One benefit of vacation rentals is that guests feel they are part of someone else’s home and can receive more personalized service as a result. Providing five-star customer service will build your reputation for repeat customers and referrals. This can be accomplished with a few simple steps to welcome every guest with an exceptional first impression.

3 Tips for Welcoming Guests to Vacation Rentals

1. Start Communication Early

Start communicating with guests before they leave for their trip. As soon as they book, reach out through email or another messaging platform to thank them for booking. Encourage them to ask any questions they have about the area and the vacation home as they plan their trip. Send them useful information such as great attractions in the area to try, highlighting the ones they may need to book in advance. Send them clear information about how to get to the rental and how to get into the property, or let them know if you will be meeting them there.

2.  Create a Welcome Book

A welcome book may take some time to put together, but it is well worth it to ensure your guests have all the information they could need or want when they arrive. Start the book with a personalized welcome letter thanking them for staying and saying you hope they have a great stay. You can take this time to recommend a few of your favorite local spots as well

Use the rest of the book for useful information about the house and neighborhood. For example, important house information includes your contact information, house rules, WiFi passwords, climate control instructions, and so on. Neighborhood information could include recommended restaurants, things to do, local transport information, local emergency numbers, nearby shopping, and maps. It could also include a sign-in section for guests to leave their own mark.

3. Give Them a Local Gift

A special gift is a personalized touch that makes them feel connected to the local culture. This could include baked goods from a local bakery, small bags of locally roasted coffee, or a bottle of wine from an area winery. Place this local gift near the entry of the home along with the welcome book so it’s clear that it’s a gift for the guests, and consider referencing it in the welcome email or letter.

The right real estate services team will make setting up and running your vacation rentals easy, and the vacation property management team at Coastal Properties in Orange Beach, AL, has served property owners in the area for two decades. They are known for their cozy rental homes and their exceptional service to their renters. Contact them online or at (251) 981-4951 to have them help you set up a rental.