When it comes to running a successful short-term rental property, five-star reviews are more than just feel-good feedback. Consistent good reviews boost visibility, build trust, and can lead to higher occupancy.
While Bachcare’s team of experts manages the behind-the-scenes details, as holiday homeowners, you can make sure your property stands out in a competitive short-term rental market through genuine hospitality.
Here’s how we can work together to create stays worth raving about.
A memorable first experience
First impressions matter. Ensuring the entrance is tidy, the garden/lawns are trimmed, and the outdoor area is well-kept can go a long way. Indoors, continue the experience: a clean and uncluttered layout, warm lighting, and a welcoming scent (sensory experience matters as much as the visual) can immediately put guests at ease. It’s all about setting the tone right.
Seamless check-in
While Bachcare manages the logistics, a truly smooth experience at check-in should feel intuitive. Little tweaks such as ensuring the light switches are easy to find, the outdoor lights are bright and working (especially for when guests arrive in the dark), and the Wi-Fi code being handy can eliminate initial frustrations.
Design with purpose
Guests don’t just step into your home; they step into your story. A touch of your favourite artwork, a splash of colour, and a curated bookshelf all reflect a sense of your personality.
A well-designed space doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend more dollars. It just needs to be intentional. Even a simple bedside lamp or well-chosen soft furnishings can balance style with function. It’s about creating a space that not only looks good but also works.
Stock the essentials, and then some
Clean linen, good Wi-Fi, and basic kitchen and bathroom necessities are now simply the bare minimum guests expect, but, as owners, you can go the extra mile. Think Smart TVs, coffee machines, board games, and books, but also smaller amenities, such as reusable handbags for local shopping, a bowl of chocolates on the dining table, or a carafe by the bedside table. Ensuring the linen cupboard is stocked with extra pillows and blankets and the bathroom is well-equipped with quality essentials can also ensure guests have everything they need when they need it.
Local flavour
More and more travellers are swapping hotel rooms with holiday homes for a taste of the local experience, so lean into it. Curate a guidebook and share your favourite cafés, restaurants, that quirky shop down the street, or the local weekend market that you always end up at. Add in recommendations for easy (and not-so-easy) DOC walks nearby or the different activities and hidden gems that only a local would know.
Thoughtful touches
Curated experiences are often the most unforgettable. A small handwritten note, a homemade tray of cookies, locally sourced honey, or a playlist waiting to be discovered—it doesn’t need to be extravagant. Small, quiet gestures form beautiful memories and stay long after the guests have checked out.
Think long-term
Whether it’s investing in upgrading appliances, adding smart locks for a seamless check-in experience, or regular maintenance of heat pumps and plumbing, staying ahead of the wear and tear reduces the risk of mid-stay disruptions and keeps your property functional and fresh.
The power of five stars: why it matters
Five stars are a reflection of guest satisfaction and a job well done. It creates the kind of reputation that helps keep the calendar full. Consistent positive reviews are also the first step towards earning Airbnb’s Guest Favourite Badge, which puts your property in the spotlight. At the end of the day, the difference between a good stay and a memorable one lies in the little things that we do to elevate the guest experience.