When it comes to vacation rentals, first impressions are everything. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your rental property is in tip-top shape before your guests arrive. A well-kept property will help set the tone for the rest of their stay and ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish.
One way to make sure your property is up to par is to use a Standard Property Appearance (SPA) document. This document outlines exactly how you want your property to look and feel when guests arrive, from the level of cleanliness to the placement of towels and linens. By providing these specific instructions to whoever is prepping your rental for guests, you can be sure that every detail is taken care of and that your guests will be impressed from the moment they walk through the door.
As a host, one of the best ways to make your guests feel welcome is to pay attention to the little details. Take a moment to put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would appreciate upon arrival at a vacation rental property. For example, fresh flowers in the entrance hall, gleaming floors and kitchen counters, cutlery and crockery displayed in an orderly way, fresh firewood neatly stacked in the fireplace, or top quality toiletries in the bathrooms. By taking care of the small things, you can help your guests feel right at home and create a truly memorable experience.
What Is A Standard Property Appearance Checklist?
The purpose of a Standard Property Appearance (SPA) checklist is to ensure that the housekeeping team knows exactly what needs to be done in every room in order to meet your appearance standards. This way, nothing can be lost in translation and everyone is on the same page.
A well-crafted SPA checklist will sets out the specific standards of appearance that you expect from housekeepers, cleaners or a cleaning company who prepare the vacation rental property for the next set of guests. The more detailed the checklist is, the better. By clearly outlining your expectations, you can help to ensure that your vacation rental property is always clean and presentable. In turn, this can help to attract repeat guests and generate positive reviews. So if you’re looking to take your vacation rental business to the next level, be sure to create a comprehensive SPA checklist!
Including photographs of each room in your home will make it easier for prospective buyers to envision how they would use the space.
Why do you need a Standard Property Appearance guide?
It’s fair to say that you don’t strictly need a SPA for vacation rentals, as we’re not talking about a legal document. However, SPAs are commonly used in hotels and are also catching on in the vacation rental industry as an efficient way to better organize and set standards for the cleaning of your property.
Even if you have only one rental, you may find it easier, in the long run, to have this type of document as a reference when briefing a new cleaner or housekeeping team for the first time. It not only ensures consistency in standards of appearance but also signals professionalism and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
While there is no law requiring you to have a SPA in place for vacation rentals, it is definitely something to consider if you want to maintain high standards of cleanliness and avoid any potential confusion or disagreements with your cleaners. Having a SPA in place can give you peace of mind and help to ensure that your property is always looking its best.
What Should Your SPA Contain?
When you’re running a vacation rental property, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want your SPA to look like. After all, first impressions are everything when it comes to vacation rentals. potential guests will make their decision about whether or not to rent your property based on the photos they see online, so it’s essential that your SPA is immaculate. However, it’s also important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to vacation rental appearance guidelines.
The type of property you own and your personal style will play a big role in determining the details of your SPA. For example, if you own a luxury vacation rental, you’ll want to make sure that your SPA reflects that with additional details not featured in the housekeeping guidelines for a more basic property. By taking the time to develop a clear appearance guideline for your SPA, you’ll be able to ensure that your property makes the best possible impression on potential guests.
Rules For The Entrance Hall
The entrance to your home is the first thing that guests will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Keep the area well-lit and airy, and be sure to keep it tidy. A vase of fresh flowers or a welcome book can add a nice touch. Pay attention to the temperature as well, making sure it’s comfortable for guests. By taking care of these details, you’ll give guests a wonderful first impression of your home.
Rules For The Living Room
Creating a comfortable environment for your guests is essential if you want them to feel at home. Start by ensuring that the temperature is set to a comfortable level, and that the room is well-ventilated. If you have a fireplace, consider stacking some logs next to it, so guests can make a fire on a cold night. During the summer months, open the door to the patio or balcony to let in some fresh air and natural light. Paying attention to these small details will go a long way in making your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Rules For The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and its design should reflect that. Friends and family should feel welcome to gather around the kitchen island to help prep meals or just chat while the cook works. A well-organized, gleaming kitchen with quality appliances will make guests feel right at home, and encourage them to get involved in the cooking process.
To keep the kitchen looking its best, cleaning products should be stowed away safely and out of reach of children and pets. Used sponges and cloths should be discarded and replaced with new ones on a regular basis. Chipped plates and glasses should be replaced immediately, and cutlery should be neatly organized in drawers. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your kitchen is always inviting and well-maintained.
Rules For The Bedroom
Making sure your guests have a comfortable place to sleep is one of the most important aspects of being a good host. That’s why it’s important to be clear with your housekeeper about exactly how you want the beds to be made. Not only should the sheets and blankets be crisp and clean, but the pillows should be fluffed and arranged just so. And don’t forget to include a note about any extra blankets or pillows that should be placed in the room.
In addition to a comfortable bed, guests also appreciate a well-lit room. Make sure the blinds are open when they arrive, letting in plenty of natural light. And Be sure to adjust the temperature so it’s not too hot or too cold. finally, try to keep the room as free of clutter as possible. A neat and tidy space will help your guests feel relaxed and at ease.
Rules For The Bathroom
The bathroom is often one of the first places that guests will see when they visit your home, so it’s important to make a good impression. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to keep your bathroom looking its best. First, be sure to keep the counters clean and clutter-free. Secondly, make sure that the towels are neatly folded and displayed. Thirdly, pay attention to the toilet rolls – they should be placed in a holder with the end facing outwards. Finally, always clean and refill the toiletries as necessary. By following these guidelines, you can be sure that your bathroom will always make a good impression.
Rules Related To Signs For Guests
Homeowners who frequently have guests staying with them know that it’s important to make their visitors feel comfortable and welcome. One way to do this is to provide clear instructions on how to use various features in the home, such as the air conditioner or the hot tub. However, it can be easy for these instruction signs to get misplaced or damaged. To ensure that your guests always have access to the information they need, you can tell your housekeeper to keep an eye on the signs and to let you know when they need to be replaced. This way, you can be sure that your guests will always be able to enjoy their stay.