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How to Create a Gourmet Kitchen at Your Vacation Rental
Learn how to make your kitchen a destination in itself.
| The kitchen is one of the main reasons that travelers will choose a vacation rental over a hotel. While some might be satisfied with a place to eat a bowl of cereal, others might be planning on doing some serious cooking. If you own a luxury rental, be sure to consider amenities for your kitchen just like you would any other room in your house. Even if your home is moderately priced, you might still be able to entice some renters with luxuries they don';t have at home. Follow these tips for adding some special touches and extra gear to turn your ordinary kitchen into a chef';s dream. |
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Aesthetics
Some travelers might be more attracted to the appearance of your kitchen than the items you provide. Be sure to include a photo of your kitchen on your HomeAway, VRBO, and VacationRentals.com listings, and describe it in detail in the captions and descriptions. Let guests know whether you have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, ample counterspace, unique backsplash, or updated flooring. And don';t forget to mention center islands and breakfast bars, which can be particularly important to larger groups.
Appliances
Many owners that boast a “gourmet kitchen” on their vacation rental listings include information about high-end appliances. If you have upgraded the appliances in your home, make sure your guests are aware of the change. Consider including brand names like Wolf and Viking that carry a lot of weight for serious cooks.
If you don';t think the brand name of your appliances will resonate with many travelers, simply explain the style. Are your appliances commercial grade? Do you have a double oven or extra burners on your stovetop? Do you have a sub-zero fridge or multiple refrigerators?
If you aren';t prepared to do a complete kitchen overhaul, consider adding some small appliances like a rotisserie grill, infrared burners, roasting pan or a convection oven to make your home stand out.
Cookware
Just because your guests are on vacation, don';t discount the importance of providing top-of-the-line cooking gear. Families that are planning on doing a lot of cooking might be interested in the variety of dishes provided or the types of pots and pans stocked at the house. If you provide cookware from Cuisinart, All-Clad, Calphalon, La Creuset or other popular brands, be sure to let your guests know.
Other Tools
Once you';ve got all the top cookware and appliances in place, make sure your guests have the proper tools to cook a top-rate meal. Consider providing several cutting boards, measuring cups and spoons, mortar & pestle, pot holders, kitchen towels, casserole dishes, serving platters, and ramekins. You might also consider special gadgets like a garlic press or juicer.
Any good chef will tell you that quality knives are a top priority. To promote a gourmet kitchen at your vacation home, consider adding a high-end knife set with knife sharpener.
Even if there are no birthdays or anniversaries to celebrate, remember that vacation is reason enough to bake some brownies or cupcakes. Many vacation home owners overlook items like cookie sheets, muffin pans and cake pans. You could also add a food processor or KitchenAid Mixer for an extra touch.
For more ideas on what to include in a fully-equipped kitchen, view our Kitchen Checklist.
Amenities
Kitchen amenities might come in especially handy for a rainy day or an evening in. If you';d like to go above and beyond the standard toaster oven and coffee pot, consider these fun amenities for your kitchen.
• Lobster Pot
• Crab Crackers
• Coffee Grinder
• Espresso Machine
• Tortilla Press
• Pasta Roller
• Wok
• Pizza Pan
• Popcorn Popper
• Waffle Iron
• Margarita Machine
• Ice Cream Maker
• Bread Maker
• Local Cookbooks
To really boost your ratings on the gourmet kitchen scale, consider offering a grocery-stocking service. Have your guests email a grocery list for their stay and stock the kitchen prior to their arrival. You can add to your bottom line and help guests make the most of their stay since they won';t have to waste time at the grocery store. For other food-enthusiast marketing ideas, read our article, How to Market Your Vacation Home to Foodies.
While a complete kitchen renovation might take some deep pockets, you can still add special touches without breaking the bank. With a little imagination, you can turn your kitchen into one of the greatest selling features of your home.
© Copyright 2008 HomeAway, Inc. by Leah Carroll
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