Practical ways to help your Steamboat Springs rental stand out with glowing guest feedback. These ten owner-friendly strategies focus on comfort, honesty, and thoughtful touches that encourage satisfied visitors to leave five golden stars.
Good Steamboat Springs property managers know just how much a host can benefit from a strong reputation. In the age of the 'trust economy,' great reviews are as important as price and photos; they build and maintain your listing visibility and directly impact booking rates.
At Retreatia, we like to think that getting a vacation rental booked is just the first step. Following that, we like to do everything we can to get a good review. Providing an outstanding experience is a given, of course, but we also take a proactive approach to gathering as many of those shiny golden stars as possible. Through our professional property management blog, we share the strategies, insights, and market knowledge that support your property year-round.
Interested in learning our methods? Here are ten quick tips for securing 5-star Reviews for your Steamboat Springs Rental.
Let's dive right in!
It doesn't matter the size or time; Steamboat Springs rental properties with sleek decor will invariably perform better than ones with outdated furnishings. Pictured: Ski Inn 112
1. Update the Decor of Your Steamboat Springs Rental
It doesn't matter if it is a small cabin, a ski-in/ski-out lodging, or condo in an apartment complex; properties with updated furniture and decor will book more often and for a premium. A large number of travelers are more than willing to pay a little more for an aesthetically pleasing space, and they'll even book months in advance. In our region, they seek something that reflects the idyllic atmosphere that epitomizes the essence of Steamboat Springs.
There are many dated late 90s and early 2000s decorated condos around our area that could really benefit from a spruce up. If you think your space falls into this category, it's a good idea to select new furnishings that are less ornamented, such as clean-lined modern sofas, minimalist wooden coffee tables, and sleek pendant lights.
Making the right furniture choices can transform any dull space into a beautiful one. Properties with dated furniture will not perform as well as the sleekly decorated ones. Needless to say, visible signs of wear and tear are a no-no.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh decor attracts more bookings and often allows for higher rates.
- Clean lines, simple forms, and modern furnishings outperform dated styles.
- Guests notice wear and tear fast, so aim for a polished look throughout.
- A well-designed space influences guest mood and review quality.
2. Be Authentic in Your Listing Photos and Description
Attractive decor is important and looks great in pics, but if your guests arrive at the rental and find that reality does not match what they saw online, they will be disappointed. Misleading photos are a major source of complaints and negative reviews.
Before you upload your pictures, perform a reality check: do they genuinely represent your rental in its current condition? While your spaces, furnishings, and appliances don't necessarily need to be brand new, they should be well-maintained and fully functional.
Also, while it's important to highlight your rental's positive features, be careful not to hide any negative aspects through selective framing.
The same principle applies to your property description. It should always be objective, comprehensive, and truthful. It's easy to become overly enthusiastic when describing your rental, especially when looking to attract bookings. Nevertheless, always take a step back, detach yourself slightly, and view it from an outsider's perspective, perhaps that of a possible guest.
Key Takeaways
- Accurate photos avoid disappointment on arrival and protect your review score.
- Represent the space as it actually looks today, not as it looked years ago.
- Aim for honest descriptions that highlight strengths without hiding flaws.
- Guests who feel informed from the start tend to leave better feedback.
Keeping a well-stocked inventory is a great way to garner positive reviews. Pictured: Moraine 1444.
3. Keep a Well-Stocked Property Inventory
Travelers who look for vacation rentals in Steamboat Springs instead of hotels are seeking comforts familiar to them, such as what they find at home. So, it's a good idea to keep a well-stocked property inventory with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for guests. Pay double attention to your kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Moreover, consider keeping back-stock of items such as glassware & dishware and have a replacement fund for heavy-use items such as rugs, decorative pillows, non-stick pans, humidifiers, and so on.
Key Takeaways
- Guests choose rentals for home-style convenience, not hotel limitations.
- Essentials in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms boost satisfaction.
- Keeping backups of fragile or high-use items saves you stress later.
- Simple supplies often lead to generous comments in reviews.
4. Don't Overlook Bedding
Speaking of amenities, good bedding is crucial for short-term rentals that want to really please their guests. Quality bedding, including comfortable mattresses, soft sheets, and fluffy pillows, enhances the overall comfort and experience.
Depending on the quality and material of your mattresses, you should plan on replacing them every 5-10 years. It's a simple equation: Lack of sleep leads to cranky guests, which means easy targets for negative reviews. Are your pillows lumpy or flat? We suggest buying new, preferably hypoallergenic pillows every couple of years. Freshen and fluff up your throw pillows with new inserts when they look tired.
Think of these not as costs but as investments that will lead to more good reviews and consequently more revenues.
Key Takeaways
- A comfortable night's sleep is one of the strongest review drivers.
- Replace mattresses every five to ten years based on quality and use.
- Refresh pillows and inserts regularly to keep everything feeling new.
- Good bedding is an investment that pays off in positive comments.
Having the right amenities for your type of rental is a big deal in this overcrowded industry. A beautiful chef's kitchen usually earns hosts great reviews. Pictured: The Boathouse.
5. Offering the Right Amenities
Having the right amenities for your type of rental is a big deal in this overcrowded industry. That's how you go the extra mile to deliver a unique experience to your guests, get more bookings, and better reviews. In Steamboat Springs, not all properties can offer private hot tubs, complex pools, or extra-nice community amenities. These will certainly score you some extra stars, but there are other ways to wow your guests with more accessible options like gaming systems, board games, ski boot dryers, trail maps, and so on.
A full-size kitchen with all the appliances for cooking enthusiasts will also earn you a lot of points — and good reviews! As a rule of thumb, the bigger your vacation rental gets, the more amenities you should consider adding to it.
Key Takeaways
- Amenities define the guest experience, especially in a competitive market.
- You do not need a hot tub to impress guests; thoughtful options matter.
- Kitchen gear, entertainment add-ons, and practical mountain items help.
- Fans or ceiling fans are appreciated in summer if A/C is not available.
Extra tip
In the mountains, A/C is a rare amenity, yet we are seeing searches, requests, and reviews for air conditioning increase year after year. If A/C is not an option for your property, consider installing ceiling fans or be sure fans are available in each bedroom.
6. Boost Guest Experience with Tech
The modern traveler looking for vacation rentals is practically glued to their tech.
For entertainment, most guests these days expect a Smart TV or a Roku player, which lets them use their streaming accounts. These gadgets are not only more convenient for them but also more cost-effective for you: they mean no more paying for cable like in the old days. Besides Smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers/Sonos, and charging stations are the new wave of travel expectations. Keeping up with technology helps support your guests in a seamless vacation.
By the time we finish writing this line, there will probably be a few new gadgets out. So, to always provide your guests with a good and updated experience, following tech news is a good way to go about it.
Key Takeaways
- Most guests expect Smart TVs, streaming access, and easy device charging.
- Modern tech keeps the stay smooth and cuts outdated cable costs.
- Staying current with new gadgets supports overall guest comfort.
- Small upgrades in entertainment and connectivity go a long way.
Giving local recommendations and letting your guests know about the hidden gems in your area certainly contributes to more golden stars at the end of a stay.
7. Give Local Recommendations
Most travelers seeking vacation rentals in Steamboat Springs want to avoid touristy spots and are instead in search of local hidden gems. That's why providing your guests with a personalized guidebook of activities in your area is a great way to boost your positive reviews.
Nowadays, it's easier than ever to find a platform that allows you to create a digital guide and then simply send it to your guests via email. Your guidebook doesn't need to be too complex; the most crucial aspect is that it should convey your personal perspective on the area. Also, places change fast, so try to update things at least annually.
With personal recommendations at their fingertips, guests are more likely to speak highly of your rental after their stay.
In summary: share what you love about the Boat — personalize and create a snapshot of your favorite to-dos in Steamboat Springs!
Key Takeaways
- Personalized local tips help guests feel oriented and welcomed.
- A simple digital guidebook gives them instant, curated suggestions.
- Update your notes at least once a year as restaurants and shops evolve.
- Guests who feel connected to the area often post glowing reviews.
8. Communicate Well
Steamboat Springs Rental property managers like us are well aware of the importance of effective and timely communication to meet guest expectations. We also know that when the standards are not met, we'll see complaints in negative reviews and the host's overall score going down.
Hosts who are helpful, clear, and efficient in their communication are more likely to receive positive reviews. Guests truly value hosts who are actively engaged and caring, as well as readily available to assist. Remind your guests that they can reach out to you for any help they may need.
One of the key factors is to have a prompt response time. Being fast in replies is crucial in this industry and often leads to positive reviews. Strive for rapid responses, aiming to reply within five minutes, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Clear, friendly communication builds trust before, during, and after a stay.
- Fast replies set hosts apart and strongly influence review tone.
- Encourage guests to reach out at any time, even for small questions.
- Consistent availability is viewed as a sign of care and professionalism.
We noticed that guests appreciate rental properties that are pet-friendly in Steamboat Springs. If you welcome and treat their little buddies right, there's usually a glowing review coming your way.
9. Go the Extra Mile
Every time guests arrive in a rental, they have expectations, and, as we said before, meeting those expectations is the least you can do. However, if you surpass them, you're paving your way for some nice reviews.
Exceeding guest expectations is an excellent strategy for garnering positive reviews. The key is being exceptionally attentive. Small gestures like a lovely flower vase or extra plush towels can make a significant impact in our industry.
Insider's tip: Many hosts like to leave things like chocolate boxes and wine bottles for guests to lure their hearts. At Retreatia, we don't recommend doing so. These are costly items that can add up at the end of the year. Instead, we like to think about how you anticipate guests' needs and what would enhance their experience overall.
Extra tip
Another thing that we've noticed as professional property managers is that guests value pet-friendly accommodations in Steamboat Springs. Consider this option to open yourself up to a larger portion of visitors. And why not maybe give the little buddies an extra treat as well?
10. Ask Your Guests for a Review
Just because you've done everything right so far, it doesn't mean you'll get a positive review - or that you will get a review at all. Guests often forget to leave reviews. Hey, it's not their fault; they have a lot on their minds, and most aren't aware of how important reviews are for hosts.
However, at Retreatia, we don't like to leave it up to chance. We like to gently nudge guests with subtle messages saying that we appreciate them staying in our home and that we will leave them a "5-star review" for being such a great guest. And then we add that "it would mean a lot to us if they could also leave us a review. It makes a big difference!"
Leaving your guests a positive review increases the likelihood of them returning the favor. With this message, we play with the rule of reciprocity, and it works pretty well!
Key Takeaways
- Small thoughtful touches create memorable moments for guests.
- Extras do not need to be expensive; comfort and attention matter most.
- Pet-friendly options open your listing to more travelers and more praise.
- Exceeding expectations almost always results in stronger reviews.
Elevate Your Ownership Experience with Retreatia
Partner with Retreatia for expert, locally grounded property management in Steamboat Springs.
From strategic revenue management to seamless guest experiences, our small but highly experienced team ensures your second home performs at its best—season after season.