Some vacation rentals just blend in—same white walls, same IKEA furniture, same forgettable vibe. If you want your apartment to catch people’s attention and bookings, you need to give them a reason. Something clever. Something that feels intentional. Here are a few concepts you could try. Not all will fit your rental property or your audience, but they might spark an idea. And sometimes, that spark is all you need.
1. The “micro-escape”
Not every guest books a full vacation. More and more people book short-term rental apartments for a quick weekend or even just a single night away. So why not design for that?
Think cozy and immersive. A space that feels like a little bubble away from daily life. Maybe a snug studio with oversized pillows, warm lighting, and a record player with some carefully chosen vinyls. Guests like to feel like they’re stepping into a mood, even for just 24 hours.
2. Workcation-ready
Here’s the truth: lots of people work on vacation now. Or vacation while working. Either way. If you can make your apartment appeal to that crowd, you’re tapping into a growing vacation rental business opportunity.
So: a proper desk. A comfortable chair. Fast Wi-Fi (really fast—test it yourself). Maybe even a monitor tucked into a closet for those who need a bigger screen. Some hosts include streaming services or a mini coffee station for those long Zoom calls. Clever, and it works. And funny enough, even guests who aren’t on a work trip still appreciate a nice spot to check their emails. So it’s a win either way.
3. Local Color
People book vacation rental properties partly because they want something hotels can’t give them: personality and a connection to the place they’re visiting. That’s where you can really shine. Curate your space with pieces that reflect your area.
Local art. Textiles from a nearby maker. Even your welcome note can include a few “hidden gems” in the neighborhood. Just don’t overdo the theme—nobody wants to sleep in what feels like a souvenir shop. But a little authenticity goes a long way toward improving the guest experience. It might feel obvious to you because you live there. But to your potential guests, it’s part of the adventure.
4. Wellness Retreat Vibes
This one’s not for everyone, but if your apartment is in a calm, scenic area, why not lean into it? Many guests love the idea of a wellness escape, even if they don’t really escape all that much. Think yoga mats neatly rolled in a basket, some herbal teas, maybe even a small diffuser with essential oils.
If you really want to go all out, you could even add a hot tub or swimming pool if you have the space. Those are still some of the most sought-after vacation rental amenities. Sure, not everyone will use the yoga mat or the oils. But just having them there changes the way they see your place.
5. A Touch of Luxury
Sometimes it’s the little splurges that make a luxury vacation rental feel memorable. You don’t have to completely remodel. But adding just one or two higher-end touches, plush beach towels, a velvet armchair, maybe a rain shower head, can help your space stand out among more basic vacation rental properties.
Guests notice quality. And when they feel like they’re getting more than they paid for, that’s when you start seeing glowing reviews. Even small touches, like chilled sparkling water and crystal glasses waiting on arrival, don’t cost much, but they create a lasting impression guests tend to remember.
6. Family-First Concept
Another clever idea is to position your short-term rental as a family-friendly haven. So many vacation rental properties ignore this niche and just assume families will “make do.” Why not lean into it?
A family-first concept might include child-safe furniture, a crib, and a toy corner. You could even stock board games and movies suited for all ages, and leave a list of kid-friendly restaurants nearby. Not every guest is traveling with kids, but the ones who are will notice you’re thinking about them.
7. Coastal Escape
If you’re near the water, create a true beach vacation vibe. Instead of just leaving a couple of random beach towels, craft the whole experience. Decorate with coastal-inspired colors, include a basket with sun hats and sand toys, and highlight how close your vacation home is to the beach in your listing.
Guests who are dreaming of the sea want to feel like their trip starts the moment they step inside. A clear, cohesive beachy concept gives them that feeling.
8. High-tech City Stay
For apartments in urban settings, position your place as the ultimate smart home technology hub. Make it feel futuristic, even a little playful. Include smart lights, voice-controlled assistants, and even curated playlists ready to stream when guests arrive.
You can frame this as the perfect spot for tech-savvy travelers who value convenience and novelty. Plus, these touches often photograph well and stand out when guests compare listings.
Why A Clear Concept Makes All The Difference
The key isn’t to throw a little of everything into your apartment. It’s to pick one clear, clever idea, something your vacation rental business can lean on in its identity, and carry it through thoughtfully.
When guests feel like your space was designed with a purpose, they’re more likely to notice, to book, and to come back. And in a market full of generic listings, that’s exactly what you need.
Ready to showcase your unique concept and reach more guests? List your property on Houfy today and let your space shine where it counts.
