February 14 marks a day of love and chocolates — two of the best things in the world. Plenty of couples will be making plans and buying each other gifts, which means it’s the perfect time for you to take advantage of the holiday rush. Your Airbnb rental could break up the monotony of a typical Valentine’s Day and offer someone a novel experience. You just have to know how to sell your appeal and stir up interest among the right takers.
Here are a few ways to prepare your Airbnb rental property for Valentine’s Day and receive the highest earnings from this heart-filled holiday.
1. Create Special Guest Packages
A rental package is a surefire way to get people in the door in time for Cupid’s festivities. It’s generally easier to spring for a bundle than to pay for everything separately, and this will be a fabulous benefit for last-minute planners. Include goods like chocolates, a bouquet of roses, and dinner at a nice restaurant.
Start advertising your special a few weeks in advance so that there’s enough time to get the word circulating. Be sure to include photos of the rental property to entice people. Show some romance and extravagance with your decorating and convince renters that your rental is the best choice.
2. Partner with Local Businesses
Get together with local companies in your area for ideas on offering your Airbnb guests great deals. You can promote each other and earn extra revenue in the process. For example, you may ask a local restaurant about giving guests a discounted meal with free champagne. Go for a change of pace and partner with a local bakery to offer your tenants other sweet treats besides chocolate.
Establishing a partnership that provides unique benefits will show renters that your short-term rental property is different from the rest. As a result, they’ll be more likely to come to you again when they need an Airbnb, and they may become regular customers of the business.
3. Offer Recommendations
Provide your guests with a list of recommendations to give them ideas on how to celebrate the holiday. Point them toward the best spa in the area, or supply suggestions for five-star restaurants to visit for dinner.
And of course, the day isn’t complete without flowers. Help them coordinate a way to send flowers to the Airbnb for their loved one and/or inform them of a few places that deliver bouquets to hotels and rentals. Your guest will be pleased to have an extra hand in making their partner’s night a memorable experience.
Consider recommending some unique opportunities as well as the usual romantic touches. Emphasize experiences in your location that you can’t find anywhere else, such as festivals or museums. This strategy is especially relevant if the tenants aren’t from your area. They may enjoy the local charm and come again for another vacation.
4. Include Group Reservations
Valentine’s Day isn’t only for lovers — friends and families celebrate too. You could do a group package instead of a couple’s getaway if you know group reservations are prevalent in your area.
Doing so is an excellent way to involve singles in the festivities and gather lots of people for a fun time. You can supply the guests with games and activities, or hook your rental’s television up with a streaming stick or Chromecast for a fun movie night at little cost to yourself.
5. Make It a Weekend Affair
Valentine’s Day has a habit of falling on inconvenient days of the week, meaning many people don’t celebrate until the weekend. Thankfully, it’s on Friday this year, which gives people more time to celebrate with their loved ones. Extend your offerings to cover the entire weekend, and you’ll bring in more money than you would with a one-night stay. You could even stretch it out over the week, offering Valentine’s-themed bookings to fill any empty slots.
Many Airbnb hosts raise their rates on weekends because they know these are popular times. If you do the same for Valentine’s Day weekend this year, you could make up for the higher price by offering more services or goods. People will be open to spending more if they know the expenses are worth their while.
6. Decorate for the Holiday
What rental is complete without some decorating? Get guests into the spirit of the holiday by giving your property a romantic touch.
Incorporate mood lighting with candles and light switch dimmers and fill the house with lovely fragrances. Add red, pink and white motifs around the house, but not so many that it becomes overwhelming or cheesy. Break out your best bedding, and make sure the towels are clean and soft.
If you’re really into the holiday spirit, you can try some DIY decor projects to give your rental property a homemade, cozy feel. Keep your home’s natural aesthetic intact without laying it on too thick — authenticity looks best.
Make Your Airbnb a Valentine’s Day Destination
With these tips, you’ll create an unforgettable holiday for some special people. Every Airbnb rental property is different, so consider what will work best for your situation and your guests. Go all out with your planning, and you’re sure to have satisfied guests.
This article has been contributed by Holly Welles.