Hawaii Homeowner Guide: Luxury Upgrades & Extra Touches to Elevate the Guest Experience
More visitors are choosing to stay at a Hawai’i vacation rental instead of a room at a busy hotel. And although they aren’t checking into a glamorous hotel, your guests deserve to be treated to a 5-star experience. Here are 6 luxury upgrades and extra touches that are certain to elevate the experience of every guest who books a stay with you.
1. Don’t Overlook the Details
Creating a special, unforgettable experience that will have guests rebooking at your property, year after year, is all in the details. From polishing silverware, keeping stainless steel appliances smudge-free, and retouching the slightest chip of paint, your property must be thoroughly cared for, right down to the last, almost imperceptible detail. If you’re constantly touching up chipped paint, it’s probably time for a new coat so consider a fresh shade. Nothing says sophistication like neutral color palettes with accent walls. And each time a guest checks out, check the air conditioning, ceiling fans, washing machine, dishwasher, oven, television, and other major appliances to ensure that they are clean and functioning. If you don’t already have a team to help you with that, Hawai’i Life’s property management team can provide preventative maintenance, regular home inspections, and more!
2. Stock Your Rental with Luxurious Linens
Property bedding and linens should be replaced once a year. When it’s time to replace the sheets and towels at your property, make sure to stock your vacation rental with high-quality linens to up the level of luxury. White bedding and towels are always a good idea, as they can not only be bleached when washed. No matter what color towels and bedding you select, opt for linens that are comfortable and durable above all. Thick, soft towels and washcloths will enhance the guest experience. While you’re at it, why not include cozy bathrobes that match the towels? When it comes to sheets, long-staple, 100% combed cotton sheets with a high thread count will go a long way. Take the guesswork out of a good night’s sleep with pillows made of long-lasting, durable material. Look for pillows with a soft, organic cotton cover that is at once breathable and moisture-wicking, and a filling that is dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic. And don’t forget the finishing touches, such as providing an extra set or two of linens and towels for your guests, folding all towels neatly, making the bed perfectly, and fluffing pillows.
3. Transform the Bathroom into a Spa
One of the first things most people notice when scrolling through photos of Hawai’i vacation rentals is the bathroom. Bathrooms that are bright, clean, updated, and well-stocked convey to potential guests that the owner cares about the rental home and anyone who stays in it. In addition to stocking your rental’s bathrooms with basic toiletries and comfy towels, make your guests feel pampered by adding starter supplies of some items like travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries.
Spend a little more on name-brand soaps, body washes, and lotions. And for a truly spa-like experience that is as unique as Hawai’i itself, splurge on locally-crafted toiletries that guests won’t be able to find anywhere else. Bonus: You’ll be supporting Hawai’i-owned businesses at the same time! For an exotic finishing touch, add a live orchid plant and a tropical-scented candle to the bathroom vanity.
4. Keep Cool with Air Conditioning and Fans
While many visitors choose to vacation in Hawai’i to escape the cold or adverse weather back home, no one wants to be uncomfortable during their stay. So it’s no surprise that many guests won’t even consider a vacation rental if it doesn’t have air conditioning. A portable unit or wall-mounted box unit is an efficient option, but central air conditioning will have the most appeal to guests looking for a luxury experience. No matter what A/C system you offer, make sure that it’s always clean and functional, and never too loud. Your property manager can help with getting your vacation rental’s A/C serviced regularly, including having all filters cleaned or replaced every quarter. You can help guests stay cool even when they’re enjoying your rental’s outdoor space by installing ceiling fans on the lanai if possible. And of course, nothing beats the heat like a dip in the pool.
5. Create a Resort Experience
Did you know that a swimming pool is the most sought-after amenity that you can offer a Hawai’i vacation renter? Give your rental a competitive edge by installing an inground pool if it doesn’t already have one on-site. If your property does have a pool, make it the highlight of the outdoor living space and complement it with luxury upgrades such as comfortable outdoor furniture for dining and relaxing, low-maintenance, tropical plants, and patio lights for when the sun goes down.
To create a resort experience for guests from the moment they arrive, greet them with a welcome manual that has an upscale, modern feel. Instead of a paper manual, consider investing in a tablet or iPad, enabling guests to quickly search for any information that they need. Don’t forget to have some bottles of water chilling in the fridge and a bottle of wine waiting on the kitchen counter. This will convey to guests that you’ve crafted their stay with care and thought. And decorative touches like mirrors and artwork by local artists, framed in koa wood, will automatically inspire laid-back luxury.
6. Hire the Right People
Now more than ever, families and larger groups traveling to Hawai’i are seeking a home-away-from-home experience, where they can spend time playing, cooking, relaxing, and enjoying the highest quality vacation experience. Demand for luxury vacation rentals with extra amenities has also increased, and bookings for on-site yoga classes, private excursions, personal chefs, and in-home spa days have doubled in the last year. From the moment they book a vacation rental to check out, luxury guests expect exceptional service and amenities every step of the way.
At Hawai’i Life, we offer your guests exclusive concierge services and online booking services, so they can enjoy a seamless Hawai’i vacation experience. And we’re available to help guests upon check-in and during their stay, personally and promptly addressing all guest inquiries.
Connect with Us
These are just a few of the valuable extras that will transport your guests to a tropical world of luxury from the moment they arrive at your Hawai’i vacation rental. For more ideas on how to add value to your vacation rental through luxury upgrades and finishing touches, contact Hawai’i Life. We’re happy to help you ensure that your vacation rental stands out from the competition.
For more ideas on how to revamp your rental home’s outdoor living space and even add value to your property, connect with us today by email or phone at Vacations@HawaiiLife.com or 855.447.3685.