Personalization is becoming increasingly important to guests. From local recommendations and personalized itineraries to stocking the fridge with guests’ favorite snacks, this approach is helping them feel welcome and at home.

1. Connected Devices

Smart home devices in vacation rentals provide guests with a more luxury experience while also making your properties more sustainable. For example, smart energy devices such as Phillips Hue bulbs let you control heating and lighting remotely. And, by putting your vacation rentals Mammoth on an automatic “vacation mode” while it’s not being occupied, you can save up to 30% on energy costs per year.

Moreover, smart home technologies such as noise monitoring sensors like NoiseAware can help prevent parties from disrupting neighbors’ peace and quiet. Plus, smart plugs that offer both USB and conventional outlets are a convenient way to allow guests to charge their devices. This is especially helpful for business travelers who may have forgotten to pack a power adapter. Smart energy devices are also a good investment for vacation rental owners, as they allow you to track real-time electricity usage and monitor peaks in demand. In turn, you can make informed decisions about your energy use and budget. This allows you to save money on utilities and reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, which many associate with futuristic sci-fi movies, is a powerful tool that vacation rental companies and property managers can utilize to streamline operations and improve guest experiences. Incorporating AI into your business can provide numerous benefits, including automated customer service, improved booking experiences, smart pricing, predictive maintenance, and increased fraud protection.

Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of marketing strategies, as it is able to analyze data and predict customer behavior to create personalized messaging for your target audience. With its ability to track customer trends, AI can also help you optimize your advertising campaigns and increase pay-per-click results. This allows you to reach your ideal audience and generate more bookings for your vacation rental business.

Fortunately, new technology is helping the STR industry rise above these challenges. From automation to digitized experiences, the vacation rental industry is poised for rapid growth and innovation in the years to come.

3. Automation

Today’s guests have high expectations for a seamless and personalized vacation experience. Vacation rental property managers struggle to meet those demands given inflated costs and labor shortages. However, they can increase efficiency and improve operations by leveraging automation tools, such as those offered by Operto.

Smart technology may seem like a fad that will disappear once Covid is eradicated, but it can be a key asset to vacation rentals, as well as many other industries. From automated booking to streamlined back-office processes, intelligent technologies will create real value for guests and businesses alike.

Automated tasks can also reduce the strain on housekeepers by streamlining routine chores such as linen changes and upkeep. With a system such as Doinn, for example, vacation rental property management companies can set up cleaning schedules and assign them to cleaners. The system also automatically synchronizes with channel managers to avoid double bookings, and provides detailed analytics on performance and guest feedback.

4. Artificial Intelligence for Marketing

The STR industry is rapidly adopting AI and related technologies that help property managers achieve higher efficiency, personalized experiences for guests and sustainable growth. As these technologies become increasingly accessible and affordable, they will reshape the way vacation rentals operate.

AI is transforming the world of marketing by analyzing customer data to create better advertising campaigns and personalize messaging for individual customers. Vacation rental businesses can also use AI in revenue management to optimize pricing and analyze demand trends. For example, Beyond Pricing uses an AI-based dynamic pricing algorithm to help owners maximize occupancy rates and revenue while maintaining competitive nightly rates.

While COVID-19 brought new challenges to the STR industry, it also shifted travel habits and brought out innovative solutions. As work-from-home options, involuntary homeschooling and the cancellation of in-person business events became commonplace, many people turned to vacation rentals for a safe and affordable place to stay. And as a result, online searches for vacation rentals increased by 100% in Q4 of 2019.

5. Automation for Maintenance

A large portion of a property manager’s job consists of answering guest questions and concerns. This could be as simple as responding to a guest asking when they can expect cleaning or when the linens will be delivered, or it could involve lengthy conversations about the intricacies of your rental agreement.

Smart devices can help you automate these tasks, reducing the amount of time and energy you spend on guest communications. They can also save you money on your utility bills by automatically turning down the heat or shutting off lights when no one is home. They can even monitor noise and occupancy levels, preventing guests from holding unauthorized parties that might cause damage to your home.

Using automation tools will allow you to create more personal and engaging experiences for your guests while increasing the efficiency of your business operations. From marketing tools that can optimize rates based on real-time market data to revenue optimization with advanced dynamic pricing algorithms, you’ll find there are a wide variety of vacation rental technology options available. 

6. Artificial Intelligence for Guests

Artificial intelligence is a game-changer in the vacation rental industry. It offers a wide range of digital tools that enhance business operations, streamline marketing efforts, and boost guest experience.

In addition, AI can assist with customer service by automating processes and reducing the need for staff to handle routine tasks. It can answer questions, respond to emails, and send automated reminders to guests about payments and other details. It can even serve as a digital concierge, providing recommendations for activities and local attractions.

AI can help ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay by reducing energy usage and ensuring that appliances are switched off properly when the property is vacant. It can also improve security and comfort by controlling home automation devices. It can also help owners increase the value of their properties by adding smart technology that makes them more appealing to guests. Having access to these intelligent tools can make your guests feel more at home, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and repeat visits.