With the growth of short-term rental sites (from niche to Airbnb), one thing is clear: travelers aren’t just looking for a place to sleep—they want to truly experience their destinations. For vacation rental hosts, this shift presents a unique opportunity to go beyond offering just a nice space. By curating a local experience that immerses guests in the culture, flavor, and hidden gems of the area, property owners can create unforgettable stays that leave a lasting impression.
In this guide, we’ll dive into why crafting a local experience is a game-changer for your vacation rental, helping you stand out from the competition, delight your guests, and encourage repeat bookings, and benefit local businesses.
The importance of a local experience in vacation rentals
For vacation rental guests, the local experience means truly feeling like they’re a new place. Though travelers are often seeking the (upgraded) comforts of home, they also want a getaway to feel special. How you curate your property, vacation rental experience can transport them, even beyond your four walls.
When vacation rental hosts provide curation—hidden gem recommendations (and connections), locally-made products, restaurant suggestions that aren’t on the typical tourist maps—they create an exceptional guest experience that stands out from more generic accommodation options like hotels.
Why creating a local experience matters for guest satisfaction
Guest satisfaction is closely tied to how well the stay fulfills or exceeds their expectations. Travelers want to feel like they’re getting something special, a personalized experience that they can’t replicate at every stop or stay.
Here’s why offering a local experience boosts guest satisfaction:
- Authenticity: Guests want an authentic connection to the area. By highlighting local attractions, shops, or foods, you offer a true reflection of your location.
- Memorability: A local experience often creates the most lasting memories. Whether it’s a hidden beach or a beloved café, guests are likely to share their unique experiences in reviews or with friends and family.
- Guest needs: Local insights make guests feel cared for, as they don’t need to dig through endless internet recommendations. Personalized suggestions simplify their trip, reducing stress and elevating their stay.
- Repeat bookings, positive reviews, and increased bookings: When guests have an exceptional experience, they are far more likely to book again and share their stay via social media or word-of-mouth. They’re also more likely to provide positive reviews which often drives new bookings. This organic vacation rental marketing immediately benefits your business.
Encouraging local experiences is an essential part of driving guest satisfaction that goes beyond the basic amenities like Wi-Fi, linens, and toiletries (though those matter too!).
Benefits of creating a local experience and partnering with local businesses
As we’ve touched upon previously, partnering with local businesses is a fantastic way to enhance the guest experience and drive more bookings. Here’s why:
- Supporting local businesses: Building relationships with local restaurants, boutiques, or tour operators can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. Offer your guests discounts or exclusive deals, and in return, local businesses can promote your vacation rental property to their clientele.
- Enhancing guest stays: Providing local products, such as artisanal soaps or snacks in a welcome basket, adds a unique touch. This personalized service will likely result in positive guest feedback.
- Referrals and word-of-mouth: By promoting local businesses, you increase the chances that these businesses will recommend your rental to potential guests. This word-of-mouth marketing can be an excellent referral source and helps to solidify your connection to the local community.
- Gaining a competitive edge: Guests are more likely to book a vacation home that provides insight into the community they are visiting. With local business partnerships, your rental offers more than just accommodation—it offers a memorable experience, which is priceless in the vacation rental industry.
Practical steps to create a local experience in your vacation rental
So how can vacation rental managers and homeowners create local experiences? Besides integrating elements that reflect the surrounding community, here are our actionable tips:
1. Provide local guides and recommendations
- Digital guidebooks: Offering a digital guidebook with Hostfully, for example, allows guests to have recommendations on hand throughout the entirety of their stay. Include personalized advice on local attractions (you can even create and curate a recommendations-only guidebook). Show your guests that they can even create their own local itineraries based on their interests and group.
- In-person or virtual concierge: Consider offering real-time advice via email or text, helping guests find activities that align with their interests. You can also provide printed guest books with suggested itineraries, restaurants, or nearby hiking trails.
2. Incorporate local decor and create lasting first impressions
- Local art and furniture: Decorate your property with locally sourced items, such as handcrafted furniture or art from local artists. Personal touches can add a lot of value to your vacation home and introduce guests to the culture of the area.
- Regional specialties: In the kitchen or bathroom, include local toiletries, snacks, or drinks for guests to sample. A simple gesture, such as a welcome basket featuring regional products, makes for a warm, thoughtful first impression.
3. Offer local experiences and packages
- Tours and classes: Partner with local guides or artisans to offer exclusive experiences, such as cooking classes or guided hikes. Your Hostfully digital guidebook can provide further local add-ons during the booking process. Even better? A percentage of an add-on’s pricing typically automatically comes to you. Guests can appreciate the ease of booking these activities and experiencing the local culture firsthand.
- Local events calendar: Include information about upcoming local festivals, markets, or events in your guidebook or welcome packet. You can always tailor your recommendations to guests’ preferences, whether they’re families, couples, or solo travelers.
These touches ensure that guests are not just staying in your rental property but connecting with the destination in an immersive way.
Challenges when creating a local experience and partnering with local businesses
While creating a local experience can boost guest satisfaction and bookings, it comes with its own set of challenges.
Finding the right local partners
Not all local businesses will be the right fit for your vacation rental. You’ll need to assess potential partners based on shared values, target audience, and the quality of their services or products. For instance, a rustic vacation home might want to partner with an organic farm rather than a high-end boutique.
Balancing authenticity with guest expectations
Guests expect an authentic experience, but it’s crucial to ensure that this experience aligns with the overall guest expectations. Overloading guests with information or activities can sometimes overwhelm them and backfire. Finding the right balance between offering local insights and providing an easy, relaxing experience is key.
Keeping experiences fresh
Maintaining relationships with local businesses and staying updated on new or seasonal events can be time-consuming. Moreover, as businesses change, you’ll need to refresh your recommendations regularly to ensure guests receive accurate, up-to-date information, and follow up with local businesses to stay top-of-mind.
Conclusion
Creating a local experience for your vacation rental is one of the most effective ways to distinguish your property. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, offering personalized recommendations and small welcome baskets with products from local businesses, and infusing your rental with regional charm, you can ensure a memorable stay, increase guest satisfaction, secure positive reviews, and boost repeat bookings. With the right local touches, your thoughtfulness will shine through, truly enhancing the guest experience and making a most memorable stay.
FAQs
How can I create a local experience in my vacation rental?
To create a local experience, focus on personalized recommendations, incorporate local decor and amenities, and partner with local businesses. Use digital tools like Hostfully’s guidebooks to streamline your recommendations and keep them up to date.
What are the benefits of partnering with local businesses for my vacation rental?
Partnering with local businesses can enhance your guest experience, improve word-of-mouth referrals, and support the local economy. These partnerships also provide your guests with unique perks like discounts or exclusive access to activities and services.
Are there risks to cross-promotion with local businesses?
Yes, there can be some small risks, including the potential for inconsistent quality of services or misalignment in business values. Regularly vet the businesses you partner with and stay open to feedback from your guests to ensure quality experiences—they’re usually eager to tell property owners what they think!
How can I ensure the local experience I offer stays authentic?
To maintain authenticity, keep the focus on quality over quantity. Provide genuine recommendations and regularly update your guidebooks to reflect current events, hidden gems, and guest preferences.
