Part of being a successful business owner is generating multiple revenue streams. This is difficult, so when a low hanging fruit like renting out a room presents itself, you must strike while the iron’s hot!
Back in November, Airbnb reported a 31 percent rise in single-room listings in the third quarter, according to Reuters. Airbnb Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky says hosts are renting out single rooms to cover increased cost-of-living expenses. Whatever you use the extra income for, renting out a room can help make your vacation rental business profitable.
Guests seeking a single-room vacation rental want a different experience than guests who want to rent an entire property. Tailor your listing and room to their wants to help grow your vacation rental business.
Market Your Listing Correctly
Travelers looking for one room must be able to immediately identify you’re offering that. Your single-room listing’s title could include “single room” or “private room” so these guests know your place is an option.
Even if your title is clear, you can never be too careful. Point out in your listing’s description you’re offering a single room. State which amenities they’ll have access to, such as only having one bathroom available, kitchen-usage limitations, etc.
Create a listing that leaves no doubt you’re renting out just a room. This helps increase the chances these guests book yours and avoid misleading guests who want an entire property.
Privacy
Single-room listings don’t include the privacy that comes with renting an entire property.
Setting the expectations about privacy right off the bat helps guests know what they’re signing up for. Over-communicating helps make this clear.
A thorough listing must mention how much, or lack thereof, privacy there will be. Before guests reserve the space, make certain they know:
● If there will be other guests
● If they’ll have to share a bathroom
● Who and how many residents will be there and how often they’ll be home
● Genders of other guests and/or residents
While guests may be okay with others being there, that doesn’t mean they want a ton of interaction. Leading up to their stay, ask guests how comfortable they are interacting with you, residents and guests. Some may be open to creating new friendships, while others may want to keep to themselves. Communicate either, and everything in between, is acceptable.
Create a Workspace
Single-room guests may be in town for a quick business trip. Maybe they’ll be so busy they just need a bed and bathroom to come back to after a long day. Others might be remote workers who need to work during their travels.
Whichever category they fall under, you could have more success renting out a room when it accommodates work needs. Allowing access to your property’s workspace is an option, as well as creating a mini workspace in the room. Just make sure digital nomads and those alike know this by mentioning work-friendly amenities in your listing’s description.
Give the Room a Host’s Touch
A single-room listing should have just as much integrity a listing offering an entire property has. Guests won’t be happy with a room lacking a host’s touch. A room you put a lot of thought and effort into can increase the chances of bookings.
Get creative with the limited space to help make guests’ stay special:
● Provide breakfast every morning
● Leave a scent to make their stay memorable
● Decorate the room with colors that represent hospitality
It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is. Your guests’ happiness depends on you. Take it seriously so you enhance the guest experience.
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