Creating a 5 Star Experience
The Power of Thoughtful Gestures: How Personalized Touches Can Lead to Glowing Reviews and Happy Guests
In the highly competitive world of short-term rentals, providing a clean, comfortable space is no longer enough to stand out. What really makes a lasting impression and leads to glowing reviews is the experience guests have during their stay. Personalized touches and thoughtful gestures can transform a standard rental experience into something memorable, encouraging guests to leave positive feedback and return in the future.
In this blog, we’ll explore how hosts can go the extra mile with simple but effective gestures, from welcome baskets to personalized recommendations, and how these efforts can enhance the guest experience and boost your rental’s reputation.
1. Welcome Baskets: A Warm First Impression
A welcome basket is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your guests feel appreciated from the moment they arrive. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive, but it should be thoughtful and tailored to your guests’ needs or the local culture.
a. What to Include in a Welcome Basket
A well-curated welcome basket might include:
Snacks and beverages: Local treats, a bottle of water or wine, fresh fruit, or baked goods can help guests settle in after a long journey. Try to include something unique to your area, such as a local delicacy or a favorite from a nearby bakery.
Toiletries: Travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, or hand sanitizer can be a nice touch, especially if guests have forgotten anything.
Local goodies: Featuring local products such as artisanal chocolates, coffee beans from a nearby roaster, or a jar of local honey not only delights your guests but also supports local businesses.
A handwritten note: A short, personalized message welcoming the guests by name and wishing them a pleasant stay adds a genuine personal touch.
b. Tailoring the Basket to Your Audience
If your rental attracts families, consider adding kid-friendly snacks or small toys. If you cater to business travelers, include a quick breakfast bar or an energy drink. For couples on a romantic getaway, a bottle of wine and chocolates can set the mood.
Pro Tip: If you want to take it up a notch, create themed welcome baskets that align with the purpose of your guest’s stay. For example, if they’re in town for a festival or event, include tickets, a local guide, or festival merchandise.
2. Local Recommendations: Offering a Personalized Guide to the Area
One of the greatest advantages of staying in a short-term rental over a hotel is the opportunity to live like a local. As a host, you can enhance this experience by offering personalized recommendations that cater to your guests' interests. Providing a thoughtful guide to the area can make their stay more enjoyable and encourage positive feedback.
a. Curating a Local Guide
Create a guidebook or welcome binder that includes:
Restaurant recommendations: Offer suggestions for both casual dining and fine dining, along with local favorites that guests might not find in tourist brochures. It’s helpful to categorize these by meal (breakfast spots, late-night eats, etc.).
Activities and attractions: List popular attractions as well as hidden gems, including hikes, museums, parks, and entertainment venues. Highlight any seasonal activities, such as local markets, festivals, or holiday events.
Practical information: Include essential details like nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transportation options, as well as emergency contacts.
b. Personalizing Recommendations
Going the extra mile means personalizing your recommendations based on the purpose of your guests’ stay. For example:
If a couple is visiting for a romantic weekend, suggest cozy cafes, scenic viewpoints, and sunset spots.
For a family vacation, provide information on kid-friendly activities, local playgrounds, or family-friendly restaurants.
For business travelers, suggest quiet coffee shops, co-working spaces, or popular lunch spots nearby.
3. Personalized Welcome Notes: Adding a Personal Touch
A handwritten welcome note is a small but meaningful way to make guests feel appreciated. A brief message that includes the guest’s name and wishes them an enjoyable stay creates an immediate connection and shows that you’ve put thought into their experience.
Tip: Mention something specific about their stay, such as welcoming them to your property for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, or referencing something they mentioned in their booking, like their interest in hiking or a local event they’re attending. These small details can make a big impact.
4. Thoughtful Amenities: Anticipating Guest Needs
Thoughtful amenities can make your short-term rental feel more like home and ensure that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. Anticipating their needs in advance and providing convenient extras can elevate their experience.
a. Practical Amenities
Offer amenities that add convenience or comfort:
High-quality linens and towels: Soft, comfortable bedding and plush towels make a difference in how your guests feel during their stay.
Kitchen essentials: If your rental includes a kitchen, stock it with basic cooking supplies such as olive oil, salt, pepper, coffee, and tea. You might also include a few local recipes for guests to try if they’re feeling adventurous.
Tech-friendly extras: Providing fast Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, or even a smart TV with streaming services can make your rental more appealing to tech-savvy guests.
Laundry essentials: If you have laundry facilities, offer laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets for added convenience.
b. Bonus Touches
Adding a few unexpected extras can impress guests and lead to positive reviews. Consider offering:
Board games, books, or DVDs: These can provide entertainment for guests, especially on a rainy day.
Coffee and tea station: Set up a small area with a coffee maker, an assortment of teas, mugs, and sugar packets. A French press or espresso machine can be a welcome treat for coffee lovers.
Eco-friendly products: More guests are becoming eco-conscious, so offering sustainable items such as refillable toiletries, recycled paper products, or reusable shopping bags can set you apart.
5. Celebrating Special Occasions: Going the Extra Mile
If your guests are celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, acknowledging it can turn their stay into a memorable experience. This doesn’t have to be expensive—it’s the gesture that counts.
a. Small Celebrations
You could leave a small gift, such as:
A bottle of champagne or wine for anniversaries.
A small birthday cake or a box of local pastries for birthdays.
Fresh flowers, a personalized card, or even a balloon for a festive touch.
By showing that you’ve taken the time to acknowledge their celebration, you’ll make your guests feel special and appreciated, which can lead to glowing reviews.
Pro Tip: Ask guests during the booking process if they’re celebrating anything special. You can then surprise them with a gesture that aligns with their occasion.
6. Creating a Cozy, Inviting Space: The Little Details Matter
Guests will always appreciate a clean and well-designed space, but adding small, thoughtful details can elevate their stay and leave a lasting impression. These little extras can turn your rental into a welcoming haven.
a. Seasonal Decor
Update your rental’s decor to reflect the season or local holidays. In the fall, add cozy blankets, autumnal-colored pillows, or a small pumpkin display. In the summer, opt for light, airy fabrics and fresh flowers. Small seasonal touches can make the space feel more inviting and show that you care about keeping your property updated.
b. Creating Ambiance
Lighting and ambiance play a huge role in making a space feel welcoming. Consider using:
Soft lighting: Use dimmable lights or lamps to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Scented candles or diffusers: Subtle scents like lavender or eucalyptus can help guests feel relaxed and at home.
7. Follow-Up and Guest Feedback: The Final Touch
A great stay doesn’t end when your guests leave the property. Following up with a personalized thank-you message and asking for feedback shows that you value their experience and care about continuously improving your rental.
a. Thank-You Messages
Send a follow-up message a day or two after check-out to thank guests for their stay. This simple gesture leaves a positive final impression and opens the door for future bookings.
b. Encouraging Reviews
While you want to avoid being too pushy, kindly reminding guests to leave a review can make a difference. Personalize your request by thanking them for being such thoughtful guests and mentioning that their feedback helps you improve your service.
Pro Tip: Use the review request as an opportunity to ask if there’s anything you can improve. This shows that you care about the guest experience and are committed to being a great host.
Conclusion
Thoughtful gestures and personalized touches can make a significant impact on the guest experience in your short-term rental. From welcome baskets and local recommendations to personalized notes and thoughtful amenities, these small efforts can lead to glowing reviews and return guests. In a competitive market, it’s these little details that make your property stand out and ensure your guests leave with fond memories of their stay.