The Secret to Standing Out in Vacation Rentals? Exceptional Service.
With more vacation rentals on the market than ever before, it’s easy to assume that pricing, location, or Instagram-worthy interiors are the secret to standing out.
But the real differentiator—the one that turns first-time guests into loyal fans and casual stays into five-star reviews—isn’t a waterfall shower or a rooftop deck.
It’s exceptional service.
In the world of short-term rentals, service is often overlooked. Many hosts treat it like a side hustle. They focus on booking volume, automate the messaging, and hope the cleaning crew shows up on time. But if you want to build a brand, not just a listing, you have to offer something more: hospitality.
What Does “Exceptional Service” Really Mean?
It’s not about being luxurious—it’s about being thoughtful. Anticipating needs. Eliminating friction. Creating comfort.
It means:
Clear, proactive communication before arrival and during the stay.
A spotless, professionally prepared home that feels like it’s truly ready for someone special.
Personal touches—from a handwritten note to a curated local guide—that make the experience feel human, not transactional.
Fast, friendly responsiveness when something goes wrong (because at some point, something always does).
Consistency that builds trust over time, not just one-off effort.
Great service is felt, not flaunted.
Why It Matters—Especially Now
Travelers are savvier. Expectations are higher. And with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO flooded with options, your home isn’t just competing with others in your zip code—it’s competing with someone’s dream escape halfway around the world.
What sets you apart is the experience you create. The feeling your guests walk away with. And the reviews that say, “They thought of everything.”
Exceptional service:
Drives repeat bookings (your highest-margin revenue).
Earns raving reviews that boost your visibility in search.
Creates word-of-mouth marketing you can’t buy.
Lets you charge a premium—because trust is valuable.
From Investment to Impact
At Kendehl & Co., we view every vacation rental as more than an investment—it’s a chance to create meaningful moments. A well-designed space is just the beginning. What elevates it into something memorable is how people feel when they’re there.
Do they feel seen? Cared for? Safe? Delighted?
That’s the bar. And it’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.
How to Elevate Your Hosting Game
Here are a few simple ways to begin:
Walk through your property like a guest. Notice what’s confusing, missing, or underwhelming.
Create a digital welcome book that’s beautifully branded, easy to use, and full of local gems.
Respond to every message like it matters—because it does.
Build a reliable team of cleaners, handypeople, and local contacts who share your standard.
Ask for feedback, not just reviews. Then use it to improve.
Final Thoughts
Exceptional service isn’t a bonus feature. It’s the foundation of a successful, sustainable vacation rental business. Especially in a saturated market, what guests remember—and talk about—is how you made them feel.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about care.
So the next time you consider how to grow your rental’s ROI, start with the service. Because great design may catch attention—but great hospitality earns loyalty.
