Summer is the busiest and most profitable time of year for vacation rental owners. With school out and families planning their big annual getaways, demand spikes and travelers are actively searching for the perfect place to stay. This is your opportunity to stand out from the competition, earn glowing reviews, and maximize your revenue. Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned short-term rental pro, here are 7 smart ways to improve your vacation rental during the summer peak season.
1. Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces
Summer guests crave sunshine and fresh air, so make your outdoor areas a top priority. Upgrade your patio, deck, or backyard with features like:
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A shaded lounge area (think pergolas or large umbrellas)
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Outdoor dining table for family meals
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A grill or full outdoor kitchen
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Cozy string lights for evening ambiance
If you have a pool, hot tub, or fire pit, highlight those in your listing and photos. Don’t underestimate the value of curb appeal either—fresh landscaping and blooming flowers go a long way.
🛠️ Check out HGTV’s guide to upgrading outdoor living spaces for inspiration.
2. Offer Summer-Friendly Amenities
Travelers love convenience. Stock your rental with items tailored to summer stays, such as:
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Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas
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Reusable water bottles and coolers
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Sunscreen and bug spray
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A welcome basket with local snacks and cold beverages
If your location is near the beach, lake, or pool, provide floaties, beach toys, and even paddleboards or kayaks (if feasible). These thoughtful touches can make all the difference in the guest experience.
📦 Read more on list of vacation rental essentials.
3. Focus on Air Conditioning and Fans
Nothing ruins a summer vacation like walking into a hot, stuffy rental. Make sure your air conditioning is in top shape before peak season hits. Provide ceiling fans, box fans, or tower fans in each bedroom to ensure guests stay cool and comfortable.
It’s also helpful to include blackout curtains to block out intense sunlight and keep rooms cooler during the day.
🧊 Pro tip: Consider installing a smart thermostat to control temps remotely and improve energy efficiency. Learn more on Energy Star’s tips for cooling your home efficiently.
4. Update Your Photos for Summer
People shop with their eyes first, and your listing photos are often your first impression. Update your photos to reflect the summer season—bright skies, lush greenery, and well-lit indoor spaces.
If you’ve made upgrades like new patio furniture, fire pits, or landscaping, showcase those changes! Hiring a professional photographer can lead to increased bookings and higher nightly rates.
📸 For more on this, read Airbnb’s guide to taking great photos.
5. Offer Flexible Check-In and Extended Stays
With summer trips often involving road trips or unpredictable schedules, flexible check-in times can be a huge plus. Self-check-in with a smart lock or keypad is also a big convenience for guests.
Also, consider offering weekly or monthly discounts to encourage longer stays. Summer is a time when remote workers and digital nomads may be looking for “work-cations.”
🧳 See guide on using technology to streamline vacation rental operations.
6. Add Family-Friendly Touches
Families are a huge part of the summer travel demographic. Appeal to them by including:
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Pack ’n plays or portable cribs
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High chairs and children’s dishware
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Board games, coloring books, and outdoor yard games
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Safety features like outlet covers and stair gates
Making your rental family-friendly not only improves reviews but also widens your guest pool dramatically.
👨👩👧 Learn how to make your vacation rental family-friendly with this guide from Hostaway
7. Prioritize Cleanliness and Quick Turnarounds
During peak season, turnovers can be frequent and fast-paced. Make sure your cleaning process is efficient and thorough. Partnering with a reliable cleaning team or using a vacation rental turnover service can help you stay on top of bookings without compromising on quality.
Leave out extra cleaning supplies for guests and consider a mid-stay cleaning option for longer bookings.
🧼 For tips on turnover cleaning, check out Breezeway’s checklist for short-term rental cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Summer is your time to shine in the vacation rental business. By investing in guest comfort, refreshing your visuals, and optimizing your amenities for warm-weather fun, you’ll not only attract more bookings—you’ll also earn loyal guests who come back year after year.
Need help customizing your listing, preparing for summer guests, or creating guest experiences that wow? CLICK HERE —we’re always happy to help fellow hosts thrive in the busy season!
