Tips for Designing and Marketing Your Large Family Vacation Rental

Whether its for a family getaway, a family reunion, or just to accommodate a big group, they’re something to consider. Catering to this market can bring a host of benefits, from increased occupancy rates to positive reviews and repeat business.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of large vacation rentals and offer tips on how to design, market, and manage your property to attract and delight these valuable guests. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just getting started, read on for insights that can help you tap into this lucrative market trend.

The Definition

It is a type of vacation accommodation that is specifically designed to cater to families or groups of travelers who require more space and amenities than a standard hotel room or small vacation rental can offer.

Typically, large family vacation rentals are larger properties that can accommodate 8 or more guests, with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas that are well-equipped to host group gatherings and family activities.

The primary goal is to provide ample space, comfort, and privacy to groups of travelers, with the added convenience and flexibility of a fully-equipped home away from home.

The Benefits of Catering to Large Families

Catering to large families can be a game-changer for hosts. Here are some reasons why:

Higher Occupancy Rates

Large family vacation rentals can accommodate more guests than a standard vacation rental or hotel room, which means that hosts can potentially generate more income per booking.

Furthermore, large vacation rentals tend to attract guests who are planning extended stays, which means that hosts can enjoy more consistent occupancy rates throughout the year.

Longer Stays

Families traveling together often prefer to stay in one place for an extended period of time rather than move around to multiple accommodations. This means that they’re more likely to attract guests who are looking for longer stays, which can lead to higher revenue for hosts.

Increased Revenue

Rentals for large groups often command a higher nightly rate than standard vacation rentals or hotel rooms due to the additional space and amenities they offer. In addition, since families tend to stay for longer periods of time, hosts can enjoy a higher total revenue per booking.

Positive Reviews and Repeat Business

Large rentals that are well-equipped, comfortable, and family-friendly tend to generate positive reviews from guests. This can lead to repeat business, as well as word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied guests to their family and friends.

In short, catering to large families can be a lucrative and rewarding business for hosts. By offering a high-quality, family-friendly experience, hosts can attract more guests, generate more revenue, and build a loyal customer base.

Designing and Furnishing

Designing and furnishing can be a challenging but rewarding process for hosts of large vacation rentals. When it comes to designing and furnishing your vacation rental, it’s important to consider your guests’ needs. Large families have unique needs when it comes to vacation accommodations, and you want to make sure that your rental caters to those needs.

To start, think about what amenities and features would make their stay more comfortable. A fully-equipped kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and plenty of seating and sleeping options are just a few examples of things that large families may appreciate. You may also want to consider adding family-friendly touches like board games, books, and toys for children.

Optimizing the space is another key consideration. Consider the layout of the property and how it can best be optimized to create a comfortable and functional space. For example, you may want to create designated areas for dining, lounging, and socializing, and ensure that each bedroom has enough space for guests to store their belongings.

Furnishings play a key role in the overall appeal and functionality. Invest in high-quality furnishings that are both durable and comfortable for guests. Opt for furniture that is versatile and easy to clean, such as leather or slip-covered sofas and chairs. Additionally, consider the durability of materials. They will experience heavy use, so it’s important to choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. For example, hardwood floors are a good choice for high-traffic areas, while stain-resistant fabrics can help keep upholstery looking fresh and clean.

Adding personal touches can help create a warm and welcoming environment for guests. Consider adding artwork, decor, and other accents that reflect your personal style and make the vacation rental feel like a home away from home. By creating a comfortable and inviting space for guests, hosts can attract more bookings and build a loyal customer base. While designing and furnishing requires careful planning and attention to detail, the effort is well worth it.

Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising a vacation rental is a crucial part of attracting guests and maximizing your rental’s revenue potential. Here are some tips for marketing and advertising:

Choosing the Right Platform

There are many vacation rental platforms available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your property. Look for platforms that specialize in large family rentals or that have features that cater to families, such as filters for the number of bedrooms and kid-friendly amenities. Additionally, consider the platform’s reach and popularity, as well as any fees or commissions.

Highlighting the Property’s Features

When marketing your vacation home, be sure to highlight its features and amenities that are particularly appealing to large families. This might include things like multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor space for activities, and family-friendly entertainment options.

Any standout amenities like a hot tub, game room, fire pit, or outdoor pool should be mentioned at the very top. Use high-quality photos and descriptions that showcase the property’s best features and create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Host Recommendations

As a host, it helps to fill your guests in on the local attractions. If the group is looking for outdoor adventure, it would benefit them to be recommended local hiking trails or things to do and see if the property is close to a national park.

Pricing Strategies

Pricing can be a tricky aspect of marketing. Consider the current market conditions, seasonal demand, and the prices of comparable properties in the area. Additionally, consider offering discounts for longer stays or for repeat bookings. This can help incentivize guests to choose your property over others.

Offering Special Promotions and Deals

Offering special promotions and deals can be an effective way to attract new guests and encourage repeat bookings. Consider offering discounts for early bookings or last-minute availability, or creating packages that include local activities or experiences. You could also offer referral discounts or loyalty programs for repeat guests.

In addition to these strategies, it’s important to maintain good communication with guests throughout the booking and rental process. Respond promptly to inquiries and provide helpful information and tips for their stay. By focusing on marketing and advertising, you can attract more guests, increase bookings, and maximize your revenue potential.

Managing a Large Vacation Rental

Managing a large vacation rental requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some key aspects to consider.

Guest Communication and Support

Good communication is key to a successful vacation rental experience. Be sure to respond promptly to inquiries and provide helpful information to guests before and during their stay. Consider providing a guidebook or information packet that includes details about the property, local attractions, and emergency contacts. Additionally, be available to address any questions or issues that may arise during their stay.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your vacation rental clean and well-maintained is crucial for guest satisfaction and repeat business. Develop a cleaning and maintenance schedule that ensures the property is always in top condition. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service or maintenance crew to handle these tasks, particularly if you have multiple properties or live far from the rental.

Handling Bookings and Payments

Managing bookings and payments can be a complex process, particularly for large family vacation rentals. Consider using a booking management platform or software that can handle these tasks for you. Be sure to have clear policies and procedures in place for cancellations, refunds, and security deposits. Make it easy for guests to make payments and confirm bookings.

Dealing with Guest Complaints and Issues

No matter how well you manage your property, there may be times when guests have complaints or issues. Be prepared to handle these situations professionally and effectively. Listen to their concerns and work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Consider offering compensation or discounts for any inconvenience caused. Remember that addressing complaints and issues promptly can help prevent negative reviews and damage to your reputation.

It requires a combination of careful planning, attention to detail, and good communication with guests. By focusing on guest satisfaction and maintaining a high level of cleanliness and maintenance, you can attract more bookings and build a loyal customer base.

Additionally, handling bookings and payments efficiently and dealing with guest complaints and issues promptly can help ensure a positive rental experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Managing a large property can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it can be a rewarding and profitable business. One such tool is iGMS, a vacation rental software that offers a range of features to help hosts manage their properties more efficiently.

These features include:

• Managing multiple accounts and listings on the top OTAs from a single interface.
• Using the unified inbox to organize your messages into a single feed to ensure prompt replies.
• Managing direct bookings using a direct booking management toolkit.
• Task creation and team management with access control.
• Securely processing payments via integration with Stripe.

By utilizing our software, hosts can streamline their operations and provide a more seamless experience for their guests, leading to higher occupancy rates, positive reviews, and increased revenue.