The hospitality industry has been on a rather interesting evolutionary path in recent years. More so because travelers no longer just want a place to lay their heads and a warm meal. No. Modern travelers now want unique experiences, convenience, privacy, and comfort.
So, if you have a home in a unique or convenient location, you can easily turn it into a source of income by transforming it into a top-notch short-story property. Interested? Here are some of the changes you can make and how to go about them.
Choose a Suitable Theme
The right decor for your short-stay property will depend on:
- The target market you would like to attract
- The location of your property
- The experience you would like to offer your guests
For example, if you are transforming a house in Johannesburg targeting business executives, sleek modern decor with homey touches may be ideal. In contrast, if you are decorating a cottage with breathtaking views, a blend of rustic and classy decor options can make the space appealing for people looking for a great place to take a break from work or go on a romantic escapade.
If you are not sure how to put such themes together, explore hotel room design ideas or catalogues for inspiration and then customize them to fit your home and preferred theme.
Invest in High-quality Furnishings
High-quality furnishings make your short-stay property more attractive and comfortable for your guests. They include all the trappings of a home from cozy furniture and spacious closets to inviting showers and plush rugs. Every detail is important and the furnishings should be both aesthetically pleasing and effective in terms of improving the convenience and functionality of the space.
Such furnishings may seem like a costly investment at first, but you will certainly recoup every dime soon enough as bookings begin to stream in. Think of it more from a value perspective as opposed to just the prices attached to the items.
Create the Right Ambiance
Have you ever walked into a space and instantly felt relaxed or welcome? Well, this is exactly the kind of ambiance you should aim for when putting together everything in your short-stay rental. You can achieve it using elements such as:
- Soft lighting – warm lighting naturally makes a space appear and feel more inviting and cozy. It would thus be a good idea to get some stylish lamps and light fixtures to install this type of lighting. Extra touches like recess lighting or the option to dim or brighten lights are also worth considering.
- Texture and layers – plain walls or gleaming floors are quite acceptable but they tend to lack warmth and do little for the cozy effect you may want to create. Using alternatives like wooden floors or wood-like tiles, carpeting, or exposed brick on some walls can shake things up and add a unique feel to the space.
- Tasteful art and decor pieces – aim for art pieces that draw the eye or intrigue anyone that looks at them. Pieces that also tell a story about the house or the region are equally a solid idea. Try to both the art and decorative pieces in a way that makes a statement but also creates harmony in the space. It is also better to keep these decorative elements at a fair minimum.
Make the Space Functional
Consider the type of property you are working with and the guests you are aiming for and then strive to make the space suitably functional.
For example, if your target market comprises people travelling on business, providing essentials like a desk where they can work makes the rental more functional. Other vital provisions may include:
- A safe and reliable wifi connection
- A kitchenette with adequate utensils and kitchen appliances
- Entertainment solutions like a television or board games
- Safe storage like a safe or a lockbox
Further, ensure that provisions such as plumbing and air conditioning are in good condition. If you will subdivide your home into more than one rental wing, consult your plumber about whether the water piping system and other aspects of plumbing can adequately supply multiple users.
Lastly, incorporate as much convenient storage as you can so that your guests do not have to live out of their suitcases. This can include bathroom vanities, closets, or chests of drawers.
Install Security Solutions
Safety is a key consideration for most guests and no one wants to come home to find their luggage tampered with or their valuables stolen. Therefore, regardless of how safe your home has been in the past, install security solutions like alarms and security cameras. They are likely to deter any security threats and help you keep your rental running safely.
In Conclusion
One of the best ways to stay on track when creating a short-stay rental property is to always consider how your tenants will experience your decor choices. Collaborate with professionals too to ensure that the quality of all the fittings and their installation is done to perfection.
