Creating and Marketing a Family-Friendly Short-Term Rental Property

As the short-term rental market continues to grow, so does the demand for properties that cater to families. Traveling with children comes with its own set of challenges, and families are often on the lookout for accommodations that provide comfort, convenience, and safety. By designing and marketing your property as a family-friendly destination, you can tap into this lucrative market and create a space that parents and kids alike will love. Here’s a guide on how to create and effectively market a family-friendly short-term rental property.

1. Designing a Family-Friendly Space

The first step in attracting families to your property is creating a space that meets their needs. This goes beyond simply providing a place to sleep—families look for accommodations that offer safety, entertainment, and convenience. Here are some key elements to consider:

a. Safety First:
Families with young children prioritize safety. Make sure your property is childproofed by securing furniture to walls, covering electrical outlets, and providing safety gates for stairs. If you have a pool, ensure it’s fenced and equipped with a locking gate. Consider installing door alarms on exits that lead to potentially hazardous areas like balconies or pools.

b. Spacious Layout:
Families need space to spread out. If possible, offer multiple bedrooms, a living area, and a dining space where the entire family can gather. An open floor plan is ideal for keeping an eye on young children while still enjoying the communal areas.

c. Kid-Friendly Amenities:
Providing amenities tailored to children can set your property apart. Consider including:

• A crib or pack-and-play for infants

• High chairs and booster seats for toddlers

• A selection of age-appropriate toys, books, and games

• A baby monitor

• A stroller or baby carrier for guests to use during their stay

d. Entertainment Options:
Families often spend more time at the rental property, so providing entertainment is key. Stock your property with board games, puzzles, and a collection of family-friendly movies. If you have outdoor space, consider adding a playset, sandbox, or sports equipment. For indoor entertainment, a gaming console or streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ can be a hit.

e. Fully Equipped Kitchen:
A fully equipped kitchen is a must for families, as they often prefer to prepare meals at home. Make sure your kitchen includes all the essentials, such as pots, pans, utensils, and kid-friendly dinnerware. Providing basics like a highchair and child-safe cutlery can also be a thoughtful touch.

f. Laundry Facilities:
Families with children often need to do laundry during their stay. Offering a washer and dryer, along with laundry detergent, can be a huge convenience.

g. Flexible Sleeping Arrangements:
Offer flexible sleeping options to accommodate different family dynamics. Bunk beds, twin beds, or sofa beds can provide additional sleeping space. Consider also providing blackout curtains in bedrooms to help kids sleep better.

2. Marketing Your Family-Friendly Property

Once your property is equipped to welcome families, the next step is to effectively market it. Highlighting your family-friendly features in your listing can make your property stand out to parents searching for the perfect place to stay.

a. Use Family-Centric Language:
In your property description, use language that speaks directly to families. Highlight the aspects that make your property ideal for kids, such as safety features, entertainment options, and proximity to family-friendly attractions.

Example:
"Our spacious 3-bedroom home is the perfect getaway for families! With a fully childproofed layout, a selection of toys and games, and a fenced-in backyard, your little ones will have plenty of space to play and explore. Plus, we’re just a short drive from local parks and family-friendly restaurants!"

b. Professional Photos of Family-Friendly Features:
Include high-quality photos that showcase the family-friendly aspects of your property. Capture images of the play area, kids’ rooms, safety features, and any family-oriented amenities you provide. Make sure your photos tell the story of a welcoming, comfortable, and fun environment for families.

c. Highlight Nearby Attractions:
Families often choose accommodations based on proximity to kid-friendly attractions. Highlight nearby parks, zoos, amusement parks, beaches, or family-friendly restaurants in your listing. Provide detailed information about these attractions, including how close they are to your property and what makes them ideal for families.

d. Leverage Social Proof:
Positive reviews from other families can be a powerful marketing tool. Encourage guests who have stayed with you to leave reviews that highlight the family-friendly aspects of your property. Consider including excerpts from these reviews in your listing to build trust with potential guests.

Example:
"Our family had an amazing time staying here! The kids loved the playset in the backyard, and we felt completely at ease with all the safety features in place. The location was perfect, close to everything we wanted to do. We’ll definitely be back!"

e. Utilize Social Media and Family Travel Groups:
Promote your property on social media platforms, particularly in groups or pages dedicated to family travel. Share photos, guest testimonials, and local attractions to reach your target audience. Engaging with these communities can help you build a reputation as a go-to destination for families.

f. Offer Family Packages or Discounts:
To attract more families, consider offering special packages or discounts tailored to their needs. For example, you could provide a discount for week-long stays or include a welcome basket with kid-friendly snacks and toys. Offering flexible check-in and check-out times can also appeal to families with young children.

3. Providing a Memorable Experience for Families

Creating a family-friendly property is just the beginning. Providing a memorable experience during their stay will ensure families return and recommend your property to others.

a. Personal Touches:
Adding personal touches can make a family’s stay truly special. Consider leaving a welcome note addressed to the kids, along with a small gift like coloring books or a stuffed animal. Providing local tips for family-friendly activities or restaurants can also be a thoughtful gesture.

b. Excellent Communication:
Prompt and clear communication is essential when hosting families. Make sure parents feel comfortable reaching out with any questions or concerns before, during, and after their stay. Providing a detailed guidebook with instructions for using appliances, safety information, and emergency contacts can help alleviate any stress parents might have.

c. Going the Extra Mile:
Consider offering additional services that can make a family’s stay easier, such as grocery delivery, babysitting referrals, or even organizing activities like a family movie night. Going above and beyond to accommodate their needs will leave a lasting impression.

d. Encourage Feedback:
After their stay, encourage families to provide feedback on what they enjoyed and what could be improved. This not only shows that you value their input but also helps you continuously refine your property to better meet the needs of future guests.

Conclusion: Building a Family-Friendly Haven

Creating and marketing a family-friendly short-term rental property requires attention to detail, empathy for your guests’ needs, and strategic promotion. By designing a space that is safe, comfortable, and entertaining for children, you’ll attract more families to your property. Effective marketing that highlights these features will help you stand out in a competitive market.

Remember, families are looking for more than just a place to stay—they’re looking for a home away from home. By providing a welcoming environment and going the extra mile to cater to their needs, you’ll not only earn positive reviews but also build a loyal customer base that returns year after year.