Grupo Select

1. Identify last-minute bookers

Explore the demographics and needs of last-minute bookers. Analyze factors such as age, occupation, income level, and travel preferences. Examine their motivations, including the desire for flexibility, impulsive travel decisions, and the pursuit of a good deal.

Also, research what influences last-minute booking decisions, such as price fluctuations, limited availability, proximity to travel dates, and spontaneous travel opportunities. Once you have this information, you can use social media, email marketing, and online reviews to target these guests and influence their decision-making process.

2. Optimize online listings

To capture the attention of potential guests searching for last-minute accommodations, optimize your online listings. Use high-quality photos that showcase your property’s best features and make sure your descriptions are accurate and engaging, and highlight any unique selling points.

3. Set competitive and dynamic pricing

In the competitive vacation rental market, attractive pricing plays a significant role in securing last-minute bookings. Research comparable listings in your area to determine competitive rates. Consider offering discounted rates or promotional deals for last-minute bookings to entice potential guests.

You should also keep your rates up-to-date daily because this will maximize your chances of securing a last-minute booking. Try using Dynamic Pricing to help you, as this will ensure your prices have been optimized for the current market.

4. Automate communication

Effective communication is key when it comes to last-minute bookings. Ensure that you have a reliable and user-friendly communication system in place, such as a dedicated email address or phone number. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide the necessary information, and be flexible with check-in and check-out times to accommodate spontaneous bookings.

Implement automated messaging in your PMS or integrate with apps like Touch Stay to enhance communication efficiency.

5. Offer flexible cancellation policies

Last-minute travelers may have uncertain plans, so offering flexible cancellation policies can attract more bookings. Consider implementing policies that provide guests with a certain window for cancellation without incurring hefty penalties. This flexibility can give potential guests the confidence to make a booking, even on short notice.

Choosing the best furniture for your vacation rental is what’s going to ensure a top-notch guest experience and repeat reservations. The best furnishings are the ones consistent with your rental rates, so keep that in mind too when we talk about each room.

Living room

This area can be described as the heart of the home. Many people vacation to spend time with their family and the living room is the place to do that. So what makes good living room furniture? Here are some factors to consider for this part of the room:

Comfort. Will guests want to sit here for extended periods of time?
Capacity. Does your occupancy limit match the amount of seating offered?
Flow. Do the furniture and layout make sense for the purposes of the space?

Answering some of these questions as well as finding inviting, comfortable pieces that complement your home will ensure that you choose the best living room furniture for your vacation rental.

Bedroom

Have you ever stayed at an accommodation that had a beautiful bedding set and right when you lay down you feel like you were sleeping on bricks? Vacations are supposed to be restful. Your vacation rental bedroom needs to support this idea fully.

A comfortable mattress is essential, but good vacation rental furniture doesn’t end there. Having a bed frame and nightstands that make sense is equally important. Let’s say, for example, you mainly host workcationers. Having a small nightstand that’s designed for style and not function won’t be able to fit the needs of that particular guest: an alarm clock, a phone, or any reading material. The best bedroom furniture for your vacation rental strikes the balance of comfort and functionality.

Dining room

On a similar note to the living room, the dining area is intended to bring guests together. More specifically, this is a place for vacationers to spend time and meals together. While the living room focuses on comfort, the dining area should be practical and inviting. The perfect dining room set should be comfortable but also durable. Remember that you’ll be hosting a multitude of people and your dining room furniture needs to be up to the test of stains, spills, and scratches.

Kitchen & bathroom

Any standard bathroom or kitchen should already include the essentials (appliances, built-ins, etc.). Anything that you plan to add here, an island, vanity and stool, or a chaise, should be considered an extra. If your budget does allow for these add-ons, think of what would be best for your clients. If your clients are seeking a spa-like experience then furniture pieces that complement this would be perfect.

The tourism sector has changed, and the internet has changed the way travelers plan their vacations. There are thousands of accommodations just a click away and cloud reviews are very important when choosing one or another. Thus, it is very important to invite guests to write a review about our property to guarantee safety to other clients.

Therefore, if you are the owner of tourist accommodation and you care about the bad reviews that your guests may leave, we are going to identify the most common causes of bad reviews.

Night noises and uncomfortable beds

The most important areas of your vacation rental will undoubtedly be the bedrooms, so it is very important to invest in good quality furniture (especially the mattress) that can last for years in good condition.

Most guests travel to de-stress, relax and explore new places. So, for this reason it is very important that the beds are of good quality so that they can rest after a long day of sightseeing.

Lack of cleaning

To get the best review of your vacation accommodation, it is essential to treat it as if it were luxurious in terms of cleanliness.

You must keep in mind that any type of humidity, stain or dirt (no matter how small) can make your guests uncomfortable in your property and therefore increase the number of negative opinions.

Low Wi-Fi signal

Although there are many guests looking for a vacation disconnected from technology, we are at a time in life in which the internet has become an essential tool to carry out daily tasks. Therefore, it is essential to have a great Wi-Fi signal in all parts of your accommodation. This way your guests will be much happier.

Lack of privacy

It usually happens that in tourist accommodation there are several guests in the same premises. It is very important that the limits of each group of guests are well defined. Correctly defining common areas and setting schedules is essential. This will make your guests feel comfortable, relaxed and able to sleep after a long day.

Confusing descriptions

On numerous occasions it happens that some descriptions are confusing. That is, it gives an inaccurate image of your house and that will lead to negative opinions.

For this reason, it is very important to make the descriptions realistic and accurate, since honesty is the best card when we talk about receiving guests.