Guests won’t remember your Wi-Fi speed—but they’ll never forget your pumpkin-spiced welcome basket. Learn how small vacation rental seasonal touches can turn your rental into a memory-making machine.

Why Seasonal Touches Matter

Don’t forget to subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss a new episode. Whether it’s spooky season or spring bloom, I’ve got tricks (and treats) to help you boost bookings all year round.

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Let’s get real for a sec—ever stayed at a rental that felt cold, generic, or like someone just dropped off a key and ghosted? Yeah. Me too. Now imagine walking into a space with soft autumn throws, a pumpkin spice candle flickering in the corner, and maybe a handwritten welcome note that says, “Hope you enjoy the fall colours!”

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Seasonal touches don’t just feel good—they stick. They make guests feel like you’ve gone the extra mile. And guess what? That “extra mile” is what turns first-timers into raving reviewers and repeat bookers.

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💡 Did you know guests are 47% more likely to leave a positive review when their stay includes a seasonal or personalized welcome item?

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Fall: Flannel, Fire & Feels

Fall is all about comfort. Guests want warm vibes, not clinical checklists. Here’s how to tap into that autumn aesthetic without turning your place into a haunted house.

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🍁 Cozy-Up Checklist:

• Chunky blankets on the couch

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• Cinnamon or pumpkin-scented candles (go flameless if needed)

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• Mini pumpkin display at the entryway

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• Fall-themed Spotify playlist queued up and ready to go

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👻 Bonus points? Leave a small local treat like cider donuts or maple cookies in a rustic basket.

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❓Ever tried using scent marketing? Studies show certain smells boost perceived cleanliness and comfort.

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Want more design tips that delight? Check out the Vacation Rental Resolutions Podcast:
👉 https://vacationrentalresolutions.com/podcast

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Spring & Summer: Light, Bright & Local

Warm weather months are your chance to bring in the outdoors. No one wants to stay in a summer spot that feels like grandma’s guest room.

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Quick Fixes That Work:

• Swap dark throws for bright linens

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• Add seasonal flowers or succulents

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• Include sunscreen, bug spray, or even beach towels in a guest basket

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• Leave a list of local ice cream shops or farmers’ markets

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Guests notice local touches more than name-brand luxuries. Let that sink in.

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Watch more seasonal decor ideas on the Vacation Rental Resolutions YouTube Channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEsMhOx5vmQrGZorZ7tolw

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Winter: Warmth is a Feeling

Winter’s your golden ticket to comfort. But don’t overdo the holiday theme—skip the inflatable snowmen. Go subtle, go soothing.

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❄️ Snow-Day Details:

• Provide slippers or extra socks for guests

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• Add a hot chocolate or tea station

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• Leave a handwritten card: “We hope you enjoy your cosy winter escape.”

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⏰ Fun fact: The highest-rated winter rentals tend to have lighting guests describe as “warm” or “relaxing.” Invest in bulbs, not garland.

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🧑‍🍳 Tip from Launch Your First Vacation Rental: Guests remember how they felt more than what they saw. Use that emotion to guide your decor.

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Tip of the Week: The “One Bin” Seasonal System

Want to make this easy? Create a seasonal decor bin for each quarter of the year:

• Label: Fall 🍁, Winter ❄️, Spring 🌸, Summer ☀️

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• Toss in 5-10 small items (candles, throw pillows, welcome notes)

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• Switch bins between bookings—it’s 10 minutes max!

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🎁 It’s one of the easiest ways to boost bookings and reviews without spending a dime on ads.

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Running a rental isn’t just throw pillows and hashtags.

The “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download helps you automate, price smart, and host like a pro.

Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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What’s your favourite seasonal touch to add to your rental?

Let me know in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Creating a seasonal guest experience isn’t about buying more stuff—it’s about building a feeling. That “home away from home” moment? That’s what keeps guests coming back—and telling their friends.

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Seasonal touches help you stand out without breaking the bank. And they build your brand. You go from “just another listing” to the listing people remember.

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Need more checklists, ideas, or inspiration? Join the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental “ course. Get the tools, templates, and support you need.

https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/mastering-vacation-rentals-build-manage-and-grow-a-profitable-business-full-course/

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If you liked this episode, you also might like “What Are The Must-Have Vacation Rental Amenities?” episode 53.

https://vacationrentalresolutions.com/2024/10/what-are-the-must-have-amenities-for-every-vacation-rental-053

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Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode— and if you found this useful, feel free to buy us a coffee. Every cup supports more resources like this for vacation rental owners like you.

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Now… ready to open that fall decor bin?