 529 votes2y
Location, location, location... then amenities. (you need a pool in Palm Springs, who is your guest avatar? You need the amenities they want and they expect to compete) Then you have to create the EXPERIENCE for them. Then you NEVER have to compete on price, or worry about not getting 5 stars. Best of luck!
- Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes2y
Location, Cleanliness, Management, Furnishings/Decor, Professional Photos
- 2yShawn McCormickPro MemberRealtor · Central Florida-Orlando · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 892 votes
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Quote from @Saulo Dias:
Hi Michael,
I hope you’re well!
I was curious about your insights on the Orlando market. Why do you think it’s challenging to achieve success there?
I appreciate your thoughts on this!@John Underwood said it best. It very saturated. We looked at places in the right neighborhoods that work for STRs a few years ago (pre-pandemic). There were some great places like a nice 4/3 on a corner lot, overlooking some preserve land. Pool/spa combo, full enclosed. It was just under 400k.
My wife always wanted a place in that area. Seemed like a decent deal! It was a current vacation rental....at $59 a night. The calendar was almost empty. That is practically free.
In order to do well in the great Orlando area, you need a large place. Like a 9/10 or 10/11. Fully themed out. And I mean really done well in order to be competitive.
If you want to get the real skinny, reach out to @Shawn McCormick. He know all the best places to buy a STR in that area.
Thank you @Michael Baum. Hi @Saulo Dias. I think eveyone has hit the major points of answering your question. I'll answer from a consumer point first. Honestly, I've only booked a STR a dozen or so times. Most often it was out of need for a specific location and space, so I first concentrate on the location, then #beds (typically), once I've narrowed it down, then I go to budget. Now I've got my choices down to just a few at which point I'll look at reviews, but the usually I don't have a lot of choices so even with a couple of bad reviews, I will likely still book and set my expectations accordingly.
From a real estate investor perspective, I think it will depend on where you are and how much competition you have in that market. What is the draw (seasonal vacation, business, sports, beach, mountains etc) who is your renter avatar? If it is highly compeitive like my market of Orlando, guests have thousands of homes to choose from, so they will filter differently than someone that is going to Ft. Wayne Indiana for a funeral and just need a place to stay that is convenient and cost effective and doesn't care about amenities and such. Here in Orlando, for the most part, the home HAS to be stellar to attract the guest that isn't shopping by price first, but the experience.
You have to know your market competition from every angle (price, offerings, perks, marketing, quality of furniture, neighborhood etc) You can overcome negative reviews if you do a lot of volume, that is almost a given to not be able to make everyone happy or foresee every issue a guest may have. However, do not use that as a strategy or be okay with it, you'll wind up losing the battle.
Hope this helps, reach out if you want to talk more about Orlando. Best of luck
- Property Manager · Kissimmee, FL · Member since 2019 · 445 posts · 266 votes2y
I recently participated in a Florida Vacation Rental Allance (FAVR) panel and the topic was knowing the difference between the customer journey and the customer experience for STR's. It's important to understand the customer journey if you want to know why guests are booking your property (or not).
1. The search - by location. Here in Orlando, some guests will simply search "orlando" or "Disney". Others will search by resort, i.e. "Windsor Island". Or they will go on the Airbnb map and look for properties closest to DIsney.
2. Either way, the properties that will float to the top are those with the most clicks and booking activity, (or the brand new listings). That's where pricing comes in, if the property isn't priced properly, it won't get booked - and it will disappear in the rankings.
3. Photography and staging - does the home have great photos and decor? People click instinctively when they see vivid colors, great decor and great staging, highlighting the experience they will have in the home. This is true in any market.4, Reviews - reviews are extremely important, but a few negative reviews are not the end of the world if the host has responded and explained the situation - if you have the right property, right location and it's priced right.
5. Communication - now, if the guest is ready to book but has a question or two about the home, swift, friendly and informative communication is essential. That sets the tone for the stay and reassures the guest that the host is on top of things. Ideally, a response should happen in 10 minutes or less.
Hope this helps! There are som many things that lead up to bookings and repeat bookings, but these are some of the top.
Alice - 2yV.G JasonPro MemberInvestor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Uniqueness, location, accessibility and of course excellent, and I mean excellent customer service.
We have a 2-3 truly 5-star vacation-esque STRs where we work locally with chauffeur services, restaurants for catering, chefs for on demand meals, etc., dog walkers for their pets-- plenty of services-- that the property managers can coordinate a full service weekend experience for a wealthy elderly couple from New York. We've noticed a lot of business come via word of mouth for this.
- New to Real Estate · Miami, FL · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 453 votes2y
Hey Saulo,
Great question! While having a 5-star overall rating is definitely crucial for vacation rental success, there are other important factors that can impact performance even more, depending on the market and target audience. Here’s what I believe matters most:
1. Location & Accessibility:
Location is a huge driver. Proximity to attractions, restaurants, and transportation can often outweigh a perfect rating. Guests are willing to compromise on minor inconveniences if they’re staying in a prime location.
2. Pricing Strategy:
Dynamic pricing plays a big role. Even if your property has a high rating, competitive pricing that adjusts to seasonality and demand ensures higher occupancy and revenue. Using pricing tools or keeping an eye on your competitors can optimize your earnings.
3. Guest Experience:
This includes things like cleanliness, ease of check-in, and amenities. If guests feel comfortable, safe, and cared for, they’re more likely to return and leave positive reviews. Even a property with a slightly lower rating can perform well if it nails these areas.
4. Professional Photos & Listing Quality:
Your listing needs to stand out visually. High-quality, well-lit photos and a detailed, appealing description are key to drawing attention in a crowded market. Great marketing can drive bookings even if your reviews aren't perfect.
5. Reviews & Responsiveness:
While a 5-star rating is great, what matters just as much (or more) is the content of your reviews and how quickly you respond to guest inquiries and issues. Positive comments on cleanliness, communication, and location can often outweigh a star rating alone.
6. Local Regulations & Market Conditions:
In areas where vacation rentals are regulated or oversaturated, factors like legal compliance and market competition can have a bigger impact than ratings. Staying informed on local laws and market trends is essential.
So while that 5-star rating helps boost credibility, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. I’d argue that location, pricing, and guest experience are even more important for long-term success.
Hope this helps, and feel free to ask if you want to dive deeper into any of these areas!
Best regards,
Drago - Member since 2022 · 272 posts · 253 votes2y
1) location
2) design and amenities
3) revenue management
- Member since 2024 · 60 posts · 25 votes2y
Guest reviews play a key role in your short-term rental’s success, and having more 5-star ratings than any other is essential. Earning Superhost status on Airbnb or Premier Host status on VRBO boosts your rental's visibility, as these platforms prioritize promoting top-rated properties in their algorithms.
Equally important is understanding your ideal guest avatar. Are you aiming to host families, snowbirds, couples, or work travelers, etc.? Tailoring the guest experience to meet their needs will not only make hosting more enjoyable for you but also create loyal, repeat guests, ultimately leading to fewer headaches and greater success.
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