Vacation Rental Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for Seamless Stays

For professional property managers, few things are more satisfying than happy guests and 5-star reviews across your vacation rental portfolio. Sometimes, it’s more of a comedy of errors. Like when you forget to stock the essentials and get a frantic call from a guest who can’t start their morning without coffee. Or when you lock a guest out because you forgot to change the smart lock settings. 

We’ve witnessed a few mishaps over the years—it happens to even the most well-intentioned professional property managers, especially in the early days. Fortunately, we’re here to help you dodge those cringe-worthy moments and make your vacation rentals the kind of places guests rave about. So before we let you put that questionable piece of art front and center or start bombarding your guests with texts before they’ve had a chance to hit the pool, consider reading on for some helpful vacation rental tips! 

Communicate Fees Upfront

DO: Mention fees, but in the right place. 

DON’T:  Place warning signs with associated fees all over your vacation rentals.

No one likes surprise fees, especially when plastered on signs all throughout your vacation rental portfolio. Your guests came for a vacation and won’t appreciate being bombarded with “don’t break this” warnings, so communicate any extra fees beyond your nightly base rate upfront. Whether it’s cleaning fees, service charges, or additional optional expenses, consider when and how to share information in a way that adds value. And take it from us—it’s not with hand-written signs screaming “$500 For Missing Keys!”

A great time to break the news is during the booking process, so make sure your listings indicate all costs involved. A friendly reminder email detailing all inclusions before check-in can help set realistic expectations. And don’t forget about upsell opportunities guests will appreciate, including gap night opportunities and fee-based amenities. When timed appropriately, communicating fees can turn potential shock into smooth sailing, making your guests feel informed and valued.

B2 Tip: Download The Vacation Rental Guest Journey Framework for more tips on building or improving your guest journey!

Make the Most of Check-in Day

DO: Send a thoughtful text message so guests know you're available. 

DON’T: Expect them to answer a phone call upon arrival to explain property details and features.

The best part about being on vacation is disconnecting and escaping the daily grind. Refrain from unnecessary phone calls and notifications, and be mindful of your in-house touchpoints—guests want simplicity, not overload. Too much communication is annoying, but well-timed, carefully curated SMS messages add value without interrupting their vacation. A friendly reminder about check-in, local restaurant recommendations, or a simple “welcome” message will enhance their stay without being intrusive.

Consider adopting a platform that allows you to easily send perfectly timed SMS messages. That way, your guests receive all the essential information without excessive notifications. BeHome247’s guest messaging software is a great option, making scheduling automations and customizing workflows for pre-arrival, check-in, and check-out messages simple! 

Lend a Personalized Touch

DO: Offer personal touches, like a list of recommendations for kid-friendly restaurants.

DON’T: Display a photo of your family in your vacation home.

Adding personal touches to all of your vacation rentals will make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a home-away-from-home—cozy and inviting. And while guests love a warm ambiance, they don’t necessarily need a front-row seat to your family reunion photos or your collection of vintage cat figurines. Keep it homey, but not too your homey. Remove personal items like framed family photos and your favorite bathrobe. Instead, focus on thoughtful touches like soft blankets, fresh flowers, and maybe even a local guidebook that shows places worth visiting. It’s all about making them feel special and offering the best experience possible.

Select Appealing Decor

DO: Update your home so it's modern and on-trend with the destination.

DON’T: Assume the design trend from 10 years ago is still current.

Decorating your vacation rentals isn’t just about making them look good; they should feel good, too. Sure, that sleek chair may scream ‘style,’ but if it’s uncomfortable, consider it a no-go. Opt for neutral, versatile furnishings that you can easily jazz up with seasonal accents like pillows and blankets. Envision how your guests will use the space and invest in durable, high-quality pieces that are functional and easy to clean. Consider the location—beachy decor works well in coastal destinations, while rustic touches add warmth in mountainous areas. Think light, cheerful fabrics in the spring and summer, cozy earth tones in the fall, and warm lighting and snuggly blankets during winter. Regularly incorporating minor, budget-friendly updates will make your vacation rentals look fresh and new. And bonus points for adding seasonal touches for guests traveling during the holidays!

Stock Your Vacation Rental

DO: Provide packaged, single-use amenities.

DON’T: Expect your guests to remember every creature comfort.

Stocking your vacation rentals should begin with the basics, so your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. That includes clean towels and linens, standard dishware and silverware, and a coffee maker. But why stop there? 

Consider providing travel-sized amenities or a starter pack, including luxurious toiletries and local coffee. Take it a step further and help your brand stand apart with custom-branded starter packs that include takeaways like can koozies and beach bags.

Don’t Forget About Reviews

DO: Ask for a review that can be published soon after departure.

DON’T: Leave a guest book at the property for guests to write about their experience.

There’s no better way to build trust and showcase the incredible experiences you provide than with a 5-star review. How do you get them? Start with exceptional communication, seamless check-in/check-out processes, and a little extra hospitality thrown in for good measure. Paying attention to detail, consistency, and personal touches will also encourage repeat stays. And don’t be shy—capitalize on those post-vacation vibes by sending a friendly nudge asking for a review. After all, nothing says “I crushed it” like a glowing testimonial!

If you’re a professional property management company looking for more vacation rental tips, let B2 Collaborative help! Our creative services range from digital marketing and website content to social media and email marketing, ensuring your properties shine on every platform and get the visibility they deserve!