How to ensure your vacation rental bedroom is a space that’s cozy, welcoming, and worthy of five stars
To acquire those 5-star reviews it is vital to ensure your property’s bedroom is a luxe retreat. The bedroom is more than just a place for your guests to relax and get a good night’s sleep, but the responsibility as a host to guarantee that your guests feel comfortable and at home.
It is essential to include bedroom photos in your listing to help guests decide if your vacation rental is worth booking or not.
It takes more than specifying in your listing that the bedroom has a comfy mattress and soft sheets to reel in visitors. To reel in visitors be sure to think beyond the bed when creating or sprucing up your vacation rental bedroom. Read on for a bedroom furniture checklist and recommended inventory and accessories to give guests a superb stay.
Bedroom Essentials
Thick Mattress & A Waterproof Mattress Protector
Your mattress choice can either earn glowing reviews or be the result in a less-than five-star review, so invest in comfort. Memory foam mattresses are surprisingly inexpensive and are more durable than spring mattresses (no more broken coils).
Wear and tear, spills, dirt and dust happens. As do the dreaded bed bugs. A mattress encasement is your first line of defense that will help you extend the life of your mattress. Just toss it in the washing machine with the rest of your bedding at the end of each stay. At Haustay, we use this encasement on all of our mattresses.
Soft Sheets & A Light Comforter
When it comes to sheets, the key is to use crisp, all-white sheets, which are also easier to wash and replace. At Haustay we use easy care microfiber sheets that are fade, stain, shrink and wrinkle resistant. They dry quickly and are more durable than cotton. We prefer to always use bright-white sheets.
We utilize a cool-weather, lightweight quilts at all of our properties. It is suitable for all season use and we prefer the lighter quilts so they can be washed after each stay.
It is important to keep an extra sheet set and quilt (per bed) tucked away in case of any spills or accidents.
Two Pillows Per Person
Pillows are a very important item in the bedroom. We always offer both firm and soft pillows to give our guests options. For an eye-pleasing effect, layer your pillows. Start with large square Euro pillows, followed by sleeping pillows, then add decorative throw pillows or a lumbar to pull your look together.
Window Coverings
It is important to have curtains, blinds, or roller shades to blocks out light for guests who prefer to sleep in complete darkness. This is also helpful for families traveling with babies.
Lamps & Charging Ports On Each Side Of Bed
Overhead lighting doesn’t always create a cozy and soft light to ease into sleep. Guests appreciate a lamp on each side of the bed so they can catch up on work or read a book. Charging ports on each side of the bed are an extra touch that guests have mentioned they appreciate so that they can charge phones, iPad’s, etc. It’s all about making the guest experience seamless.
Dresser & Hangers
We recommend placing at least one dresser or drawer storage piece in the bedroom, so your guests don’t have to live out of their suitcase. Ideally something that offers at least 4 drawers so that two guests in the bedroom can share the space. Some guests may want to avoid wrinkles in their clothes so providing a set of matching wood hangers in the closet is idea.
Bedroom Extras Guests Will Be Grateful For
Going the extra mile in providing just the essentials will not go unnoticed! Guests always notice (and mention in reviews) the special touches that a host went above and beyond on.
Alarm Clock
While travelers usually use their phones, some people would appreciate having a bedroom clock to glance at, especially if they don’t want to miss anything in their schedule like a flight.
White Noise Machine
Most of the Haustay vacation rentals are coastal meaning the train usually is within earshot. Guests appreciate a white noise machine for that reason. Families traveling with babies also appreciate it.
Portable Air Conditioner or Space Heater
If your vacation home doesn’t have central air conditioning or heating, then guests will more than appreciate these items to control the temperature in any room, especially the bedroom. It is hard to sleep in an ice cold or hot room.
Full-Length Mirror
Guests travel for many reasons, but they may have a wedding, dinner or beach day to attend. The ability to check yourself out before you head out is important. Mirrors also expand a space and reflect light, making even the smallest bedroom feel bigger. You can either wall-mount the mirror or hang one on the back of the door or on a wall nearby so guests can do a once over before walking out.