Going on vacation is simultaneously one of the most exciting and stressful experiences. There are so many things to consider – housing, transportation, activities, etc. The last thing you want when traveling is to have the space you’re staying in be different than you expected.
Whether you’re renting an apartment in Scottsdale or renting a home in Kansas City and need to get out of town for a bit, or you’re buying a home in Albuquerque to use as a vacation rental, the following tips will help you know what to prioritize. ApartmentGuide reached out to successful vacation rental managers across the country to compile nine things to look for when booking your next vacation rental. Read on to learn more.
1. Updated and quality images
“An important thing to look out for when booking a vacation rental is ensuring the listing has up-to-date, clear photos and detailed descriptions of amenities,” says Shara Limoges, owner of Broken Bow Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
She continues: “Be cautious of listings with few or outdated images. A good listing should feature a minimum of 15 photos, covering all rooms of the rental, including the exterior, living spaces, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms. This helps you get a complete and accurate view of the property before booking.”
2. Accurate description of offerings
“Before finalizing your vacation rental booking, we highly suggest reviewing the listing description to confirm that it accurately reflects the property’s features and conditions,” says Lucie Tighe, owner of Tampa Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
“Given that photos may not always provide a complete picture, studying guest reviews for a more authentic perspective on the rental is essential. Additionally, examine the listed amenities to ensure they meet your requirements and manage your expectations effectively. We also suggest conducting thorough research on the location to ensure it aligns with your travel preferences and needs.”
3. Desired location for your vacation
“Consider what type of vacation experience is significant to you. Do you want to be steps from a serene beach, among lively shops and restaurants, or lounging at an amazing pool? Once you have determined your dream vacation, dive into the specific location of various vacation rentals and the amenities provided,” recommends Vana Hendrycks, owner of VILLAVANA Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management.
“If location is paramount, pinpoint exactly where you want to be and look to see if useful amenities are available, such as chairs, towels, boogie boards, and a cart for the beach or a golf cart for cruising from shops to eateries. If you are planning a staycation in the rental, look for amenities to keep everyone entertained such as a game room, putting green, tiki bar, pool, and board games.”
4. Don’t be afraid of newly listed properties
“When booking a vacation rental, don’t immediately shy away from newly listed properties that don’t yet have reviews. You should still do your due diligence, but you can often snag a bargain that other travelers may overlook with a few extra minutes of your time,” says Luke Brannon, owner of Orange Beach Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
“On an Airbnb listing, scroll to the bottom of the page and check the “Meet your Host” section where you can see the host’s overall rating for all their properties. Click on the host, and you can also see details and ratings for each individual property to give you an idea of how well they may host you at their newly listed property. I also suggest looking at a map view of Airbnb’s search and reading reviews for surrounding properties to get a feel for the neighborhood and nearby attractions.”
5. Scour the reviews
“Booking your next vacation rental? Here’s the inside scoop! Peek into the reviews for honest feedback on cleanliness and overall guest experiences — it’s like getting the inside word!” says Josh Smith, owner of Franklin Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome. “Pay attention to extra fees like cleaning charges or additional guest costs, and make sure all your must-have amenities, like Wi-Fi and parking, are covered. Don’t hesitate to message the host with any questions or special requests for a smooth and fun-filled stay!”
6. A higher cleaning fee may be a good thing
“When booking a vacation rental, reviews are an important consideration, but don’t overlook the cleaning fee. A higher cleaning fee often indicates that a professional cleaning company is used, ensuring the property is well-maintained,” says Lucas Knowles, owner of Southern Coastal Maine Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
“Spending a little extra can make all the difference — there’s no faster way to ruin a vacation than climbing into dirty bed sheets. That additional $100 can often be a good indicator of what condition home you’re signing up for.”
7. Review the cancellation policies
“When shopping for a short-term rental, make sure you review the property’s cancellation policies carefully,” shares Mike McAuliffe, owner of Texas Hill Country Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome. “You need to thoroughly understand what happens if your plans change. Also, check if there’s any flexibility for last-minute cancellations due to emergencies or travel restrictions.”
8. Settle on your why
“When booking a vacation rental it’s important to know why you’re traveling. The ‘why’ will determine the ‘where’ you choose to enjoy your stay,” recommends Benjamin Sackett, owner of Newport Beach Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
“For business travels, look to stay where the transportation is simple. If you’re traveling for fun, ask yourself what’s most important about the stay? Maybe it’s beach accessibility, or perhaps it’s ski resort access, either way knowing the ‘why’ behind your vacation rental stay will help you find the best where.”
9. Decide on your essentials for being comfortable
“When booking a short-term rental, focus on the things that will make your stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible,” shares Jack Disbrow, owner of Greenville & Upstate SC Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.
“Check that the kitchen has everything you’ll need if you’re planning to cook. If you’re traveling to a warm or cold destination, ask the host if there have been any issues with the HVAC recently. Asking a couple of questions up front is a great indicator of how attentive, kind, and helpful the host will be. Here are some other things to consider:
- Amenities and comfort: Verify essentials like laundry and toiletries for longer stays.
- Cleanliness and upkeep: Read through recent reviews to gauge cleanliness and any maintenance issues.
- Location: Choose a rental that’s close to attractions or amenities you’ll need during your stay.”
Wrapping up: Tips for booking a vacation rental property
Booking a vacation rental can be a smooth and enjoyable experience when you really analyze the property. By focusing on clear and updated images, accurate descriptions, and guest reviews, you can make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Prioritize the location, amenities, and cleanliness that best align with your travel goals, and always review cancellation policies to avoid unexpected issues. By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently choose a vacation rental that meets your needs and enhances your overall travel experience.
