I clean a couple of pretty vacation rentals. The owners are very hands-on with everything that goes into making this a five-star stay for their guests. Some of the most appreciated things are:
* A fresh scrubbie sponge in the wrapper at the kitchen sink (#1 believe it or not!)
* Every pillow has a fresh pillow protector which gets washed every time I clean.
* Laundry detergent is topped off each time so there is a full bottle.
* The owners supply condiments such as mayo, ketchup, minced garlic, steak seasoning, vinegar, olive oil (nice bottle is refilled each time). There are many other supplies which are also provided by the owners.
* Paper plates, cups, hot liquid cups, napkins and toilet paper are abundant in the house.
* We leave a welcome basket which includes wine, a can of mac nuts, a local guava juice, Punalu'u cookies and a small bag of fresh coffee beans in a bag with the name of the vacation rental on it. (And "Aloha - welcome to ________...") I place everything in a basket and drape a pretty, colorful lei around it. We leave Champagne for guests who are returning and also for an anniversary or honeymoon.
* All the pillowcases get tucked in.
* The toilet paper gets folded to a point after cleaning. If the roll of toilet paper is 1/2 or less...I replace it with a new roll.
* Each bathroom has a small stack of paper cups in a pretty dish.
* The towels and bath cloths are all folded exactly the same way in every bedroom/bath.
* I top off Nutrogena body soap each time so it looks new - in each shower.
* There are extra slippers available in the house.
* Large screen TV, computer, skype, printer and cd player in all houses.
* Each room has an extra blanket.
* Ironing board and spray starch available.
* Every bath has it's own blow dryer.
* East Hawaii and West Hawaii map books are in each house.
* A large assortment of DVD's and music on CD at each house.
* Many books on local culture and The Big Island in each house.
* I clip fresh anturium from the property and leave them on the table.
* The Notebook for the house is filled with directions to local eating establishments and tourist attractions, as well as area beaches.
* There is an area in the laundry room where first aid and leftover shampoo, conditioner, sunblock and mosquito sprays are kept for the guests.
* Snorkel equipment, including reef shoes and body boards are available. Beach chairs and coolers are available.
* Several UMBRELLAS are also available in each house. They get used here! LOL!
AND
When a group of guests leave, anything in the fridge that looks like it might be a nice surprise for the next guests is left with the understanding that they can either discard the items or use them. Oftentimes guests leave eggs and produce...mangoes, papaya, salad greens, purple sweet potatoes, etc. Also some guests leave bottled water, wine, beer and other liquors which we keep in a cupboard and the fridge if the new guests would like a drink.
I know that not every rental can afford all of these items. It's a little higher-end for sure. But many of these things are so doable and make a big difference to our guests. I would say that 40% to 50% of our guests come back year after year.
This was fun! It's also fun to see what other people do or what renters like to have available. Mahalo!
Carrie
http://www.sapphiresoap.etsy.com
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future..." Galadriel LOTR