Homeowners often wonder which amenities will add the greatest appeal to their vacation rentals. To help answer this question, we researched the data from actual travelers searching for properties on HomeAway, VRBO and VacationRentals.com to determine the most in-demand amenities.
Here's what we found that applies to rentals in St Croix.
1. Pool. No big surprise here. When people go on vacation, they typically look for some body of water in close proximity. Even if you don't have a pool in your own backyard, advertise the shared pool in your complex or a nearby community pool. And let people know how close you are to the nearest beach. Of course, in St Croix, you are never very far from a beach, but people want to know how they will get there and where the closest one is.
2. Pet Friendly. According to the Travel Industry Association, 14% of all American adults have traveled with a pet at some point in the past three years. Although it may not be a traditional amenity, accepting pets at your vacation rental could significantly increase your bookings.
3. TV. Even with the rising popularity of HDTVs, just plain TV remains the more popular search term. However, it doesn't hurt to include more details in your listing about any high-end televisions you may have. Cable and �satellite TV also rank highly in traveler searches.
4. Tennis. If you don't have a tennis court in your backyard, subdivision, or complex, consider looking up local courts and including information about them in your listing. We can help with that.
5. Internet. Even on vacation, travelers still want to be connected, and wireless Internet has become the preferred method. If you don't already offer a WiFi connection, contact your local cable or phone company for more details.
6. "Jacuzzi" Tub. Just like Kleenex and Google, "Jacuzzi" is a brand name that has become synonymous with its category. Many travelers search for "Jacuzzi" when seeking a whirlpool bathtub, and some use "Jacuzzi" interchangeably with "hot tub." If you own a jetted bathtub, consider checking off both the "hot tub" and "Jacuzzi" checkboxes in the amenities section of your listings - just be sure to specify which type you have in the free text section of your listing so as not to mislead your guests. Not many homes here have those, but what we do have is outdoor showers. If you have one, feature it.
7. Porch. No matter what type of outdoor living area you have, be it a porch, deck, terrace, lanai or patio, be sure to provide a detailed description and photo(s) in your listing. Another popular search term is "balcony," so don't forget that keyword when posting a photo of your view.
Many standard amenities, such as air conditioning, telephone, and washer and dryer also ranked highly in traveler searches. While they might not sound as exciting, they are equally as important to mention in your listing. Otherwise, travelers may not find your home when searching, or they may just assume you don't have something they're looking for.
Keep in mind that some sites like HomeAway and VacationRentals.com allow travelers to refine and drill-down their search results by selecting certain criteria. If you advertise on these sites, it is important to completely fill out the amenities section of your ad by checking off all the relevant boxes. Otherwise, your property won't appear in the search results when travelers try to find a home to rent. Why sell yourself short?
If you're considering adding new amenities to your vacation home, these top requests from actual travelers are a great starting point. And when you do make upgrades to your home, be sure to update all of your listings so that travelers are aware of everything you have to offer.
Buyer Agent St Croix now offers Property Management to owners of vacation rental properties on the island. Email or call to talk about maximizing your St Croix investment.
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