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The Extras: Which Amenities Will Set Your Vacation Rental Home Apart?
From HDTVs to Air Conditioning, which amenities will help set your vacation rental apart from the competition?
| After you've equipped your vacation home with the basic amenities required of a rental (sheets, towels, kitchenware, etc.), it's time to think about the extras that will set your property apart from the competition. Here is a quick list of some of the amenities you can add to your home and which types of renters your property will attract. |
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King-Size Beds
Who's Clamoring for It? Anyone who sleeps in a King bed at home.
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations frequented by couples.
How Much Will It Cost You? $400-$1500 new. Significantly less if you buy used. Watch Craigslist for almost new mattress/box spring sets.
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High-Speed Internet
Who's Clamoring for It? Pretty much everyone these days. A recent study by AOL showed that 83% of Americans check their email while on vacation.
Where is it a must-have? It has become a must-have for most vacation destinations; however, vacation rentals in urban settings should provide high-speed Internet to capitalize on business travelers.
How Much Will It Cost You? $9.95 to $49.95 per month depending on your region.
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Hot Tub
Who's Clamoring for It? Couples and seniors.
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations that travelers frequent during the cooler, winter months.
How Much Will It Cost You? $2,500 to $10,000. An average hot tub is $3000-$4000. You can buy a used hot tub for under $2000, but be aware that you'll likely have to replace parts.
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Baby Gear
Who's Clamoring for It? Families with small children.
Where is it a Must-Have? Family destinations.
How Much Will It Cost You? Around $50 for a foldable high chair. $60-$100 for a portable crib. Look for deals at garage sales and consignment shops.
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| Pool Table
Who's Clamoring for It? Families with kids.
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations where people spend more time indoors.
How Much Will It Cost You? As little as $300 or $400 for a 4 ft. table at a sporting goods store like Academy. Also watch Craigslist for deals on gently used tables. Since kids will be the primary user of the pool table, don't buy a high-end table with an expensive top.
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DVD Library
Who's Clamoring for It? Most travelers. Especially important for families with kids.
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations without good TV reception.
How Much Will It Cost You? $1 to $6 per DVD. The Wal-Mart discount bin is a great place to start building your DVD library. You can often find hit movies for less than $6. For used movies, check out garage sales and thrift shops for $1-$2 each and watch for sales on new releases at video stores like Blockbuster.
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Fireplace
Who's Clamoring for It? Pretty much everyone.
Where is it a Must-Have? Cooler, winter destinations.
How Much Will It Cost You? To add a fireplace with a real chimney, expect to pay $10K+. A fireplace that runs up a wall through a vent will cost around $1,500. A relatively cheap and easy alternative is to add a freestanding electric fireplace, which can be purchased at home improvement stores like Home Depot for $350-$500.
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Washer & Dryer
Who's Clamoring for It? Families with kids.
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations with a minimum stay of one week & destinations with a lot new construction.
How Much Will It Cost You? $800-$1000 for a stackable unit. $500-$600 for a low-end full-sized washer and dryer. Save a few bucks by buying a used dryer-- they're considerably cheaper and last forever. However, pony up and buy a new washing machine.
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Dishwasher
Who's Clamoring for It? Large groups. Who wants to handwash dishes for 12 people?
Where is it a Must-Have? Destinations with a minimum stay of a week or more & large homes.
How Much Will It Cost You? $200-$400. You can pick up a used dishwasher for around $50.
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HDTV
Who's Clamoring for It? Sports fanatics.
Where is it a Must-Have? Nowhere yet. But it will give you a leg up on the competition in any destination.
How Much Will It Cost You? Around $600 for a 32”. $1700-$6000 for larger HDTVs.
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Air Conditioning
Who's Clamoring for It? Anyone used to having AC at home.
Where is it a Must-Have? Warmer climates.
How Much Will It Cost You? Floor and window units run anywhere from $300-$600. Expect to pay $1600-$5000 to install central air.
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Other Amenities to Consider
Want to make your property stand out? Consider adding a Home Theater Room ($150-$500 for a decent sound system), Popcorn Maker, Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker ($100), Espresso Machine ($99-$1000), Dart Board ($100 for Electronic, $50-$150 for Standard), Horseshoe Set ($15-$50), Bocce Ball Set ($30-$50), Egyptian Cotton Sheets ($40-$60 for a King Set), Terry Cloth Bathrobes ($30-$60 each), Belgian Waffle Maker ($80), Margarita Machine ($500), George Foreman Grill, or Panini Maker. |
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What extras have you added to your vacation home?
"We include 2 large tubs and 1 small tube for guests to use as our rental home is on the Muskegon River. We also provide photos showing the walkway down to the river and the large private area and two docks available for guests to use for fishing or just relaxing. My husband set up two separate firepits for nighttime bonfires or toasting marshmallows or hotdogs. We also provide a huge teddy bear downstairs, and a full size "hairy goat" (YES, goat!) that scares the bejeebers out of everyone going upstairs as they reach the top! (He does NOT have to be fed). We also provide sleeping bags as teenagers sometimes like to be brave and TRY to sleep outdoors." (HomeAway Property 116035)
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© Copyright HomeAway, Inc. Updated 10/2/08
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