In today’s competitive vacation rental environment, eye-catching design is no longer simply “nice to have”; it’s a must have.
What kind of bookings can you expect if you upgrade your interiors? While industry experts used to say, “it depends”, they’re now pointing to increases of 20 – 50% in bookings and price.
For vacation-home rentals in Hawaii, one of the most important things to know is that most renters aren’t just looking for a “home away from home”; they’re looking for the home they dream about – paradise with amenities.
“During the past 25 years, we have witnessed expectations of guests renting homes or condos change significantly,” says Pattie Freeman of Hawaii Vacation Rentals, Inc. “In the beginning, it was easy to offer a cute little cottage with a bit of ‘beachy décor’, but now the more sophisticated traveler is willing to pay top dollar to have a beautifully appointed property for vacation. More than ever, they want fabulous client service coupled with stunning interiors and amenities.”
By combining great design and professional property management – like Hawaii Vacation Rentals, Inc. – you really can have it all: reap the rewards of success with your stand-out vacation rental. Enjoy the beautiful interiors yourself. And, have a property that’s “market ready” should you decide to sell in the future.
One Fine Design client knows firsthand just how well this approach works. After updating the interiors of their Kohala Ranch vacation home, they watched their property become one of the most popular rentals in the area. Later, when they were ready to sell, it sold in record time.
The Future: Wellness and Sustainability
Eco-Friendly, Healthy, Non-Toxic and Hypoallergenic Environments
To make a vacation-home rental even more distinctive, you might also consider furnishings and amenities that are eco-friendly and/or health conscious. Whether for health reasons, aesthetic sensibilities, or other personal preferences, more travelers are seeking environments that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and/or hypoallergenic.
In the world of hospitality, the eco-friendly and eco-luxury trend is growing quickly. In addition to eco-friendly resorts and independent boutique hotels, there’s now a new urban hotel brand, 1 Hotels, created by Barry Sternlicht, founder of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. It aims to engage guests “with design and amenities that are comfortable, luxurious and sustainable” and is based on the idea that “the world around us is beautiful and we want to keep it that way”. The properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Miami bring nature into urban settings.
In Hawaii, where nature reigns, eco-friendly settings that create a special experience and emotional connection are certainly easier to find. Still, vacation homeowners who combine high style and healthy elements can elevate their rentals into a niche market attracting the most discerning guests. And, the good news is, there are more eco-friendly options available every day to create inspired – and inspiring – home interiors.
“We have seen some of the most sumptuous, eco-friendly furnishings being shown at recent design markets and are excited about helping our clients incorporate them into their homes,” says Shirley Wagner, owner and principal designer of Fine Design Interiors. “It’s fabulous when we can create sanctuaries for people that are not only beautiful and well designed, but also healthy. It’s definitely the future.”
