As the holiday season approaches, travelers everywhere are gearing up for festive getaways — and that means one thing for property owners: it’s peak season for Vacation Rentals. With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s right around the corner, guests are seeking cozy, clean, and well-maintained spaces to celebrate with family and friends. If you run a vacation rental, now is the time to get your property ready to stand out from the competition and give each guest a five-star experience. From top to bottom, here’s how to ensure that your rental is holiday-ready.
1. Start with a Deep Cleaning
Before guests start booking for the holidays, ensure your vacation rental is spotless. High-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and living room should receive extra attention. Dust, sanitize, and polish every surface — from countertops to doorknobs. Don’t forget the details that can make or break a guest’s impression, such as baseboards, light fixtures, and window sills. A sparkling clean property not only photographs better but also assures guests that you take their comfort and safety seriously.
2. Refresh Linens and Essentials
Holiday travelers expect hotel-quality comfort in their vacation rentals. Replace worn-out towels, linens, and pillows with fresh ones. Stock up on essentials such as toiletries, extra blankets, and even some festive touches like scented candles or throw pillows in holiday colors. A small gesture — like leaving a holiday-themed welcome basket with hot cocoa packets or cookies — can make a big difference in guest satisfaction and reviews.
3. Check Appliances and Home Systems
Before guests arrive, test all appliances and systems to ensure everything works smoothly. Check your heating system (especially for colder regions), kitchen appliances, and water heater. The last thing you want is for guests to experience a malfunction during their stay. Do preventative maintenance now to avoid having to make emergency repairs later, when it will be harder to schedule service providers.
4. Add Festive Touches
Your rental may gain more interest if you create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. Decorate with taste, such as a wreath on the door, patio string lights, or a small Christmas tree in the living room. Be mindful not to over-decorate or use fragile items that could break easily. Keep things simple, elegant, and inviting. Guests will appreciate the warmth and charm that make their holiday stay extra special.
5. Update Your Listing Photos and Description
Once your rental is clean, decorated, and ready, update your online listing with new photos. Capture the cozy details — like a decorated fireplace, a festive dining setup, or a comfy bed with holiday pillows. You can also update your description to highlight special holiday amenities, such as a fully equipped kitchen for Thanksgiving dinners, or a spacious living room perfect for New Year’s celebrations. These updates help attract more bookings during the busiest time of year.
6. Double-Check Safety Measures
The holiday season means guests will be cooking, celebrating, and possibly lighting candles or using fireplaces. Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Provide clear safety instructions for fireplaces or grills and have a fire extinguisher readily accessible. A safe environment fosters trust and generates positive reviews, both of which are essential for ensuring that guests are satisfied.
7. Schedule Regular Cleaning Between Bookings
During the holiday rush, back-to-back reservations are common. To maintain cleanliness and consistency, schedule professional cleaning services between every stay. Quick turnovers can be stressful, but with the right cleaning team, your rental will be guest-ready every time without compromising quality.
