What Makes a Property Desirable to Vacation Renters? Here’s What Prospective STR Owners Need to Know

So, you’re thinking about getting into the short-term rental game. Great move for earning passive income! Here’s the truth most real estate agents won’t tell you: not all homes make good vacation rentals. The most successful STRs are more than just pretty spaces. They’re strategically located, thoughtfully designed, and packed with the features guests are searching for.

Before you buy (or convert) a property, make sure it checks these essential boxes:

Location, Location… and Lifestyle

The #1 factor guests care about is where the property is. You can furnish it beautifully, but if it’s not in a place people want to visit, it won’t book consistently. We thought our Airbnb wasn’t an ideal location, until our 90% occupancy rate proved otherwise! A large portion of our bookings were from folks coming to visit family in the area, and there are not many hotels nearby, allowing our Airbnb to fill a need in the market for overnighters.

Look for these regional advantages:

• Tourist destinations: beach towns, ski areas, wine country, mountain retreats
• Proximity to attractions: theme parks, national parks, downtowns, convention centers
• Year-round appeal: areas with both summer and winter activities = less vacancy
• Transportation access: within 1-2 hours of a major city or airport

Investor tip: Properties near “secondary markets” like national forests or lakes often yield better ROI due to lower buy-in and steady demand.

Convenient Local Amenities

Today’s travelers want to explore, AND they want convenience. Guests often filter STR listings by proximity to:

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Grocery stores and markets
• Walkable town centers or neighborhoods
• Public transportation or free parking
• Trails, parks, beaches, or cultural attractions

Tip: Include a detailed “local guide” in your listing and welcome binder. It adds value and makes the location shine.

Property Features That Drive Bookings

While location gets attention, features get the booking. Certain amenities and home elements help you stand out and justify a higher nightly rate.

Top in-demand features:

• Outdoor space: patio, deck, backyard, fire pit, hot tub
• Pet-friendly: fenced yard, pet beds, and bowls (list it clearly!)
• Dedicated workspace: desk and fast Wi-Fi = great for digital nomads
• Family-friendly: high chair, crib, toys, safety gates
• Smart tech: keyless entry, smart thermostat, USB charging stations

Bonus: Properties with multiple sleeping options (like bunk beds, sofa beds, or multiple bedrooms) can attract families or groups and boost occupancy.

Interior Comfort and Design

Even budget travelers expect a “boutique hotel” feel these days. That means your interior needs to be clean, comfortable, and curated – not just functional.

Guest-ready interior checklist:

• High-quality bedding and blackout curtains
• Comfortable, easy-to-clean furniture
• Thoughtful lighting (not just overhead)
• Streaming-enabled TV (Netflix, Hulu)
• Stylish but uncluttered decor
• Fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances

Pro tip: Add extra touches like a coffee station, board games, or books. They’re inexpensive and memorable.

Ease of Maintenance and Turnover

This isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. If a property is hard to clean, expensive to restock, or constantly needs fixing, it will eat into your time and profits.

Smart investors look for:

• Hard flooring over carpet (easy to clean)
• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Simple furniture layouts (for quick turnovers)
• Lockable owner’s closets or cabinets for supplies
• Storage space for cleaners or property manager

Efficiency = profitability. The faster and easier your team can clean, restock, and reset, the more often you can book.

Final Thoughts: Desirability = Experience + Efficiency

A vacation rental isn’t just a property, it’s also an experience. What makes a property desirable to guests is a mix of where it is, how it functions, and how it makes them feel.

When evaluating a potential STR investment, ask yourself:

• Would I want to vacation here?
• Is the area attractive year-round?
• Can I offer convenience and comfort better than a hotel?

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Want help analyzing a specific property for vacation rental potential? Drop a comment or message, and I’ll walk you through the essentials. You’ll be hosting happy guests—and earning smart income—in no time.