My husband and I recently traveled to Hilton Head, SC. As I mentioned in one of my other posts, we travel a lot staying in hotels and rental properties. As a designer, I can't help but critique some of the places we have traveled. Our most recent trip to SC, prompted me to start thinking about some of the design choices that people make when creating a space for short-term rentals. So here are a few of my thoughts from an avid traveler / designer.
Basic Cleaning: Our most recent stay was at the beach on the water and anytime you stay at a rental property at the beach, you deal with the sand. This property appeared clean but of course, sand was everywhere. Make sure you hire good cleaning companies that understand the challenges of the climate you are in. Mountain homes deal with mud and dirt and beach homes deal with sand. Walking barefoot in a beach rental property will tell you exactly how clean it is.
Batteries: This may sound silly but we had 4 remotes in this home for the TV. (First mistake, I will address this next.) But the batteries were dead or dying in almost all of them. I don't carry extra batteries nor should I have to as the guest. Make sure your cleaning crew checks the batteries before leaving if you aren't nearby to check on your home yourself. Or leave some in a kitchen drawer for replacements.
Labels: Please label the remotes. I don't live here, nor do I understand every TV and/or device. A simple label will help tremendously. One space we stayed at in the mountains had labeled the kitchen cabinets and drawers and it was very helpful as we were tidying up.
Rainhead Showers: I have stayed in a 3 recent hotels and rental homes with rainhead showers and these things are a nuisance. I am sure people love them in their homes where personal choices reign, but when designing your space for the mass public, these are no-no. Women don't wash their hair every day, nor do some like to even get it wet. Unless you have a shower cap, you are soaked. A normal shower head will do and to upgrade it, spring for the one that has a handheld shower head. Great for families or handicapped persons.
Vanity Choices: When choosing a vanity for your bathrooms, please choose one with counter space. While pedestal vanities are inexpensive and beautiful, they are impractical for a person staying only a few days. Most travelers like to see their things, this enables them to make sure they don't leave anything behind. I never use any storage space when traveling. Nothing hidden, means nothing left.
Seating: Maximize your seating choices. If your rental sleeps 6, but only seats 3...how does this math work? Make sure your number of beds equals the number of comfortable seating options for the family or living room.
Dining: A small dining table works great for eating or puzzles during vacation but bar-height or counter-height dining tables should not be used. These tables, once again, may work great for your home life but don't meet the needs of the mass public. These tables alienate people with small children or persons with disabilities.
Paint Choices: When choosing a paint color, I would recommend a neutral color. Choosing trendy colors may seem like a fun idea at the time, but when the trend changes, you are left with a dated rental that needs updating. Off-whites, creams work well with any floor color and cabinet color and will appear clean and timeless. Also, choose a satin or semi-gloss paint. Flat paint will show every mark or scuff and will instantly make your rental appear dirty.
Mattress Options: It's hard to predict the needs of who is staying in your space but choose a mattress you would sleep on. Medium to firm will appeal to the masses and good sleep will ensure a great visit. Also, pick really good quality sheets. At one space we stayed in the sheets were so good, I asked the owner for the store where she got them. Costco! Great quality doesn't mean expensive.
Curtains: While a great view of the ocean or mountain is wonderful and a great selling point for potential renters, the point of a vacation, for some, is rest. Make sure you have a great blinds or blackout curtains so guests can sleep in. I found some great ones on Amazon that I use in my own home. Here's the link: https://amzn.to/3T4Lbhp
While creating a space for rent is fun and great way to unleash your creativity, think about yourself when you are traveling and the needs you might have. Consult your friends and family about things they like when traveling. And as always, if you need or want a professional, reach out to us and we can put together some digital ideas for you.
Happy designing!
*Please note, this post contains an affiliate link to Amazon. It is no additional cost to you. You can learn more about my affiliate relationship, click here.