Why Amenities Matter for Vacation Rentals

For vacation rentals, amenities are often the key deciding factor for potential guests. In a highly popular destination like Whistler, where every season brings its own set of adventures, the right amenities can significantly impact your booking rates. 

If you’re catering to winter sports enthusiasts or summer adventurers, understanding the amenities that appeal to guests is essential for boosting your property’s appeal. Some vacation rentals don’t consider this, resulting in lower bookings and wasted opportunities. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the top vacation rental amenities and how to attract more bookings throughout the year. 

Why Amenities Matter in the Whistler Market

In Whistler, the competition among vacation rentals is utterly fierce. Many factors influence booking decisions, and amenities are often at the top of the list. As a result, offering desirable features can be the difference between a guest choosing your property or opting for another. 

Guests look for properties that provide comfort, convenience, and experiences that align with their vacation goals. A well-equipped vacation rental can easily sway potential guests to book, especially when visiting Whistler in the cold winter months. 

With many rental properties available in Whistler, distinctive amenities help your listing shine. Likewise, offering sought-after amenities often allows property owners to increase their nightly rates. 

The Winter Must-Have Amenities

Whistler’s winter season is a peak time for visitors. Here are some vacation rental amenities that will elevate your property’s appeal:

• Hot tubs with mountain views: After a day on the slopes, guests appreciate relaxing in a hot tub while taking in stunning mountain views. It’s a luxury touch that adds a cozy, après-ski experience. You can also charge premium prices if you have this amenity. A tip from us, a private Hot Tub is a far more desirable amenity than a shared complex Hot Tub. If Strata or space does not permit a private Hot Tub, then a shared building Tub is a good fallback option!
• Ski-In/ski-out access: For ski lovers, easy access to the slopes is a must-have. Properties with direct ski-in/ski-out access offer unparalleled convenience and are often in high demand.
• Heated floors and drying rooms: After a cold day outside, nothing beats the comfort of warm floors. A drying room for ski gear and clothes also ensures guests can store and dry their equipment overnight.
• Fireplaces: A fireplace adds to the warmth and ambiance of a winter getaway. It creates a cozy atmosphere for guests to unwind after their outdoor adventures.
• Secure ski and snowboard storage: For winter sports enthusiasts, having a secure place to store their gear is a must. This provides peace of mind and ensures valuable equipment stays safe.
• Sauna and steam room: During those brutally cold winter months, a sauna within the rental is a massive plus. Not only can you charge far more with this amnesty, but it gives you a strong competitive edge in the local rental market. 

The Summer Essentials for Active Travellers

Whistler also attracts visitors in the summer, and amenities geared toward outdoor activities will enhance the experience for your summer guests. 

Consider the following best amenities for short-term rentals: 

• BBQ and outdoor dining areas: Many guests enjoy grilling and dining outdoors during the summer months; in fact, it’s a must-have during summer. 
• Secure bike storage: Whistler is known for its biking trails, and providing secure bike storage is a great way to cater to biking enthusiasts. 
• Outdoor lounge furniture: You can consider adding lounges or hammocks for a relaxing experience after a day of hiking or biking.
• Air conditioning or ceiling fans: While Whistler’s summers are mild, having air conditioning or ceiling fans can still make a significant difference. 
• Proximity to trails: Offering a property close to popular summer trails will attract hikers, bikers, and adventure tourists looking for easy access to the outdoors.

Work-Friendly Features for Remote Workers

With the rise of remote work, vacation rentals that cater to digital nomads are more desirable than ever. Whistler’s serene environment and outdoor activities make it a prime location for remote workers. 

If you cater to longer stays, these amenities can help:

• High-speed internet: Reliable and fast internet is a non-negotiable for remote workers. Without it, you won’t attract digital nomads; if you do and your internet is slow, you’ll receive bad reviews. If you have good internet speeds, put this in your listing. 
• Ergonomic desks or workspaces: Create comfortable, dedicated workspaces with ergonomic chairs and desks. These are game changers for remote workers. 
• Natural lighting and plant decor: Natural light improves mood and productivity. You can add large windows and some greenery to create a positive and inviting work environment.
• Weekly or monthly discounts: Offer extended stay discounts to attract guests looking for long-term accommodations. Digital nomads love long-term deals that stop them from moving around continually. 

The 5 Luxury Touches That Increase Nightly Rates

For those with high-end properties or owners who wish to elevate their vacation rentals, luxury amenities can make a significant impact. 

You should consider adding these vacation rental amenities: 

For high-end properties—or any vacation rental owner looking to elevate their guest experience—thoughtful luxury touches can directly translate into higher nightly rates and better reviews. Consider adding or highlighting the following:

1. Spa-like bathrooms and soaking tubs
   After a long day of outdoor adventures, guests appreciate a relaxing bath. Upgrading to a soaking tub, premium fixtures, and offering high-end toiletries can turn a regular bathroom into a personal spa retreat.
   
2. Premium toiletries and linens
   Plush towels, crisp bedding, and luxurious toiletries help create a hotel-quality feel that makes guests feel pampered and cared for, often leading to glowing reviews.
   
3. Smart TVs and sound systems
   Provide modern entertainment with streaming services, surround sound, and top-tier TVs. It’s a small touch that enhances downtime and makes a big impression.
   
4. Welcome baskets or concierge add-ons
   Personalized welcome baskets with snacks and drinks or an optional concierge service add warmth and attention to detail that sets your property apart.
   
5. Extra guest perks and standout amenities
   If your property isn’t in the village centre, consider renting or purchasing a central parking space to offer to guests. For larger homes, bonus features like a pool table or table tennis setup create memorable moments and can be a deciding factor for families or groups.

The Top Pet-Friendly Perks

More travellers are bringing their pets along for their vacations to Whistler, and pet-friendly amenities are a great way to attract this growing market. 

You can consider a fenced yard or a pet-safe balcony. Pets need space to play and enjoy their time outside, and a fenced yard or balcony ensures safety and comfort for pets.

In addition, consider a dog bed, water bowl, and treats. Small touches like a cozy dog bed, a fresh water bowl, and dog-friendly treats will make your property more appealing to pet owners. 

However, be sure to verify any rules or regulations regarding pets in your property’s Strata bylaws.

How to Prioritize Vacation Rental Upgrades

When upgrading your vacation rental, it’s essential to prioritize vacation rental amenities that will offer the highest return on investment (ROI). 

You should create a guest profile. Understand the needs and preferences of your target guests (e.g., families, remote workers, adventure seekers) and tailor your upgrades to match those needs.

You should also focus on ROI. While trendy features are tempting, focus on amenities that will lead to more bookings. Consider what your ideal guests would appreciate most and invest in those areas.

Work With Outpost Whistler to Optimize Your Property

At Outpost Whistler, we understand what makes a property stand out in Whistler’s competitive rental market. Our team has the local expertise to help optimize your property’s amenities and maximize its booking potential.

• In-House Revenue Management: We utilize sophisticated tools to help you maximize your revenue while keeping your guests happy.
• Concierge Services and Personalized Touches: From personalized guest experiences to high-end property management, we ensure your property delivers exceptional value.
• Guidance on Upgrades: We’ll help you make informed decisions about which upgrades are most likely to result in higher bookings and guest satisfaction.

Ready to upgrade your property? 

Contact Outpost Whistler today to learn how we can help you increase bookings and create an unforgettable guest experience.