The Ultimate Guest-Ready Checklist for your VRBO!
Preparing your vacation rental for guests is key to ensuring a great experience and positive reviews. Many things may seem obvious, but because there's so much to consider, the most important details can sometimes be overlooked. That's why in this blog, we're revisiting the essential aspects in a checklist to ensure that your vacation home and everything surrounding it is ready for your guests. From the very beginning to the moment they arrive, enjoy their stay, and depart.
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
It all starts with a clean vacation retreat. No dusty corners or stains on the sheets that won't come out. This is one of the most crucial aspects. Communicate this clearly with your cleaning team if you're not doing it yourself.
Thorough Cleaning: Make sure every nook and cranny of your vacation home is spotless. Vacuum, mop, clean windows and mirrors, and disinfect surfaces. Remember to consider the outdoor areas as much as the inside.
Check Furniture and Appliances: Ensure all furniture is comfortable and in good condition. Also, check that appliances like the fridge, oven, and microwave are working properly. Even if no issues are reported, it's better to find out ahead of time rather than during your guests' stay.
2. Amenities and Essentials
Make your guests feel right at home. Better yet, make them never want to leave because they feel so incredibly comfortable. Let them sleep better than at home and provide all the conveniences. A good mattress, soft bedding, luxurious soap, and a fully equipped kitchen all contribute. Don't let them lack for anything or be caught off guard.
Bedding and Towels: Provide fresh linens, pillows, and enough towels for your guests.
Toilet Paper and Soap: Ensure there's ample toilet paper, hand soap, and shampoo available in the bathrooms.
Kitchen Supplies: Stock essential kitchen items like pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, and a coffee maker, even a milk frother for making a delicious cappuccino. It's all about enhancing comfort and adding a small extra detail for great reviews.
3. Safety and Precautions
Safety first:
Fire Safety: Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.
First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit available for emergencies. Also, let guests know where to find it. In an emergency, you don't want them searching the entire house to locate it.
Emergency Instructions: Provide clear instructions on what to do in case of emergencies, including contact information for local medical facilities.
4. Welcoming Touches
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere:
Welcome Letter: Write a personal welcome letter for your guests with information about the house and the local area.
Local Guide: Offer a guide with recommended restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby.
Consider a Welcome Guide that you've personally curated with all this information. You can share this digitally and even have it printed in book form. On our website, we offer various templates that you can download and customize with your own information.
Extras: Consider adding thoughtful extras such as a welcome basket with local treats or a selection of books and board games. Many people travel far these days, and it's nice to have something tasty after a long flight or a late arrival. You could even offer a grocery shopping service for your guests.
5. Communication and Feedback
Keep the lines of communication open:
Contact Information: Ensure guests can easily reach you during their stay. Having a designated contact person they can easily reach is comforting when booking. Responsiveness and good communication are key.
Gathering Feedback: Encourage guests to provide feedback about their stay. This can help you continually improve your services. Be sure to ask for reviews as well. Of course, you want them to have had a fantastic stay for this, so make sure they lack for nothing and assist them where needed!
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your vacation home is not only clean and welcoming but also well-prepared to provide guests with a memorable stay. It's often the little details that make the difference between a good and an outstanding experience. Best of luck in preparing your vacation home! Check out our other templates and checklists if you’re curious for more.