For property owners looking to elevate their short-term rental success, these case studies goes through how to approach short and long-term rentals for your property.
Property Profile
Location: Coastal town in Maine
Property Type: 4-bedroom, 3-bath family home
Initial Condition: Traditional layout, designed for family use
Challenge
With their children grown and moved out, Helen and John wanted to turn their family home into a vacation rental. However, the property’s layout and furnishings were primarily geared toward long-term family use, making it less appealing for short-term stays. They needed to transform it into a vacation retreat that would appeal to families on holiday or groups of friends.
BnB Leverage Strategies Applied
- Redesigning Common Areas for Entertainment
To cater to vacationing families and groups, Helen and John redesigned their common areas with entertainment in mind. They converted the living room into a lounge area, adding a large TV, board games, and comfortable seating. The backyard was revamped with a BBQ grill, picnic table, and outdoor string lights, creating a relaxing ambiance for evening gatherings. - Adding Family-Friendly Amenities
Recognizing the potential to attract families, they added amenities like a crib, high chairs, and kid-friendly toys. These additions catered to families with young children, providing convenience and adding value to their listing. - Promoting Local Experiences
Helen and John also leveraged the home’s proximity to beaches, lighthouses, and local attractions. They provided a “local guidebook” with recommendations for nearby restaurants, beaches, and activities, offering guests an insider’s view of the area. This personalized touch was promoted on the listing, adding value for guests seeking an authentic experience.
Results
The redesign led to a 55% increase in bookings, especially from families looking for a comfortable, family-friendly vacation rental. The property received consistently high ratings, with guests appreciating the entertainment-focused setup and local recommendations. By highlighting the home as a vacation retreat, Helen and John successfully positioned it as a high-value rental in a competitive market.
Case Study 3: Turning a Rural Property into an Eco-Friendly Getaway
Property Profile
Location: Mountain area in Colorado
Property Type: 3-bedroom cabin
Initial Condition: Rustic, basic amenities, no eco-friendly features
Challenge
Sarah owned a cabin in a remote area, but bookings were inconsistent due to the property’s distance from popular tourist destinations. The cabin was mostly overlooked by travelers seeking modern amenities and accessibility. Sarah needed a unique selling point to make the property stand out.
BnB Leverage Strategies Applied
- Creating an Eco-Friendly Experience
Sarah recognized the growing market for eco-friendly travel and decided to transform her cabin into an environmentally conscious retreat. She installed solar panels, a rainwater collection system, and energy-efficient appliances. This eco-friendly angle appealed to sustainability-conscious travelers and positioned the cabin as a unique offering. - Incorporating Rustic Luxury Amenities
To blend the rustic experience with modern comforts, Sarah added features like organic linens, a wood-fired hot tub, and eco-friendly bath products. She marketed these amenities as part of a “rustic luxury” experience, making it appealing to travelers seeking a balance between nature and comfort. - Highlighting the Natural Surroundings
Sarah emphasized the cabin’s proximity to hiking trails, scenic views, and wildlife-watching opportunities. She included detailed descriptions in her listing and even provided guests with guides to the best local trails, picnic spots, and star-gazing locations.
Results
The eco-friendly makeover attracted a new demographic of guests, and bookings increased by 60% year-over-year. Positive reviews highlighted the cabin’s eco-friendly features and peaceful surroundings, solidifying its reputation as a unique, environmentally conscious retreat.
Case Study 4: Revamping a Downtown Apartment for Business Travelers
Property Profile
Location: Downtown Chicago
Property Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment
Initial Condition: Basic furnishings, limited amenities for short-term stays
Challenge
David owned an apartment in downtown Chicago but struggled to differentiate it in a market flooded with similar listings. Business travelers, who made up a significant portion of potential guests, preferred accommodations that offered convenience, privacy, and work-friendly features.
BnB Leverage Strategies Applied
- Creating a Work-Ready Space
David equipped the apartment with a dedicated workspace, high-speed internet, and a comfortable office chair. These additions turned the apartment into a suitable environment for remote work, catering directly to the needs of business travelers. - Adding Convenience-Oriented Amenities
To make the stay more comfortable, David included amenities like a coffee maker, a microwave, a mini-fridge stocked with essentials, and high-quality toiletries. He also provided mid-stay cleaning services, which appealed to guests staying for extended business trips. - Leveraging Proximity to Business Hubs
David’s listing emphasized the apartment’s proximity to downtown offices, conference centers, and public transit. He highlighted these benefits in the property description and even offered early check-in and late check-out options to accommodate travelers’ schedules.
Results
The apartment’s transformation increased booking rates among business travelers by 70%, and it became one of the top-rated listings in the area. Guests left positive reviews citing the apartment’s convenient location and work-friendly amenities, making it a preferred choice for professionals visiting Chicago.
Case Study 5: Transforming a Historic Property into a Boutique Rental
Property Profile
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Property Type: Historic 3-bedroom home
Initial Condition: Antique furnishings, no modern upgrades
Challenge
Charlotte inherited a historic home with outdated interiors and furnishings. Although the property’s historical charm was a potential selling point, Charlotte knew it needed upgrades to attract guests and justify higher rental prices.
BnB Leverage Strategies Applied
- Balancing History with Modern Comforts
Charlotte decided to maintain the home’s historical charm while adding modern comforts. She restored antique furniture but updated the kitchen and bathrooms with modern appliances and fixtures. This approach preserved the home’s uniqueness without compromising on comfort. - Offering a Boutique Experience
By adding high-quality linens, plush towels, and curated local art, Charlotte created a boutique experience that appealed to guests seeking a luxury stay. She also included a selection of historical books and vintage decor, giving guests a sense of stepping back in time. - Emphasizing the Property’s Story
Charlotte included the property’s history in the listing description, sharing stories about its construction and notable past residents. This storytelling element attracted history buffs and guests interested in a unique, authentic experience.
Results
Charlotte’s strategy led to a 65% increase in bookings, particularly from guests looking for a boutique or historic experience. The property received rave reviews for its character and charm, and guests appreciated the balance between history and modern amenities. This transformation added substantial value to the home, and Charlotte was able to charge premium rates.
Conclusion
These case studies demonstrate the power of BnB leverage in transforming properties and increasing profitability. By implementing tailored strategies, property owners can create unique rental experiences that cater to specific guest profiles, whether that’s tech-savvy travelers, families on vacation, eco-conscious guests, business professionals, or history enthusiasts. From modernizing interiors and adding smart home technology to providing family-friendly amenities or creating eco-friendly retreats, BnB leverage strategies allow hosts to transform their properties in ways that attract more guests, maximize occupancy, and increase revenue.
