Making the vacation rental environment family-friendly is key to making families comfortable, safe, and happy during their vacation. When designing or preparing your rental property, keeping families in mind is important in many facets, from safety features to amenities, for kids to their parents. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make your vacation rental welcoming, inviting, and in some cases, functional for families.
Safety First
Your first priority when preparing a family-friendly rental is safety. This includes supporting families with safety protocols and keeping furniture and features secure, such as safety latches on cabinets and drawers (especially those containing cleaning supplies or sharp objects). Child-proof outlets with safety plugs, as well as protecting windows from children falling out of them by securing screens, should be standard in family-friendly properties. For properties with pools or hot tubs, securing a fence that includes safety alarms is required. Develop rules for the property and emergency procedures that you can communicate via a booklet or via other signage included in the rental.
Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
When families travel, they often travel with children of different ages, so flexible sleeping arrangements are needed. Provide a variety of sleeping arrangements, including cribs or toddler beds, as well as twin, bunk, or full-size beds. Also, ensure that the sleeping surfaces are comfortable (in good condition) and that linens, extra blankets, and pillows can be provided with ease of accessibility. Design quiet areas for sleeping, perhaps having blackout curtains will increase sleeping success as well, so that children are not too bothered by noise or light.
Accommodations for Children
Incorporating child-friendly amenities will enhance a family’s experience in your rental property. Items to add for general use include high chairs, booster seats, portable play yards, or cribs. You can also develop a fun assortment of toys and books, or age-appropriate games to keep children busy. A small indoor play area or designated outdoor space with swings, sandbox, or playset would be an incentive for families with children.
Kitchen and Dining
Parents will appreciate a fully stocked kitchen that allows for stress-free meal preparation. Stock your kitchen with kid-friendly utensils, cups, and plates that are brightly colored or with fun patterns. If you have the amenities, even a blender to prep smoothies, or a microwave for heating quick snacks, would be great. Instructions for appliances and recommendations for local grocery stores can save families time and hassle, too. An outdoor dining area with a picnic table can allow an uncomplicated family meal outside.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Typically, families won’t require more than good cleanliness and maintenance. There is a threshold when folks expect a clean and tidy feel in a property, but it should still be a pleasant experience. Make sure cleaning occurs on a set schedule, especially bathrooms and kitchens. Perform the maintenance on any high-risk items that may inconvenience guests, such as gates and heights, and check all areas for any potential hazards or defects. Generally, families settle back to a sense of security when they find their property to be well cared for and clean.
Outdoor Space and Accessibility
Safety and accessibility of outdoor space are important to allow children to play, yet parents to sit nearby and relax. Fencing or hedges can establish security, and outdoor furniture can enhance family time and participation in outdoor games. Should there be any form of pathways leading to the location of outdoor space, make sure they are even and not prone to slips and falls. If your property is located on an active street or surrounding activities (like busy staff areas), make an effort to explain the transportation options provided, and that there are family-friendly options provided.
Local Attractions and Information
Providing a short list of nearby attractions related to families, such as family-oriented activity locations, suitable parks, museums, eating establishments, etc,. can provide means for parents to develop their agenda. Providing brochures, maps, or just suggestions shows your willingness to provide hospitality. Also, showing local events for families would be a way to create great memories for their family holiday.
Use Clear Communication and House Rules
Have listed house rules with respect to noise, smoking, pets, and use of amenities clearly outlined. The check-in and check-out process needs to be straightforward and easy to understand. Encourage a friendly and inviting ‘tone’ to build trust, and detail how families can appreciate staying time at that property.
Special Touches
Remember that the small things can make a difference. A welcome basket with snack items like popcorn, bottled water, and local treats can go a long way toward creating a good first impression. A custom note recommending local activities or other suggestions can justify your approach to creating a family-friendly space. The use of family decor (e.g., something with colour, warmth, texture, or some inviting feel) will go a long way in creating an atmosphere to be enjoyed by all ages.
Flexibility and Responsiveness
Finally, provide flexibility to guests’ needs. If you are able, provide flexibility for check-in/check-out times. If not considered when establishing rules, maintaining a responsive approach to requests for information or answering a question should happen promptly. Following guest feedback and considering the implications of improvement upon future stayovers can potentially lead to those first-time guests returning repeatedly, and improving your branding as a family-friendly host.
This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book Newsletter.
