Discover how to design outdoor spaces that attract bookings, increase guest satisfaction, and boost reviews. From safety tips to choosing the right amenities, this guide covers everything vacation rental owners need to know.
From sunrise porches in the Smoky Mountains to oceanside decks in North Carolina's Outer Banks, outdoor spaces can define a vacation. Across the U.S., guests crave that perfect mix of nature, comfort, and connection.
According to a survey conducted by Airbnb, searches for rentals with outdoor spaces have increased over the years. No matter where your property is, guests are obsessed with patios, porches, decks, and grilling areas. Check out these simple tips to create your guests' ultimate outdoor entertainment space.
On Florida's Gulf Coast, the breeze and the beach practically beg for a well-designed outdoor setup. Whether it's a fire pit under the stars or a cozy patio swing, the right setup can elevate a guest's entire stay.
In this guide, we share the most effective ways to turn your property's exterior into a space guests love and rave about.
Safety First: Protecting Guests and Property
1. Remember Safety
While the outdoor spaces are meant for fun, safety should be a top priority. Nobody wants to deal with an accident while on vacation, and no owner wants their guests to get hurt.
Including safety guides and instructions for grills, fire pits, hot tubs, and other gear is a great start to creating a secure outdoor space.
Key Takeaways:
- Accidents can happen—plan ahead.
- Include clear instructions for all outdoor equipment.
- Safety measures protect both guests and owners.
Keep It Running Smoothly: The Importance of Maintenance
2. Have a Maintenance Plan
Maintenance and repairs are inevitable when you have grills, hot tubs, pools, decks, and other amenities that stay outside. Scheduling routine maintenance will help your property remain in excellent shape throughout the seasons.
Also, having a maintenance team on call should something happen during a guest's stay is a great idea. Many property management companies have teams on staff or vendors on call to make the process easier.
Key Takeaways:
- Regular maintenance keeps things working.
- Seasonal upkeep prevents larger issues.
- Emergency support ensures quick fixes during stays.
Smart Amenities: What Guests Actually Want
3. Consider Popular Amenities
Your outdoor space will depend on your climate and location, but there are a few go-to amenities that always attract guests. If you're near the water, kayaks, beach toys, and gear are a hit.
Fire pits, hot tubs, pools, and comfortable patio furniture are always appreciated. You can also check out our amenities checklist for vacation rentals to help you decide what fits best.
Key Takeaways:
- Match amenities to your region.
- Water gear, fire pits, and cozy seating are consistent crowd-pleasers.
- Use a checklist to find what's best for your property.
Tidy and Appealing: Outdoor Cleanliness Matters
4. Keep the Space Clean
We all know the importance of clean indoor spaces, but the outdoors matters just as much. It's easy for toys, tools, or trash to pile up when multiple guests cycle through.
Clutter can quickly detract from the space's appeal, so be sure to keep it tidy. And because of weather and wildlife, it's a good idea to have a cleaning plan for outdoor incidents too.
Key Takeaways:
- Don't let clutter pile up outside.
- Regular cleaning keeps your space looking great.
- Plan for unexpected messes caused by nature.
Comfort Wins: Invest Where It Counts
5. Go For Comfort
Comfortable spaces never go unnoticed. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest outdoor furniture, comfort matters—and your reviews will reflect that.
Chairs with cushions, porch swings, or cozy outdoor couches invite guests to spend more time outside. That little bit of extra investment pays off in guest satisfaction.
Key Takeaways:
- Comfort affects how long guests stay outside.
- Quality furniture stands out in reviews.
- Small upgrades make a big difference.
Plan with the Weather in Mind
6. Consider Your Climate
Designing your outdoor space starts with understanding your climate. If your rental is in a place that cools off at night, heaters or outdoor blankets are a smart addition.
Pools might not be practical everywhere, but don't rule them out too quickly—some Gulf-front properties see great success with them even in cooler seasons.
Key Takeaways:
- Weather impacts how your space is used.
- Seasonal accessories add flexibility.
- Regional research helps tailor your design.
Make It Welcoming: Add Personality and Warmth
7. Make it Feel Like Home
One goal of any vacation rental is to feel like home for your guests. While your space may be more polished or upscale than their own, you still want it to feel warm and welcoming.
Add small touches of decor and thoughtful extras that show you care. When comfort, cleanliness, and good amenities come together, guests notice.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal touches enhance the guest experience.
- Blend hominess with quality.
- Details matter—and guests remember them.
A Better Guest Experience Begins Outdoors
A great outdoor space is an excellent way to improve bookings, guest satisfaction, and review scores. Keeping your guests' relaxation in mind will help your rental stand out in a competitive market.
Be sure to check out our other guides for vacation rental owners and learn more about boosting your property's appeal.
Key Takeaways:
- Outdoor spaces directly influence bookings.
- Happy guests leave better reviews.
- Thoughtful design pays off.
It's Time to Get Started!
Let Us Handle the Process from Start to Finish
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Stress less and earn more with our process! For a free revenue estimate, click here to see your property's rental potential!
Discover more useful property management tips for your beach rental.
We hope you find these tips for your Pensacola Beach property useful. For property management insights, keep an eye on our website for upcoming blogs.
