Closing on my 1st STR!! Eek!!

Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes

Super excited and nervous to be closing on my first STR in Sunriver, OR. Going to start with a remodel. Need ideas for str design ideas that will help set it apart. HOA unfortunately won’t allow a hot tub so was thinking of installing a sauna and steam shower with heated tile bathroom. Theme will be like an adventure cabin (we have biking, hiking, skiing boating etc). Are the bathroom spa additions worth my investment? Any other fun ideas I could add that would go with this theme and help with bookings? Thank you in advance for any and all help!!

7 Reply

472 views

Most Popular Reply

Rosston Smith

Investor · Warner Robins, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 490 votes

11mo

Quote from @Honey Beans:

Congrats on your first STR! I recommend taking a look at the top properties in your are to help gather furnishing ideas. I'd look at the amenities your competitors have to help determine if the investment is worth it or not based on their estimated performance.

4 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

28 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Josh Ball
Real Estate Agent · Louisiana · Member since 2017 · 215 posts · 149 votes
11mo
Congratulations on your purchase. I've found guests really enjoy our "spa quality" master bathroom, although I do not find it brings us any extra value. They rave about it in the reviews but that is about it. The previous owner did the renovation so thankfully we didn't pay extra for it ourselves but I'd be cautious & look into what similar properties around you are offering to see if it is worth the extra $$. Good luck with your new adventure.
3 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Josh Ball it doesn't seem that the properties around me are offering anything like that. Was hoping it would set me apart. My biggest competition is the resort management run properties. They offer several exclusive amenities (like access to their golf course) but only if you put your property in their rental program. (Which I will not be doing). So trying to offer other alternative amenities that may appeal to the nongolf community.
  0 Reply
Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
11mo
Congratulations! The most overlooked item by STR investors is guest safety. Uneven or slippery surfaces, rickety stairs and railings, placement of outdoor grill, electrical wiring, insect infestations, etc.
Yes, you do have linability insurance, but you still have a duty to mitigate risk.
Have fun with your STR - it will be a wonderful adventure!

[email protected]806-672-7102
SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
Website View Page
3 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Collin Hays Thanks Collin!!! Really good reminder and honestly I probably haven't been focusing on this enough! Time to take a second look at things.
  0 Reply
Mike GrudzienPro Member
Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo
Bells and whistles are nice, but STR success starts with stellar customer service.
4 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Mike Grudzien so true! Any tips on how I can be stellar and not just mediocre? I'm a healthcare professional and work night shift. Worried about never getting sleep answering messages.
  0 Reply
Rosston Smith
Investor · Warner Robins, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 490 votes
11mo
Quote from @Honey Beans:
Super excited and nervous to be closing on my first STR in Sunriver, OR. Going to start with a remodel. Need ideas for str design ideas that will help set it apart. HOA unfortunately won’t allow a hot tub so was thinking of installing a sauna and steam shower with heated tile bathroom. Theme will be like an adventure cabin (we have biking, hiking, skiing boating etc). Are the bathroom spa additions worth my investment? Any other fun ideas I could add that would go with this theme and help with bookings? Thank you in advance for any and all help!!

Congrats on your first STR! I recommend taking a look at the top properties in your are to help gather furnishing ideas. I'd look at the amenities your competitors have to help determine if the investment is worth it or not based on their estimated performance.
4 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Rosston Smith thank you Rosston... yes, that is difficult. Tons of similar properties, but none of them really have in condo amenities such as this. One has Japanese soaking tub (and it does tend to book better than the average condo). The big problem is the resort management offers some exclusive amenities if you place your condo in their rental system. Amenities such as golf access on the adjacent course. They also have access to some corporate bookings. I'm not going to give them that 35% so I feel I need to step up my game and make my place extra special that would entice people to book with me rather than the resort. I still have access to a lot of other amenities such as pools, hot tubs, biking trails and much more so I'm not at a complete loss without the golf. It's just difficult to crunch the numbers and figure it out
  0 Reply
Andrew Street
Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
11mo
Congrats on your first STR! A sauna + steam shower is a great way to stand out without a hot tub, guests love spa-style upgrades, and they boost photos.

For the adventure cabin vibe, add practical “experience” touches: a gear wall or mudroom area, boot warmers, trail maps, a small repair station, or a cozy reading nook. Simple extras like a coffee bar or game wall also help bookings. Keep it functional and fun!
2 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Andrew Street wow, great ideas!! Boostwarmers! That is a perfect simple add! Got the mud room with the ski racks, that would work perfect as simple addition. Thank you! Such great ideas
  0 Reply
John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
11mo
Check out your successful competition and see what they are doing that is working and use this as a guide to what you should be doing.
3 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @John Underwood thank you!
  0 Reply
Justin Miller
Interior Decorator · Nationwide · Member since 2017 · 44 posts · 35 votes
11mo
Congratulations, so exciting!

Strategic amenity selection is crucial for driving revenue and guest satisfaction. Focus on these key categories to maximize your property's appeal and ROI! Here are a few brainstorming ideas:
Outdoor Living

Must have potential for high-impact features like fire pits, hot tubs, dining areas, or outdoor games to significantly boost appeal.

Views & Proximity

Properties with desirable views or close proximity to water, nature, or main attractions offer an enhanced guest experience.

Premium Interior Features

Potential for dedicated game rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, or comfortable dedicated workspaces to cater to diverse guest needs.

Easy Parking

Adequate and convenient parking for the expected guest group size is critical for convenience and securing 5-star reviews.

Garage to Game Room Conversion

If driveway parking is plentiful, converting a garage into a functional game room or extra living space offers amazing added value.

Noise & Light Abatement

Ensuring quiet enjoyment of the property through noise reduction measures enhances guest comfort and prevents issues with neighbors.
2 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Justin Miller nice!! Tons of great ideas!! Thank you!!
  0 Reply
Jules Aton
MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11mo
Congratulations! Agree with everyone about being sure to not over improve as compared to your competition. It is likely they know what pays off and would have added xyz if it would be worth it? It might be worth considering the Resort Management package especially if the golf portion is a significant draw. No one wants to pay for management but there are certain advantages. My PM is worth their weight in gold.
1 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Jules Aton yea, your not wrong. I will definitely consider it one day maybe. Especially if I find that despite my best efforts I just cannot compete without them. It's nice to know it's an option.
  1 Reply
Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
11mo
Congrats! As mentioned I would see what the top performing properties in your area offer and emulate it. If you are looking for something unique perhaps look at other markets that have similar aspects to yours and see what their best performers are doing.
[email protected]813-563-0877
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Andrew Steffens good idea, I've been focusing my search on just my market. Thank you!
  0 Reply
Kate Sanchez
Member since 2025 · 248 posts · 101 votes
11mo
@Honey Beans Congrats on your first STR! Sunriver's an amazing market! A sauna and steam shower definitely fit the adventure-spa vibe and can boost appeal. You might also add heated boot racks, bike/ski storage, and a cozy gear-drying nook — small touches that elevate guest experience and make your listing stand out.
1 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Kate Sanchez I love the heated boot rack idea!! Definitely going to add that!! Thank you!!
  0 Reply
Trent Reeve
Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 716 posts · 645 votes
11mo
Quote from @Honey Beans:
Super excited and nervous to be closing on my first STR in Sunriver, OR. Going to start with a remodel. Need ideas for str design ideas that will help set it apart. HOA unfortunately won’t allow a hot tub so was thinking of installing a sauna and steam shower with heated tile bathroom. Theme will be like an adventure cabin (we have biking, hiking, skiing boating etc). Are the bathroom spa additions worth my investment? Any other fun ideas I could add that would go with this theme and help with bookings? Thank you in advance for any and all help!!

Look at sites like Rabbu, Awning, AirDNA. find properties near you that are high performers and see what amenities they have, how they are decorated, etc. You would be surprised when you look at numbers, how much design can help your property. I have a property in a complex in Florida and had another owner ask for help as their numbers are low. I showed her 2 properties in another complex, one with blah decor/designs and one with much more thought put into it, it was a $25k/yr difference in performance. Another complex had 2 that had a $40k/yr difference.
This isn't the old days where you can slap something together and expect it to perform great. So find those somewhat near you, the ones doing well, and see what you can do to compare with them. And design elements don't necessarily cost a lot, but it can make the place memorable. I am in the Panama city beach market and there are over 20,000 rentals. Average guest will look at 10-15 rentals before deciding, so you have to find something to stand out and be remembered. One place i saw had surfboards as faux headboards above beds. Another had a wall mural of the PCB coastline and a few hotspots that everyone goes to.
3 Reply
- Clark Thornton
  Property Manager · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 110 posts · 51 votes
  11mo
  Quote from @Trent Reeve:
  
  Quote from @Honey Beans:
  Super excited and nervous to be closing on my first STR in Sunriver, OR. Going to start with a remodel. Need ideas for str design ideas that will help set it apart. HOA unfortunately won’t allow a hot tub so was thinking of installing a sauna and steam shower with heated tile bathroom. Theme will be like an adventure cabin (we have biking, hiking, skiing boating etc). Are the bathroom spa additions worth my investment? Any other fun ideas I could add that would go with this theme and help with bookings? Thank you in advance for any and all help!!
  
  Look at sites like Rabbu, Awning, AirDNA. find properties near you that are high performers and see what amenities they have, how they are decorated, etc. You would be surprised when you look at numbers, how much design can help your property. I have a property in a complex in Florida and had another owner ask for help as their numbers are low. I showed her 2 properties in another complex, one with blah decor/designs and one with much more thought put into it, it was a $25k/yr difference in performance. Another complex had 2 that had a $40k/yr difference.
  This isn't the old days where you can slap something together and expect it to perform great. So find those somewhat near you, the ones doing well, and see what you can do to compare with them. And design elements don't necessarily cost a lot, but it can make the place memorable. I am in the Panama city beach market and there are over 20,000 rentals. Average guest will look at 10-15 rentals before deciding, so you have to find something to stand out and be remembered. One place i saw had surfboards as faux headboards above beds. Another had a wall mural of the PCB coastline and a few hotspots that everyone goes to.
  
  I have no comments other than this is 100% correct.
  2 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Trent Reeve I grew up going to PC Beach every summer! Miss those white beaches! I have been nonstop digging into my competition. Not a ton of fancy designs to be honest. Hoping by putting a little effort into it I can set myself apart. I did see one that had the topographical map of the mountains on the walls. I thought that was pretty genius.
  1 Reply
- Trent Reeve
  Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 716 posts · 645 votes
  11mo
  Quote from @Honey Beans:
  
  @Trent Reeve I grew up going to PC Beach every summer! Miss those white beaches! I have been nonstop digging into my competition. Not a ton of fancy designs to be honest. Hoping by putting a little effort into it I can set myself apart. I did see one that had the topographical map of the mountains on the walls. I thought that was pretty genius.
  yes, i am a fan of having a high level map, especially if you have things in walking distance so people can see.
  0 Reply
Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
11mo
Hey @Honey Beans, so there is a lot of good advice here but I would like a bit more data.
I am very familiar with Sunriver and the surrounding Bend area.
Where is this place located? Is this a home or a condo? What is the proximity to Mt Bachelor?
How big is it? Beds/Baths?
1 Reply
- Honey Beans
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 14 posts · 9 votes
  11mo
  @Michael Baum hi Michael, sure! Located in Sunriver, Oregon; 2bed, 2bath condo; 19 mile to Mt Bachy; the resort is on the Deschutes River, has over 40 miles of paved bike trails; horses, marina, lazy river pool with slides; tennis, pickleball and a village shopping/restaurants (across street from condo). Any thoughts?
  0 Reply
Account Closed
Interior Decorator · Member since 2025 · 82 posts · 42 votes
10mo
As An STR Designer, it may be beneficial to hire a designer to help with streamlining your ideas. With that said, looking at area competition first, goes a long way into gaining insight on how to make your property stand out. Niche down and then niche down more — this will really help you craft and curate a design for the guest avatar all the way down to coffee mugs and throw pillows.

Also my favorite place on earth besides where I live (Maine) and Cape Cod — is Bend! So congrats!
0 Reply
Matthew Tregoning
Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 466 posts · 173 votes
2d
Your question about getting sleep while self-managing stood out. We use automation and a VA team, but the important part is naming who handles a live problem when you're unavailable. Give that person the house guide, vendor contacts and clear approval limits; scheduled messages alone don't cover that.
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.