With another rental season behind us, this is a good time to review the things we did right and the things we could improve on. A recent survey by Booking.com highlights the 5 things most important to vacation rental guests. They are free parking, freshly made beds, regular cleaning, 24-hour check-in and smart TV or streaming services. What this tells us is cleanliness, and convenience top the list for our guests. If you haven’t replaced your sheets in a year or two, now is the time. Consider upgrading to high quality sheets. It’s a great return on your investment when a guest slips into a comfy bed at night after a long day of enjoying the beach or other island activities.
A third of all travelers also wanted to hear the host’s recommendations for local restaurants, events, and activities. If you haven’t already, adding a section in your house book or providing local maps and guidebooks can go a long way to show the guest you want them to enjoy their stay. The last couple of years we have seen a noticeable decline in the number of rentals on the island and regionally. With the rise of inflation and costs associated with getting to and staying on the island, its possible tenants have started to see a diminishing value in a Nantucket vacation. Little touches here and there can make a big difference in making guests feel welcome in our homes and on the island we all love.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER WITH THE NANTUCKET SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGISTRY BY NOVEMBER 1, 2024 if you are doing rentals of less than 32 days in 2025. Contact the Town’s vendor, GOV OS at blt.str.support@govos.com or by phone at (888) 751-1911. If you need additional help please contact the Nantucket Health Department at health@nantucket- ma.gov.