SHORT TERM RENTAL DESIGN AND INSTALL - Feedback wanted!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Hi All, 

Been quiet on the forums as we added 2 new properties to our portfolio this year!

As time moves on and people are stepping up their design game (As an STR Designer this makes me SOOOO darn happy!), we have found amenities are quickly becoming one of the biggest ways to boost bookings and nightly rates... Pickleball courts ;) Game rooms, spas, saunas, mini golf, dancing poles and karaoke, you name it and we have done it... Or maybe we haven't... What are you guys throwing in there to make your properties stand out?

We have properties in all kinds of markets and I'd love to know what is working for you!

Best,

TL

[Michael Alexander]

First, I want to point out the quality of these pics… I’ve done game rooms, movie room with projectors and popcorn machine, coastal properties we added cruising bikes and paddle boards, there’s a never ending list of additions you can add. In Miami a client has a “play room” that we list on KinkBnb.. 

[Calvin Baughman]

These are amazing pics! We just have a bbq fire pit and a jacuzzi. The wife and I considered doing a game room but were afraid it'd attract the wrong niche. Curious to see others experience and if certain amenities attract a certain (party) crowd?

[Dan Slaughter]

Private, heated pool.   We also have an ice machine in a beach market to make sure the cooler is always ready.  

[Parmesh P.]

The setting is very inviting and the pictures are georgeous. Unlike your rental, my rental is in Orlando in a gated resort, so there are less outdoor space but lots of community facilities. However, here are a few suggestions. If you are not already spending time at your property, I suggest you do so. I stay at my property very frequently and that gives me sence of what are needed to make life more convenient. For example, I have small two teir rolling cart in the movie room/game room that provide extra space for drinks, glasses and ice, etc. Adding a nice small decent garbage can at my pool side help to keep that area very clean nad this may be a good addition for you. A few appropriate wall artifacts or artwork can add to looks and feel of the rooms. Adding an led light strip all around in the upper edge of that tray ceiling can give a different vide in your movie room. If the gameroom picture is one from your booking site, I suggest you open the door to have the outdoor view as part of that picture. I hope you may find something that you can use here.

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Michael Alexander:

First, I want to point out the quality of these pics… I’ve done game rooms, movie room with projectors and popcorn machine, coastal properties we added cruising bikes and paddle boards, there’s a never ending list of additions you can add. In Miami a client has a “play room” that we list on KinkBnb.. 

 Ohhhhh let's just say I may be working on my most "interesting" client install request as of yet!!!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Calvin Baughman:

These are amazing pics! We just have a bbq fire pit and a jacuzzi. The wife and I considered doing a game room but were afraid it'd attract the wrong niche. Curious to see others experience and if certain amenities attract a certain (party) crowd?

 That is why we push ideal guest with our clients so hard!!!! In one of my own personal properties we chose not to have a hot tube and we removed almost all exterior light because of the activities we are steering towards! Takes so much extra thought!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Parmesh P.:

The setting is very inviting and the pictures are georgeous. Unlike your rental, my rental is in Orlando in a gated resort, so there are less outdoor space but lots of community facilities. However, here are a few suggestions. If you are not already spending time at your property, I suggest you do so. I stay at my property very frequently and that gives me sence of what are needed to make life more convenient. For example, I have small two teir rolling cart in the movie room/game room that provide extra space for drinks, glasses and ice, etc. Adding a nice small decent garbage can at my pool side help to keep that area very clean nad this may be a good addition for you. A few appropriate wall artifacts or artwork can add to looks and feel of the rooms. Adding an led light strip all around in the upper edge of that tray ceiling can give a different vide in your movie room. If the gameroom picture is one from your booking site, I suggest you open the door to have the outdoor view as part of that picture. I hope you may find something that you can use here.

 Thanks Parmesh! Love all those suggestions! We have installed over 45 AirBnBs and each ones needs and niche are so different! Love the trash cans idea... so easily overlooked but definitely enhances the guest experience!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Dan Slaughter:

Private, heated pool.   We also have an ice machine in a beach market to make sure the cooler is always ready.  

Yes to the heated pool! We installed an oversized pool heater at one of our own FL properties and it is a huuuuge draw in the winter!!!! The ice machine is a great touch though!!!

[John Underwood]

Dancing pole!

Who are you catering too with this?

[Melissa Nash]

Well done! I would say it depends on the area and WHO the guest is. For example I have a small cabin perfect for couples. They could care less about arcade games or pickleball. They are there for a romantic getaway. So a hot tub is essential, and a nice outdoor area with hammock & firepit. 

or one of my students caters to families with smaller children and has bunk beds and an outdoor swing set and play house.. that is all they need there. No fancy TV room needed. 

So, I think the question is more about knowing who your guest is and creating the perfect guest experience around them. 

[Kokkula Yadagiri]

Hi,

I just have a 5BR STR property in Orlando area. Was wondering if anyone could help design and install some decent furniture. It looks AirBNB did take quite a hit in this area, so we have a limited budget to work with. DM me your proposals.

Thanks and appreciate it

[Todd Goedeke]

@Terri-Leigh H.20 by 40 heated pool with insulated cover . Pool made with insulated concrete forms. 14 person hot tub.

Epoxy resin covered vanities, counter tops, accent wall, closet doors, floors, to mimic marble and granite.

[Jon Martin]

Quote from @John Underwood:

Dancing pole!

Who are you catering too with this?

 Maybe include an ATM machine that spits out singles?!

[John Underwood]

Quote from @Jon Martin:

Quote from @John Underwood:

Dancing pole!

Who are you catering too with this?

 Maybe include an ATM machine that spits out singles?!

LOL

[Matthew Tregoning]

I'm adding EV Chargers in most of my STRs to stand out. Very few comparable properties in my markets have them, so I want to put myself in rare company. 

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Dan Slaughter:

Private, heated pool.   We also have an ice machine in a beach market to make sure the cooler is always ready.  

 Love the ice machine idea!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Matthew Tregoning:

I'm adding EV Chargers in most of my STRs to stand out. Very few comparable properties in my markets have them, so I want to put myself in rare company. 

 We have done these in a couple of our mountain markets! Even easier now that they can be plug in!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Todd Goedeke:

@Terri-Leigh H.20 by 40 heated pool with insulated cover . Pool made with insulated concrete forms. 14 person hot tub.

Epoxy resin covered vanities, counter tops, accent wall, closet doors, floors, to mimic marble and granite.

 Interesting on the epoxy! And that hot tub!!!!!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Kokkula Yadagiri:

Hi,

I just have a 5BR STR property in Orlando area. Was wondering if anyone could help design and install some decent furniture. It looks AirBNB did take quite a hit in this area, so we have a limited budget to work with. DM me your proposals.

Thanks and appreciate it

 Apologies, didn't see this until now! But let us know if you are still in need for this or another property! For a 5 bed, you are looking at a min spend budget of $35k to furnish and design fees of around $5500. This would be minimum as that market is uber competitive and we suggest you go super unique!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Melissa Nash:

Well done! I would say it depends on the area and WHO the guest is. For example I have a small cabin perfect for couples. They could care less about arcade games or pickleball. They are there for a romantic getaway. So a hot tub is essential, and a nice outdoor area with hammock & firepit. 

or one of my students caters to families with smaller children and has bunk beds and an outdoor swing set and play house.. that is all they need there. No fancy TV room needed. 

So, I think the question is more about knowing who your guest is and creating the perfect guest experience around them. 

YES! Ideal Guest focused design that is ROI driven! That is our motto!

[Todd Goedeke]

@Terri-Leigh H.can you breakdown what your costs are to furnish each bed and additional furniture, furnishings cost are for a 5 bed property. 35k seems high compared to what we have encountered.

[Todd Goedeke]

@Terri-Leigh H.the hot tub is similar, bench style, to what is found at ski resort hotels. It’s long, rectangular with bench seating. 6’ wide by 20’ long. Insulated cover with ICF in ground walls keep heat in when not in use.

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Calvin Baughman:

These are amazing pics! We just have a bbq fire pit and a jacuzzi. The wife and I considered doing a game room but were afraid it'd attract the wrong niche. Curious to see others experience and if certain amenities attract a certain (party) crowd?

 We do game rooms in almost all properties without issue! Usually teens/adults just enjoying!

[Terri-Leigh H.]

Quote from @Todd Goedeke:

@Terri-Leigh H.can you breakdown what your costs are to furnish each bed and additional furniture, furnishings cost are for a 5 bed property. 35k seems high compared to what we have encountered.

 Sure! We are furnishing with contract grade quality and amenity heavy (game room/hot tub/murals/new paint/lighting and ALL basics needed to host a 5* stay so all bedding, kitchen items, bathroom items, linen and bedding as well as the labor for trades. Our stays are aimed at being above the market in order to capture it.