In the world of short-term vacation rentals, a 5-star rating is more than just a badge of honor – it’s a ticket to attracting more bookings, standing out among the competition, and maximizing revenue. Guests rely heavily on reviews, and earning those coveted star requires thoughtful planning, excellent execution, and attention to detail.
- Clear and Honest Communication – Be prompt, professional and provide friendly communication.
- Be responsive – Answer inquiries quickly and thoroughly.
- Provide detailed instructions – Include check in & out times, directions, and access codes.
- Provide rules, but don’t be aggressive – Clearly outline house rules (e.g., quiet hours, parking, smoking, or pet policies) in a friendly, non-confrontational tone. Focus on setting expectations rather than sounding punitive.
- Pristine Cleanliness – Cleanliness is super important. Even the most beautiful decorated property won’t receive high marks if it isn’t spotless. Hiring a reliable and detailed oriented cleaning team ensures your property consistently meets (or exceeds) guest expectations.
- Deep clean regularly – This includes window cleaning, baseboards and fans. Make time to visit your property and double-check that the cleaners are maintaining high standards. This is also a great opportunity to inspect for maintenance issues. Staying at the property occasionally can help uncover items not easily noticed during a quick walkthrough.
- Find the right cleaner or company – Partner with a cleaner/cleaning service willing to go above and beyond standard expectations. While occasional oversights may happen, they should be rare, and your cleaning team must act quickly and professionally to address issues.
- Accurate and engaging listings – Your listing is your property’s resume. A clear and enticing description can make your home stand out and help the guest picture themselves vacationing in your short-term rental.
- Know your avatar – Understand your target audience and design your home to appeal to them. Whether it’s families, couples, or solo traveler’s, tailor the decor and amenities to their preferences. A well-crafted listing not only captures attention but also sets the stage for a memorable and enjoyable stay.
- Make your home warm and inviting – Aim for the feel of a model home – beautifully styled, cohesive, and welcoming. Think about the last time you walked through a model home and how it made you wish you could buy it exactly as it was. That’s the feeling you want to create for your guests. Do not use old items ready for goodwill!
- Hire a professional photographer – Professional images with natural lighting make a huge difference. Highlighting a 5″ faux plant with the background blurred is not a picture your guest remember or care about.
- Highlight 5-star reviews – Intermingle glowing guest testimonials with your listing photos, makes your listing more compelling and builds trust with potential guests.
- Thoughtful Amenities – Amenities and thoughtful extra touches often leaves a lasting impression, and guests are wowed by making their stay more enjoyable.
- Essentials – Comfortable beds with quality linens and pillows, fast and reliable Wi-Fi. quality smart televisions, fully stocked kitchens with basic spices, soaps, hair products, laundry soaps, quality towels, plenty of toilet paper and paper towels.
- Extra Touches – Coffee, sugar, creamers, board games, toiletries (toothpaste, make-up wipes, lotion, tampons, toothbrush, sunscreen, q-tips, etc).
- Conclusion – Achieving and maintaining a 5-star rating requires dedication and commitment to excellence. Focusing on communication, cleanliness, design, accuracy, amenities and attention to detail, you can create a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back and telling others about your property. It truly is very rewarding when a guest appreciates and enjoys your property. If you ever need tips, reach out I would be happy to help. Happy Hosting and always reach for 5-Star Service!
LJ VACATION RENTALS 