Decorating You re goal with decorating is to make your guests feel like they are at home while they are on vacation. Think of your three favorite homes to visit, or even resorts. Pull out the magazines, go online, or head to your local bookstore or library. Browse through the pictures, including the ads, to find inspiration. How did you feel when you were there? Stimulated? Relaxed? Pampered? What contributed to that feeling? Colors? Textures? Fabrics? Quality? Art? How can you emulate that in your home? List five specific things: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Organizing Your VR A VR naturally provides much more for the guests than a hotel. The key is making everything easy for your guests. Use the check list below to create an inventory of things to have on-hand. This list is geared towards VR s in first world countries. Not every vacation rental will need all of these items, use judgment. Compare yourself with other VR s in the area, then try to go a step above. Check List for Success Kitchen Basics Good pot and pan set. Check a few times a year for major wear. Dish set servicing at least twice as many as your property sleeps. Glass set servicing at least twice as many as your property sleeps. Wine glasses servicing at least twice as many as your property sleeps. Silverware servicing two to three times as many as your property sleeps. It is best to choose a common glass, plate, and silverware design that can be purchased again easily to match. Plastic cups Baking dishes Cookie sheet Pizza sheet Muffin tin Bread pan Cake pan Serving bowls Mixing bowls Pasta drainer Coffee maker (auto shut off and black is the best color to hide coffee stains) Coffee bean grinder Microwave Blender Toaster
Hand mixer Crock pot Cutting knife set Steak knife set Kitchen scissors Pizza cutter Ice cream scoop Vegetable peeler Spatula Wooden spoon set Whisk Tongs Grilling tools Salad tongs Cake server Serving spoon set Knife sharpener Can opener Wine bottle opener Slotted cooking spoon Cooking spoon Flipping spatula Spaghetti spoon Potato masher Cooking fork Timer Salt and pepper shakers Paper towel holder Kitchen towels Kitchen dish cloths Pot holders Ice trays Tea pot Cutting board Measuring spoons Measuring cups Plastic pitcher Sugar and creamer set
Vase for flowers Kitchen clock Trash can Dish drainer Place mats Bathroom Basics Hair dryer Hand soap dispenser Two towels per person Two wash cloths per person Two hand towels per person Two bath rugs in each bathroom Trash can Shower curtain and liner Shower caddy Clock What you need in the bedrooms Trash can Extra blankets Extra pillows Extra mattress pad Reading lamp Clock radio (with ipod dock) Supplies Dish soap Hand soap Laundry detergent Coffee filters Trash can liners Bleach clean up wipes Window cleaner Paper towels Toilet paper Scouring pads
Flat stove top cleaner (if applicable) Clicker lighter Matches Bug spray Wasp spray Light bulbs Screw driver Hammer Measuring tape Pen & paper Manuals for grill, TV etc. Cleaning equipment supplies Vacuum on all floors Mop Broom Dust pan Feather duster Mop bucket Magic eraser pads Flash light First aid kit Living Room Reading lamps TV (32 or larger preferred) DVD Radio w/ipod dock and CD player Container for magazines etc. Guest book Throw Adequate comfortable seating Other- Things specific to your home, like fishing or snorkeling gear, or items not mentioned above
Note- the above are suggestions to work from. Use your personal judgment with in these lists, and add to as needed. In foreign destinations, guests are more forgiving. While a flat panel TV with 100 channels and high speed WiFi might be standard in the US, if you don t offer that, just be clear. Homework Go back and highlight or circle items you need to get for your vacation rental. Are there any other items you need?