5 ways to bring a touch of hospitality to your short-term rental (or guest room!)
Curating beautiful interior spaces can be a full-out art form, but today we're highlighting how small yet thoughtful hospitality can bring a new dimension of comfort, rest and relaxation for your property guests.
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If you’ve ever enjoyed an amazing stay at a resort, hotel or short-term rental (an “STR” like airbnb), think back to the small touches that made the difference. It was probably small reminders of home, yet had unique luxuries to remind you that you finally made it to your locale and can enjoy the excitement of a vacation or new work experience!
This is the power of good design, and with careful observation and planning you can craft a beautiful space that is also a sought-after booking. Grab your notebook and take a walk through your space with fresh eyes - and maybe a trusted friend or designer to bounce some ideas around.
Personal Space
Make space for your guests' personal items. Fit in side tables, shoe cubbies, coat and robe hooks. (Add more than you think they will need!). Surfaces like open bath amenity shelves, kitchen shelves, and closet space with nice hangers are so appreciated! Style with a mix of accessories but keep some open surfaces for guests. Use the rule of three; 1/3 decorative accessories to 2/3 open areas.
Design Tip: Groupings of three similar items are aesthetically pleasing and calming to the eye.
Wellness Corner
Think modern gift basket meets comfy chair or pouf. A wellness basket or shelf station with amenities like energy water mix, gummies (vitamins?!), a cozy blanket stack, pourover coffee with electric kettle, tea accoutrements, healthy snacks, clean beauty product samples, and intention crystals. A rolled up yoga mat + hand weights are easy to add in a corner.
Sleep Self-Care
Layer your lighting sources for a proper wind down and ambiance. Dimmable reading lights at the headboard are a first priority, then layer in Himalayan salt lamps as nightlights in low outlets, and limit harsh overhead lighting or at least add dimmers. Use the highest quality sustainable and hypo-allergenic mattress + linens you can afford, plus a variety of pillow types for different sleepers to ensure a good night's rest.
Work-Cation Trend
Work-from-Vacay is here to stay and can be enjoyable and productive for your guests. Consider listing it as an amenity!
Think of multiple seating areas and surfaces as potential work stations. Dining areas should have a comfy banquette or upholstered chairs (back AND seat). Continental mid-height laptop tables (24” - 28”) are a must for seating areas. If you can splurge on an adjustable height table somewhere, even better!
Bonus for a window view or patio, and add plenty of charging stations.
A small bin of office supplies and a printer are a thoughtful amenity - add branded notepads as a nostalgic reminder after they leave. And yes, your property needs a brand and logo!
Thoughtful Whimsy
Wanderers need unexpected, whimsical elements. Add a quirky design element, or coffee table books of local artists + hotspots, local flowers, thought-provoking art prints, a curated playlist or foodie map - don't be afraid to fill the space with authentic personality and brand touches!
