How to Optimize Your Short-Term Rental for Families
Families represent a significant portion of short-term rental (STR) guests, making it essential to cater to their unique needs. A family-friendly STR stands out in competitive markets and can achieve higher occupancy rates and glowing reviews. This guide explores strategies for optimizing your property to attract and delight families.
Why Cater to Families?
1. Expand Your Guest Base
Families often book larger accommodations, increasing your revenue potential.
2. Encourage Longer Stays
Families frequently book for vacations or holidays, resulting in multi-night stays.
3. Boost Guest Satisfaction
A family-friendly experience leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
1. Childproof the Property
Take steps to create a safe environment for young children.
Safety Measures:
Install outlet covers and cabinet locks.
Secure furniture like bookshelves to prevent tipping.
Place safety gates at stairways.
2. Remove Hazards
Keep cleaning supplies and sharp objects out of reach.
Store breakable items safely or remove them altogether.
Pro Tip: Include a safety checklist in your welcome guide.
Step 2: Offer Family-Friendly Amenities
1. Sleeping Arrangements
Ensure comfort for all family members.
Options to Include:
Cribs or portable playpens.
Bunk beds or twin beds for kids.
High-quality mattresses for parents.
2. Dining Essentials
Make mealtime easier for families.
Kitchen Features:
Child-safe utensils and plates.
High chairs or booster seats.
A microwave and dishwasher for convenience.
3. Entertainment Options
Keep kids and parents entertained during their stay.
Ideas:
Board games, puzzles, and coloring books.
Streaming services with family-friendly content.
Outdoor toys like balls or frisbees.
Step 3: Highlight Proximity to Family Activities
Families prioritize location when booking STRs. Showcase nearby attractions in your listing.
Examples:
Theme parks, zoos, or aquariums.
Playgrounds or parks.
Kid-friendly restaurants and ice cream shops.
Pro Tip: Provide a curated guide to family activities in your welcome booklet.
Step 4: Design a Kid-Friendly Space
1. Play Areas
Dedicate a corner or room for kids to play safely. Include:
Toy bins or shelves.
A small table and chairs for crafts or snacks.
2. Outdoor Features
Enhance your yard to appeal to families.
Ideas:
A swing set or sandbox.
Secure fencing for peace of mind.
Comfortable seating for parents to supervise.
Step 5: Offer Convenience
1. Laundry Access
Families traveling with kids need laundry facilities. Provide:
A washer and dryer.
Laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
2. Transportation Tips
Help families navigate the area easily.
Include:
Parking instructions.
Nearby public transportation details.
Recommendations for car rental services.
Step 6: Emphasize Family-Friendly Policies
1. Flexible Check-In/Check-Out
Offer early check-in or late check-out to accommodate families’ schedules.
2. Clear House Rules
Make rules about noise, pets, and pool use clear to ensure a smooth stay.
Step 7: Market Your Property to Families
1. Optimize Your Listing
Use keywords like “family-friendly,” “kids welcome,” or “perfect for families” in your title and description.
Example Title:
“Spacious Family Cabin | Game Room & Nearby Parks 🏞️”
2. Leverage Social Media
Share photos of family-friendly spaces and highlight features that parents will love.
Step 8: Collect and Display Reviews
Encourage families to mention specific amenities or features they enjoyed in their reviews.
Example:
“We loved the toy bin and the nearby playground—it made our trip so much easier with kids!”
Case Study: Attracting Families to an STR in Orlando, FL
Scenario:
An STR owner wanted to target families visiting Disney World.
Actions Taken:
Added a crib, high chair, and kids’ dishes to the property.
Stocked the game room with board games and a gaming console.
Highlighted proximity to Disney World in the listing.
Results:
Family bookings increased by 35%.
Average stay length grew from 3 to 5 nights.
Reviews frequently mentioned the family-friendly amenities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Safety: Neglecting childproofing can lead to accidents and negative reviews.
Ignoring Parents’ Needs: Focus on creating a balance of amenities for kids and adults.
Vague Descriptions: Clearly highlight family-friendly features in your listing.
Cross-Link Opportunities
Explore related topics to enhance your STR:
Essential Amenities Every STR Should Offer
How to Attract Repeat Guests to Your STR
How to Create a Memorable Welcome Guide for Your STR
Additional Resources
AirDNA Market Insights: Analyze family booking trends in your area.
Hostfully Blog: Tips for creating family-focused listings.
BiggerPockets STR Forum: Community discussions on optimizing for families.
Conclusion
Optimizing your short-term rental for families can significantly increase bookings, improve reviews, and attract long-term loyalty. By prioritizing safety, offering family-friendly amenities, and marketing effectively, you’ll create a welcoming space that meets the needs of both parents and children.
