Seven Simple Ways to Transform Your Vacation Rental into a Luxurious Retreat
Marc Aerberhard, president of Luxury Hotel & Spa Management, emphasized at the ITB Berlin 2018 convention that the new luxury travel sector is focused on what money can't buy. According to Aerberhard, luxury travelers today value simplicity over glitz, experiences over material possessions, and more. A simple booking process, clear communication, and a responsive host are among the demands of luxury guests before checking in. Additionally, these guests expect a comfortable and luxurious stay.
While creating a luxurious vacation rental from your home may require a significant financial investment, there are several affordable upgrades you can make to give your property a five-star appeal. By honing your hosting skills and implementing some budget-friendly updates, you can provide a luxurious experience for your guests without breaking the bank.
Minimalism Is Best
When designing a vacation rental; it's easy to go overboard. However, a minimalist approach is more effective in creating an upscale appearance. It's not only visually appealing, but it's also more cost-effective to invest in a few essential furniture and accessories. Consider the layout of each room and create a list of necessary furnishings. For example, a dining room should have a table and chairs, and a bar trolley may be added if it doesn't obstruct any walkways.
Invest in a few high-quality items to give your rental a sophisticated, five-star hotel vibe rather than cluttering it with unnecessary items. This will help potential guests get a better sense of the space when browsing through photos.
Playing With Texture
Achieving a luxurious interior design involves finding beautiful elements and arranging them thoughtfully. Combining natural materials such as stone and wood with metallic accents like gold or rose gold can create a contemporary and sophisticated ambiance.
Textures are also an essential element to consider when upgrading soft furnishings. During winter, layering fluffy white blankets on top of crisp white sheets can add a cozy feel to the bedroom. In the summer, swapping neutral-colored throw pillows for textured ones can add interest. Full-length drapes can bring elegance to the living room and complement hardwood floors, while a plush rug can offset a chunky wooden and metal dining table.
Use of Frames and Mirrors to Create Illusions
A simple way to make a small space look grand is by adding big mirrors or framed artwork. An attractive mirror with an elegant frame can enhance any area, especially hallways or corridors, and make the transitions between zones more visually appealing. While mirrors can be costly, you may find good deals in secondhand shops. If you cannot afford a new mirror, you can transform an existing one into a statement piece by painting or repairing it.
How to Set the Perfect Ambiance with Lighting
Lighting is a crucial factor in creating a welcoming environment for your vacation rental. Adequate natural and artificial lighting is necessary to ensure guests feel comfortable and can see clearly. It's important to provide both overhead ceiling lights and ambient side lamps, giving guests the option to adjust the lighting to their liking. According to Wayfair style expert Nadia McCowan Hill, layering lighting can also help create ambiance, interest, and an illusion of height in a space.
In addition to selecting the appropriate light fixtures, it's essential to choose the right bulbs. Consider the desired brightness, ambiance, and energy efficiency when selecting bulbs. Spotlights can also be used to highlight wall features or architectural elements, and they're perfect for placing over a dining table to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Create an Impressive Entrance
The vacation rental business is all about first impressions. Your guests should experience the same exhilaration when opening the door for the first time as they did when booking your property. Your home's entryway, therefore, must be a masterpiece.
When you enter a five-star hotel, you expect to be greeted by an elegant reception lobby with an organized seating area. You may not have an impressive entryway at your vacation rental, but you can recreate it with a few simple steps. First, purchase an entrance table or sideboard. Then, create an awe-inspiring environment with a design lamp, a vase of fresh flowers, and a small ceramic bowl for guests to leave their house keys in.
You may also want to leave your welcome book out, so it is one of the first things guests see when they arrive at your home. A welcome letter is also an excellent place to ensure incoming tourists find and read it carefully.
Elevate Plain Furniture with Upcycling Techniques
Upcycling plain and inexpensive furniture can create remarkable pieces for your vacation rental with a little creativity. Budget-friendly stores like Ikea can help revamp older properties. There are many online resources that offer ideas on how to transform basic pieces, such as a $30 shelving unit, into stunning decor that looks like it belongs in a high-end showroom. Pinterest is a great platform to discover inspiring upcycling ideas that can turn your vacation rental into a trendy and Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
Prioritize the Guest Experience Above All Else
While your luxurious vacation rental may provide a great experience, your guests want to feel special and cared for beyond your property. Consider partnering with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts or unique experiences to your guests. For instance, you may collaborate with a nearby spa to provide a discount for your guests or partner with a local vineyard to offer premium wine-tasting experiences.
However, providing a great experience for your guests extends beyond these partnerships. As per National Geographic, luxury travel trends are moving away from souvenirs. As a host, you must be welcoming and attentive and provide recommendations in advance to create the best possible experience for your guests.
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