Ever wondered why some guests never stop raving about a stay?

In this episode, I’ll break down how small, unexpected touches create unforgettable experiences (and 5-star reviews).

Why the “Surprise & Delight” Strategy Works

If you enjoy these episodes, don’t forget to subscribe and ring that little bell so you don’t miss a single tip, trick, or touch-up. We’re here every week turning average rentals into guest-magnet getaways.

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You ever stayed somewhere that gave you a mini bottle of wine… just because? Or walked into a place with a Spotify playlist already cued to your vibe?

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Exactly. You remember those places.

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Vacation rentals are no longer about just clean sheets and decent Wi-Fi. Guests want connection. They want experiences. And that’s where the magic of the unexpected comes in.

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👉 Question for you: What’s one tiny touch that made you smile at a stay? Think of that. Now let’s give your guests the same feeling.

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Welcome Baskets That Wow

Let’s start simple: welcome baskets. But skip the stale crackers and random brochures.

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What if your basket matched the reason for their stay?

• Romantic getaway? Add a candle and a local chocolate bar.

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• Family trip? Toss in colouring pages and snacks.

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• Business traveller? High-protein snacks + a sleek notepad.

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📌 Pro Tip: Include a handwritten card with their names. People love hearing (and reading) their names.

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👉 What’s the cost? Maybe $8. What’s the impact? Priceless.

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Want more ideas like this? Tune into the Vacation Rental Resolutions Podcast for tips that make guests swoon.

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Scents That Set the Mood

Scent is memory’s best friend. It’s science. That citrusy smell when they walk in? That’s you saying, “Welcome to your mini vacation haven.”

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Here’s a fun one:

• Lemon + lavender in summer.

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• Cinnamon or cedarwood in winter.

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Use reeds or diffusers, not sprays—those scream “air freshener aisle at the supermarket.”

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Quick question: Do you remember the smell of your favourite hotel? Exactly. That’s the kind of brand memory we’re building here.

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Personalized Digital Touches

Tech meets charm. You can automate messages and still make them feel personal.

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Try this:

• “Hey Jamie, hope your drive from Houston went well. Let us know if you need a dinner rec—our favourites are in the guest book!”

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Feels like a friend texted you, right?

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💡 Want to take it up a notch? Create a Spotify playlist for their stay: “Beachy Vibes for the Martins” or “Mountain Escape for Jen & Taylor.”

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Speaking of style, check out the Vacation Rental Resolutions YouTube Channel for walkthroughs, upgrades, and guest experience gold.

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Little Luxuries in Unexpected Places

Here’s a killer tip that guests don’t see coming:

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Surprise them in the bathroom.

• Add a mini spa kit.

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• Roll the towels like a fancy hotel.

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• Leave a sticky note: “Relax—you’ve earned it.”

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Or… offer a “Forgot Something?” drawer with:

• Toothbrush
• Razor
• Phone charger
• Feminine products (you’d be shocked how many 5-star reviews this one gets)

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🎯 Real Example: One host said the $1 toothbrush earned her five glowing mentions in reviews. That’s ROI, baby.

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Thoughtful Touches for Pet Parents

Got pet-friendly digs? Your furry guests need a welcome too!

Include:

• A clean water bowl

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• A treat or two

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• A note saying, “We love pets like we love people”

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🐕 Want bonus points? A photo frame: “Insert your pup’s photo here during your stay.” Boom—Instagram moment.

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📲 Need help setting up your property to shine like this? The “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course has templates, scripts, and everything you need to go from “nice” to “they-never-want-to-leave.”

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7 days. 7 steps. Zero fluff.

It’s the Netflix binge your rental business needs.

Download the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” today.

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

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What’s one surprise you’ve added (or received) that made a stay memorable?

Drop a comment below:

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Here’s the truth—guests might forget your throw pillows or your brand of coffee.

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But they won’t forget how you made them feel.

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The surprise-and-delight method isn’t just about being fancy. It’s about showing guests you thought about them.

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And that, my friend, is what makes vacation rentals magical.

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Want to dig deeper into creating unforgettable stays? The “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course is packed with real examples, guest psychology tips, and customisable templates to help you wow every guest—every time.

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

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If you enjoyed this post, you might also like. “Why Personalizing Guest Experiences Is the Secret Ingredient to Vacation Rental Success” episode 28.

https://vacationrentalresolutions.com/2024/04/why-personalizing-guest-experiences-is-the-secret-ingredient-to-vacation-rental-success-028

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Don’t forget to subscribe and like so you don’t miss the next episode. And hey—if you liked what you read, feel free to buy us a coffee.