4 Guest-Approved Ways to Keep Them Happy and Booking

Cleanliness, comfort, a well-equipped kitchen, and good communication: Here's a simple recipe for happy guests and a vacation rental that stays booked year-round.

Whether it's a cabin in the Rockies or a breezy beach house along the Gulf Coast, the destination might be what draws guests in—but your vacation rental is what makes them want to stay (and come back for more). 

Once guests walk through the door, your place becomes their home away from home. That first impression? It's everything. From the cozy couch they crash on to the Wi-Fi they stream their favorite shows on, every little detail shapes how they feel about their stay—and whether they'll book again.

So, how do you turn a good stay into a great one? Glad you asked. In this blog, I'll share some fun, guest-approved tips to help you keep those 5-star reviews rolling in and your rental booked solid year after year.

Here's a quick look at what's in store:

At Navarre Beach Properties, we've spent years managing properties right here in Navarre Beach—and we know exactly what it takes to help them thrive. And we're not shy about sharing what we've learned along the way!

I suggest you check our blog which is packed with expert tips on professional property management—from smart strategies to make your rental stand out in a competitive market, to practical ways to boost your income and even a crash course on everything you need to know about managing a vacation home in Navarre Beach.

Let's dive in!

Why Guest Happiness Matters

Happy guests are the secret sauce to a successful vacation rental. They leave glowing reviews, rebook for next year, and tell their friends—all of which means more bookings, less marketing stress, and a calendar that fills itself. Keep 'em smiling, and your rental basically sells itself!

1. Make Cleanliness a Priority

Wherever guests choose to stay, they all expect one thing right off the bat: a clean space. No one wants to walk into their vacation rental and be greeted by dust, hair, or mystery stains—it's an instant mood killer and a fast track to a bad review. And once those start piling up, it's tough to win back trust. Future guests will take one look at a cleanliness complaint and think twice about booking. For owners, especially those living far from their property, this kind of issue can be seriously stressful.

Our professional cleaners, for example, treat every unit like it's their own, and after each clean, our in-house inspectors do a full walk-through to double-check everything. They spot cleaning misses, flag maintenance issues, and make sure the place is guest-ready. During busy seasons when turnovers are fast and furious, having a property management team that handles it all is what keeps things running smoothly, and keeps guests coming back.

2. Choose Comfort

Comfort is king when it comes to vacation rentals. It's one of the biggest reasons people choose a rental over a hotel. Guests want space to stretch out, cozy spots to unwind, and all the little extras that make a place feel like home. After a full day of sightseeing, beach-hopping, or chasing kids around, they're not looking for stiff beds or scratchy sheets. They want to kick back in comfort—and if they don't get it, chances are they won't be coming back (and their review might say so).

Want to really impress your guests? It's all about thoughtful touches. Quality mattresses, soft linens, and comfy pillows are a great start—but don't stop there. Add blackout curtains for lazy mornings, easy access to outlets and extension cords for all their tech, nightstands with lamps for evening reading, and smart home features for extra convenience. These little upgrades go a long way in turning your rental into a place guests can't wait to return to.

3. Go for a Fully Equipped Kitchen

Eating out for every meal adds up fast—and let's be honest, it gets tiring too. A fully stocked, ready-to-use kitchen instantly makes a rental feel more like home. Guests can easily prep meals, pack a beach cooler, or enjoy a relaxed family dinner without the hassle. It's all about keeping things simple and comfortable.

If you want to the extra mile, I recommend stocking kitchens with high-quality dinnerware, flatware, and coffee machines to keep the guests happy. One way to stand out is by implementing more extensive upgrades like toasters, air fryers, and Keurig or Nespresso coffee machines. 

4. Communication is Key

Sure, the goal is a smooth, stress-free vacation, but questions still pop up before, during, and even after a stay. When guests know they can easily reach someone, they feel heard and looked after, which goes a long way. The truth is, if you're managing your rental from afar or juggling a busy schedule, staying on top of guest communication can get tricky.

That's where good communication really shines. It can turn a frustrated guest into a loyal one. Quick, friendly replies show you care, and sometimes that's all it takes to flip a potentially bad review into a glowing one. That's why having a responsive team (plus an emergency line for those late-night lockouts or surprises) is a total game-changer

Bonus: Extra Touches Guests Really Appreciate

Modern Conveniences

Location-Specific Extras

• Beach towels, chairs, umbrella, and cooler (for coastal rentals)
  
  
• Hiking guides, trail maps, or firewood (for mountain homes)
  
  
• Local recommendations and a welcome book 
  
  

Family-Friendly Touches

• Board games, books, and puzzles
  
  
• Pack 'n play, high chair, or step stool if kids are common
  
  
• Game room or backyard toys (if space allows) 
  
  

Pet-Friendly Perks (if applicable)