How to differentiate your condotel from others in your building or immediate area?

[Dena Beck]

I'm currently looking at my first STR, and I'm focused on several beach front condotels. I'm looking in the Carolinas, but I think the question would apply to condotels in any beach area.

It seems like with condotels you are forced to compete primarily on price since your amenities or units can be very similar.  If you are in one of these markets/units, how do you differentiate your unit and your listing from those surrounding you?  How do you make it stand out to command a higher rate, so that the guest doesn't choose the guy next door because he's $5/night cheaper? 

The only thing I can really come up with is design/decorating, and making your unit visually more appealing.  But that seems pretty basic, so I think I must be missing something.  What are you doing to increase occupancy without sacrificing income?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[Dena Beck]

@Andrew Steffens, thanks for the input! I had thought about a small gift.  The units are pretty small, so pool table is out, but I might see what I can find in the way of an arcade game or something like that.  I've not seen any listings nearby with something like that included.  Thank you.  I appreciate your entire post!