As far as holiday spots go, Port Douglas has to take the cake. With the pristine Four Mile Beach and easy access to the Daintree rainforest, it’s no wonder people are flocking to this tropical locale to take a breather.
Port Douglas holiday houses really and truly offer it all. However, if you are looking to invest in your very own holiday home, then you may be wondering what your next steps are. If you are looking for a trusted and experienced local team to manage your holiday home for you, our friends at Port Douglas Accommodation are a great choice.
To help you make the most of running your own holiday home, our team at Property Shop Port Douglas & Mossman have a few tips and tricks when it comes to making sure your rental is booked year round!
Keep your rental well-equipped
There is nothing worse than getting to your rental and realizing the house doesn’t have a frypan, towels, or Netflix. All of a sudden, your no stress trip requires you to bring basic kitchen tools, or watch movies on your phone.
There is more to a holiday rental than providing a kettle and a toaster – your holiday should feel like a home away from home. While you don’t need to provide the best of the best, the basics should be accommodated for. A good way to think about this is that the house should be equipped as if you yourself lived there.
Your Port Douglas holiday home should also have a good supply of sunscreen, mosquito coils, and spare hats for good measure. Providing these small comforts and often overlooked necessities are a big first step in becoming a holiday home your guests fall in love with and want to visit again and again.
Make your home picture perfect
When you are ready to show off your holiday home, you should think about investing in a professional photographer. Your rental images should not only show off the amenities of the property, but also highlight some of the close-by attractions. These photos can include some scenic shots of Port Douglas, nearby hot spots, as well as any special quirks or characteristics of your property.
While photography can be a large investment, presenting your home with well-considered imagery can even increase the price your guests are willing to pay. A professional photographer will cast your home in the best light possible, making potential guests double back on their scrolling – as they say, a picture paints a thousand words.
Add a touch of personality to your Port Douglas holiday home
The best thing about staying in a Port Douglas holiday home is the warmth and personality of a lived-in abode. This is the key point of difference between your property and hotels or resorts.
Small touches of personality can include:
- A well-stocked games cabinet filled with the classics like Monopoly and Scrabble, which could also be accompanied by a scoreboard for your guests to leave their mark.
- A collection of your favourite books for guests to pick up and take to the beach.
- A personalised guide to the town! Favourite meals at your favourite Macrossan St restaurant, best places to order in at, personal favourite nearby walks etc. This is super helpful for anyone new to the area, and makes them feel as though they have the local know how.
- A gift hamper goes a long way in making your guests feel special. Invest in a couple of bits of local produce like bread and milk and chocolate. This small gesture goes a long way in ensuring your guests have a great stay in Port Douglas.
A successful holiday rental is about highlighting that point of difference, and making your guests feel welcome in their home away from home.
Offer an exceptional experience
To really make the most of your holiday home, why not make it stand out from the crowd? Think about things that you might not get at home – like hot tubs, wood-fired ovens, outdoor movie setups – and how that would improve the quality of your guests’ stay.
Your holiday home in Port Douglas is going up against some stiff competition. Holiday rentals in the area are known for their great amenities and experiences, with many properties offering pool access, hot tubs, and other luxury experiences. Investing in non-essential amenities, like stand-up paddle boards or gaming systems for kids, will make your guests stay spectacular – and keep them coming back for more.
Know who is staying at your holiday home in Port Douglas
Knowing which guests your holiday home appeals to is key to ensuring your Port Douglas remains booked and busy year-round. None of these tips work effectively if you don’t know the type of guest that stays at your home.
The best way to do this is to consider what your holiday home is near and what amenities it has. A property that is perhaps a little smaller but close to Murphy, Macrossan, or Garrick may best appeal to young couples or groups of friends who are looking to spend their time at restaurants and bars. However, if your home is a bit bigger and close to beaches, trails, or parks, then it could be a great spot for families.
Having an understanding of the type of guests that stay at your holiday home will help you know what kinds of amenities and little extras you should provide for an exceptional stay.
Home is where Port Douglas is
Holiday homes are a great way to make a little extra money on the side and to make sure that you have the best holiday spot year in year out. Making some simple and thoughtful adjustments, your Port Douglas holiday home is sure to be topping everyone’s lists this year. By taking these suggested steps, you will turn your holiday home from a mere crash-pad to a home away from home. Trust us, the positive reviews will come flooding in in no time.
If you are interested in buying a property to invest in a holiday home of your very own, our team at Property Shop Port Douglas & Mossman would be delighted to talk with you. Come by or give us a call at 07 4099 5355 today!