Make Your Lakefront Airbnb Stand Out: A Guide to Creating an Unforgettable Getaway
Your lakefront property has the potential to be an incredible Airbnb retreat. But how can you make it truly stand out in a crowded market?
Here are some tips to elevate your rental and attract discerning guests:
1. Unique Selling Points:
Prime Location: Highlight your property's proximity to popular attractions, fishing spots, breweries / wineries, or hiking trails.
Waterfront Activities: Emphasize water-based activities like boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Include information on boat ramps and rentals.
Luxurious Amenities: Offer high-end amenities like a private dock, hot tub, kayaks, pedal boats, and other water toys.
Personalized Experiences: Consider offering unique experiences like guided fishing trips, completing a grocery run, providing firewood, or arranging sunset cruises.
A picture is worth 1,000 words.
Leverage your unique selling points in SEO keywords and pictures that show a clean, welcoming retreat and highlight your views and private lake access.
2. Stunning Interior Design:
Embrace the Natural Setting: Incorporate natural elements like wood, stone, and water into your decor. Perhaps some painted oars as either deck railing or art installations?
Maximize Views: Use large windows and sliding glass doors to showcase the lakefront scenery. Cut back trees and vegetation growth that hamper the view.
Cozy and Inviting: Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with soft textiles, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting. Easy to clean textiles with patterns and textures will be your best friends.
Local Flair: Add local artwork, antiques, or souvenirs to give your space a unique character. Perhaps your local Assessor’s Office can print a map of the lake for you? Then add your own, “You are here” label.
Ask your county Assessor’s Office if they can print a map of the area for you.
Then add your own, personalized “You Are Here,” label.
3. Outdoor Oasis:
Spacious Deck or Patio: Provide ample outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Well placed hooks will help keep wet items outside to dry while plenty of flat surfaces for food and drinks will be appreciated by guests.
Outdoor Kitchen: A well-equipped outdoor kitchen can elevate the dining experience. Make sure to highlight if your property has a grill and whether you provide fuel (propane or charcoal).
Fire Pit: A cozy fire pit is perfect for evening gatherings. Let guests know if you provide firewood or where they can get some easily. Perhaps leave welcome s’mores to get the fire pit party started?
Waterfront Access: Ensure easy access to the lake with a private dock, steps into the water, or a beach area.
Kayaks? ✔
Stand Up Paddleboard? ✔
Fire Pit with Adirondack Chairs? ✔
Steps into the Lake? ✔
Picnic Area? ✔
4. Exceptional Guest Experience:
Personalized Welcome: Greet guests with a warm welcome and a personalized touch, like a welcome basket with local treats.
Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions for everything from using appliances to accessing local amenities. Have a label maker? Add labels to the light switches and help folks feel at home from the moment they walk in.
Prompt Communication: Respond to guest inquiries promptly and professionally. No one likes waiting, especially on vacation.
High-Quality Linens and Amenities: Invest in high-quality linens, towels, and toiletries. Perhaps connect with a Vacation Rental Affiliate Program that makes sense for you and your rental/s, such as Cariloha’s Affiliate Program and Brooklinen’s Wholesale Program.
5. Professional Photography:
High-Quality Images: Hire a professional photographer to capture your property's best angles. Great photography gets you more eyes, more eyes means greater likelihood of getting the rental. Don’t skimp, get the drone footage, too.
Virtual Tours: Create a virtual tour to give potential guests a 360-degree view of your space. Many photographers can do this while they are there. This is a
Professional photography is worth every penny.
Bring the outside in, which both makes your rooms look brighter and bigger but also shows off your views. Professional photographers can do this no problem. Trust us, it isn’t as easy as it seems.
By following these tips, you can transform your lakefront property into an unforgettable Airbnb retreat that guests will rave about.
Recap Checklist
What are your properties unique attributes?
What steps have you taken to ensure activities, down time, and views are maximized?
What amenities do you offer that reduces things your guests have to bring? (e.g. linens, spices, charcoal / propane, firewood …)
Do you have services guests can include at an additional cost? (e.g. grocery trips, fishing expeditions …)
What area attractions are nearby? Do you have any house discounts you can offer?
Solutions and anticipation will help seal the deal. If your property offers the service, solution, and promise of fun memories, you get the booking.
