10 Quick and Easy Vacation Rental Improvements to Increase Bookings

When you engage SkyRun to manage your vacation rental home, you should expect attractive earnings, high occupancy rates, top notch customer service and communication, and exceptional marketing. We'll do our part to make sure you get guests and that they are happy. You can do also do some things to enhance the attractiveness of your home to renters and to help ensure they have a special experience in your home.I could have focused this blog on home remodels, but remolding takes substantial capital, skills, and most importantly, time. Plus, remolding (especially from a distance) can be a major pain in the butt, so I decided to write this blog about quick and easy vacation rental improvements that you can do yourself. Here are 10 quick and easy home improvements to increase your home's bookings and guest satisfaction.STOCK THE KITCHEN
One of the main reasons guests choose vacation rentals over hotels is because of the ability to cook. Make sure your home is fully stocked with a set of sharp knives, multiple cutting boards, set of pots and pans, a good-sized set of matching plates and bowls, excellent coffee maker, and a plethora of cups and mugs. There’s nothing worse than having to wash dishes in the middle of cooking a meal or to constantly be running the dishwasher just to have clean drinking cups.UPGRADE YOUR BEDDING
Your guests are on vacation; therefore, they may spend a lot of time relaxing on the beds. Provide them with more comfortable pillows than they need. Perhaps a few different sizes, some for sleeping, some for reading, and a few more just in case. Layered blankets and a comfortable mattress are a nice essential touch.IMPRESS WITH TECHNOLOGY
In this day and age, there are millions of technological gadgets to fill your home with. So, I’ll spare you the laundry list and suggest a few items. Some of these will also reduce your utilities in the long run.
Nest – Produces connected home automated devices such as thermostats, electronic door locks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, security systems, video doorbell and more. WiFi – Many travelers work on the road, reduce their stress by providing them with quality high-speed wireless internet. It may not seem important, but trust me, it is. X1 Infinity – Replace the old television in the living room with a large flat screen TV and get X1. The voice control remote allows everyone to easily connect Netflix or find what they want simply by speaking into the remote. PS, they provide WiFi in a bundle package. Bluetooth – Are you beginning to see the trend? All technology is/has become interconnected! Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Home are fun items to have around the house. Simply ask it to play music, find a recipe, or tell you a joke. They don’t get everything right, but they add laughter to the air and good times in the memory banks. Motion Sensors – Motion sensor lighting is very convenient when walking into a new room that you don’t know where the lights are. Plus, they eliminate the issue of guests leaving lights on. PROMOTE CONVERSATION 
Most likely, your guests will either be groups of friends or families so what better way to bring everyone together than a nice selection of games and an intriguing puzzle partially setup? Fun games to have around areCatch Phrase,Apples to ApplesorSettlers of CatanandLiberty Puzzlesmake some of the best puzzles around.LOCALIZE YOUR HOME
Your home should be representative of the community where it resides. Next time you visit your vacation home, partake in the local art walks and find some local art. Photographs and prints are excellent ways to be cost-effective and support the local community.

TURN THE BATHROOM INTO A RELAXING ESCAPE
Perhaps upgrade the light fixtures from general bulbs to a chandelier or install light dimmers and apply soothing paint colors, tasteful art pieces, and candles to create a relaxing atmosphere. SkyRun provides general toiletries, but you can take it to the next level by providing a number of quality towels and put the cherry on top by wrapping up washcloths with twine. PROVIDE FURNITURE FOR GATHERING
There is nothing like having a large kitchen table for eating on, conversating at, or working on. It may be a larger expense, but it’s worth it to offer a place for communal gathering. Outside tables are another great way to encourage guests to enjoy time outside.NATURE CREATES THE EXPERIENCE 
Landscaping may seem like a daunting task but when done right, it’s visually and mentally enjoyable. If you can apply a xeriscaping design to your yard, consider it as your front yard could be filled with low-water consuming succulents, large authentic boulders, and pathways made of stones leading to a peaceful morning coffee bench.

CHARM THE EYE
Paint soothing, neutral colors on the walls. Provide nice décor touches, like colorful pillows, rugs, and throw blankets. You'll get bonus points if you vary your accents according to the season, with lighter and brighter colors for spring/summer, and richer, warmer colors for fall and winter. And, a few holiday decorations help guests feel special during the holidays.EMBRACE THE FUN
Guests appreciate amenities because they can fulfill simple pleasures. When you provide a sauna or hot tub for a relaxing soak, a large grill for cookouts, communal firepit, ping-pong table or a kid play area in the backyard, you’re sure to impress.These improvements will also help your property generate positive 5-star guest reviews. I cannot tell you how many reviews I have read were guests only gave 4 stars because a few unique needs weren’t met. On the contrary, I cannot tell you how many 5-star reviews I’ve read were one or two unique items differentiated the review from 4 stars to 5 stars.The bottom line is a quality home leads to quality experiences that lead to 5-star reviews that result in more bookings which ultimately puts more money in your pocket! So, have fun and get creative with these 10 quick and easy vacation rental improvements. And, our SkyRun team is always available to give you specific advice for your home and to help you put things in place.