While travel and vacation may look a little different these days, that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. Instead of jetting around the world, many people are simply looking a little closer to home for their upcoming getaways. As a result, short-term rentals are becoming an even more popular option for those who want to avoid crowds while still enjoying some time away from home.
So how do you make your property stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Take a few simple steps to level-up your vacation rental to make it a memorable stay, while also ensuring it’s safe for you, your guests and your staff.
Contactless Check-In and Check-Out
Keep both property managers and guests safer by automating your check-in and check-out process. One of the easiest ways to do so is with a keyless entry system. Guests can come and go from your rental as they please, and you don’t have to worry about interacting with them when they first arrive. Instead, simply text or email them the access code to your smart lock system, and they can enter it at any time during their stay. It also helps eliminate the annoyance of scheduling a key drop-off time or worrying about lost keys, streamlining the entire check-in and check-out process. Then, when a guest’s stay is complete, you can simply reset the access code.
Hands-Free Smart Home Controls
Instead of manually setting and controlling each element of your property, you can do it all from a single, consolidated control panel on your smartphone. By connecting all of your smart home products like lighting, thermostat and leak detectors to an enterprise management tool, you don’t have to worry about physically touching the products themselves. You can avoid physical contact with products that guests may have touched before cleaning, and can even control them remotely for added flexibility and enhanced social distancing.
Enhanced Cleaning Protocols
The COVID-19 virus and other bacteria can live on surfaces for several days, which means you have to pay extra attention to your cleaning protocols in between guests. By adding rigorous cleaning measures, you’ll keep your guests and your business safe from harm. If possible, allow at least 24 hours between guests to create time for enhanced cleaning measures and for any potentially harmful particles to dissipate.
According to the CDC, all high-touch surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls and sinks should be thoroughly disinfected with a bleach-based cleaner or a product that’s at least 70% rubbing alcohol. Both of these cleaners — along with old-fashioned soap and water — have been proven to kill the virus and create a germ-free surface.
Consider leaving a supply of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer at your property for guests to use during their stay. That way, they’ll feel safe and be better equipped to keep the property clean for the duration of their visit. You should also give guests information about your cleaning protocols to add peace of mind.
Real-Time Alerts for On-Site Issues
With the right automation in place, you can be alerted in real-time of any issues at your property from afar. Things like leak detectors, smoke alarms, video cameras and other safety and security devices can be set up on an enterprise level and monitored from your smartphone. Whether or not you have guests staying at the property, you can minimize your time spent on-site to reduce cleanings frequency. Instead, simply keep track of your property remotely to ensure that everything is safe and secure, giving you the confidence you need to know your property is always protected.
If you’re looking to save yourself time, create a better guest experience, and increase your bottom line, PointCentral can help. Designed to increase efficiency, improve the client experience and help you protect your assets and increase ROI, you’ll wish you had opted-in to this technology sooner.
Hannah Warne is a professional writer with experience in fashion, food, travel, and real estate. She’s worked with global brands like Tiffany & Co. and Groupon as well as local businesses. She’s based in New York City where she loves to explore the city’s different neighborhoods by way of new restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries.
Sources
CDC – Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
John Hopkins Medicine – Coronavirus, Social and Physical Distancing and Self-Quarantine
