Top 10 things to know before renting your beach airbnb.

After helping to run a small boutique inn on IRB for 5+ years, I have learned where to spend and where to save when it comes to running a successful beach rental. I have also learned some more important ways of making a lasting impression and getting a great booking. Below are just some tips that you should know before booking your rental!

1.) Leave a Welcome gift!

This small gesture has been proven to have a big impact on retaining guests at your rental year after year.  Anything you put in your welcome gift (big or small) should serve as a reminder of their great vacation, your amazing home, and the memories made there.  Offering a small token for your guests to take home with them is an inexpensive way to make sure that your vacation home is always on their mind. Beach Koozies with your branding, a postcard to send home to loved ones, a local history book, t-shirts, and yummy local goodies are a great way to make sure your guests come back and tell all their friends about the time they had!

*** check out our pre-made welcome gifts, we deliver **

2.) Do not skimp on the cleaning supplies.

While you would hope that all of your renters would treat your home like their own, that is not always the case. I have found that having more than enough extra trash bags, laundry detergent, dishwasher pods, paper towels, method cleaning supplies, stain remover, and basic amenities like a vacuum and broom helps with keeping things tidy before your next check in. Cleaning while you go reduces the wear and tear on your property helping you to save $$ in the long run!

3.) Add an Outdoor shower or hose area!

While this seems like a no brainer if there is not place to clean off your feet before heading inside it will end up on your floor, your couch, and your shower drains. Make sure to have a place easily accessible for your guests to rinse off before heading inside. Not only did we have showers, but we also filled foot baths with water for easier access.

4.) Beach towels!

If there are no beach towels provided at your rental I can guarantee you that your guests will use the next best thing- your fluffy WHITE bath towels.  While this may not seem harmful, sunscreen and oils will stain towels and no one wants to think they are bathing with a dirty bath towel! Grab enough beach towels for all guests coming on vacation and you will save yourself from a ton of headaches and nasty reviews in the future.

5.) Amenities

Beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, high chairs, crib

Make it easy for your guests to enjoy their vacation! Make sure you have cleaned off the beach and baby equipment between each guest. Throw away anything broken or rusted.  These small amenities will get you more money and a happier clientele. You want your reviews to stand out so don’t skimp on the small details. Your guests will notice the extra attention and be able to spend more time on the beach where they want to be :)

6.) instagram worthy spaces!

Lets give them something to talk about. I am talking about instagram worthy things to talk about and share with their friends online! Do you have a great pool with an island in the middle?, a penthouse suite with water park?, a fire pit with the essentials , a movie theatre?. With so many wonderful homes in the area make sure your listing stands a part from the crowd.

7.) Professional pictures.

It goes without saying that professional pictures make all the difference when booking your next vacation. Get professional pictures that are light, bright and showcase the best features of your home.  Get pictures of bathrooms, outdoor areas and all amenities.  Guests will likely be checking out hundreds of airbnbs and your want to show that you’re the best out there.

8.) Local things to do

write it down, put it in a book, and allow your guests to “live like locals” in your area.  You are their tour guide! Make sure you have recommendations for restaurants, rainy day activities, shopping, grocery stores and anything you can think of to give them the best vacation in Florida they have ever had!

9.) Fully stocked kitchens.

Just do it. Get the nice Keurig and supply the K-cups.  Get non stick pots and pans, have plastic cups for the beach and pool, make sure to have serving platters that are outdoor friendly. Families want to feel like they have everything they need and more, you are going to want to anticipate their needs BEFORE they get to you.  You would not believe how many times I have left an airbnb to buy a baking sheet or matches for a grill. Think about what you love in your home and do the same in your rental!

10.) ASK FOR A REVIEW!

9/10 times when a prospective guest would call in about our vacation property they would mention the amazing reviews left.  Guests want to know that YOU are trustworthy and that they are not being scammed into booking a less than stellar home. If you know that your guests are having a great time while they are there they will want to share it! Send a follow up email right after your guests depart with a link to your website and where to leave a review. In the airbnb world the more awesome reviews the higher your listing will appear in the searches!  If there is a negative review on your website, make sure to address it quickly and tell the guests the steps that you have taken to fix the situation.  Many times if your guest has had an unhappy experience in some way or another you can avoid a negative review by going above and beyond while they are still at your home.  Give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, drop off a bottle of their favorite drink and fix the problem ASAP.  Guests know things can go wrong and are typically happier with good communication and a quick fix.