The ROI of Fitness and Wellness Amenities in Short-Term Rentals
Posted by Ardent Fitness on Oct 26th 2023
The short-term rental market is a thriving industry, with platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo revolutionizing the way people travel. As travelers increasingly seek accommodations that align with their lifestyles, integrating fitness and wellness amenities into short-term rentals has become a decisive competitive advantage. For property owners eyeing the prospect of greater returns, this is one realm worth delving into.
The Uptick in Occupancy Rates
To stand out in a saturated market, a unique selling proposition is imperative. Fitness and wellness amenities are not just fancy add-ons but lifestyle choices catering to a growing demographic of health-conscious travelers. Whether a business traveler hoping to stick to their fitness regimen, a wellness enthusiast seeking a rejuvenating retreat, or a family aiming to keep everyone entertained, having a range of fitness equipment and wellness options can be the defining factor when choosing a rental. For instance, a property equipped with a treadmill or a yoga space offers added convenience to guests who might otherwise need to find a local gym or forego their routine altogether. The mere presence of these amenities can position a listing higher in search rankings, thereby increasing its visibility and, subsequently, its booking rate.
Premium Pricing with a Justifiable Tag
With additional amenities comes the justification for premium pricing. Guests are not just paying for a space to sleep but investing in an experience. A rental with a complete home gym or a sauna promises a multi-faceted experience, making it worth the extra bucks. Furthermore, with health and wellness becoming paramount recently, guests often perceive such amenities not as luxuries but as essential components of their stay. This perception paves the way for property owners to set a competitive price point that reflects the added value these amenities bring.
Stellar Reviews and Repeated Bookings
Happy guests often translate into positive reviews, a crucial currency in the short-term rental market. Fitness and wellness amenities can significantly enhance a guest's overall experience. Imagine a review that reads, "Waking up and hitting the private gym before plunging into the cold plunge pool was the highlight of my stay!" Such reviews bolster a property's reputation and reinforce its premium positioning in the market. Over time, these amenities can also encourage repeat bookings. Guests who've had an unparalleled experience are more likely to return, ensuring a consistent revenue stream for property owners.
Making the Investment Count
For those contemplating the financial aspect, consider this: the initial outlay in fitness and wellness equipment often results in cumulative returns that outweigh the investment.
Complete Home Gyms: These can be space-saving complete gyms that cater to various fitness needs. They appeal to guests who are keen on comprehensive workouts without leaving the comfort of their temporary home. Complete home gyms often fit into spaces like basements, garages, or spare rooms, turning underutilized areas into hubs of health and wellness for guests.
Cardio Equipment: Think treadmills, elliptical trainers, indoor rowers, and spin bikes. These cater to a broad audience, from the casual jogger to the fitness enthusiast.
Strength Training Equipment: Dumbbells, resistance bands, and kettlebells can cater to a wide range of strength-training routines, ensuring guests don't skip their muscle-toning sessions. Several space-saving options are available.
Wellness Amenities: Saunas and cold plunges can turn a short-term rental into a spa-like retreat. Beyond the physical benefits, they offer a holistic experience that many travelers crave. For properties with limited interior space, the outdoors beckons.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment: From pull-up bars to balance beams, outdoor fitness circuits can offer an invigorating workout experience while guests soak in natural surroundings.
Outdoor Saunas: Perfect for those chilly evenings or simply as a luxurious addition, outdoor saunas can enhance the appeal of any property. With their inviting and aesthetically pleasing design, they are irresistibly Instagram-worthy, offering guests a photo-op they won't want to miss. Outdoor saunas require much less maintenance than hot tubs, making them a more hassle-free amenity for property owners.
Outdoor Cold Plunges: A refreshing counterpoint to the warmth of a sauna, cold plunges have surged in popularity due to their reputed health benefits and invigorating experience, making them an enticing feature for guests seeking both rejuvenation and a touch of luxury.
Tapping into a Lifestyle Choice
The addition of fitness and wellness amenities goes beyond mere equipment—it taps into the evolving preferences of today's travelers. As the lines between travel, work, and wellness blur, accommodations that cater to these intertwined aspects stand to gain immensely. In the dynamic landscape of short-term rentals, investing in fitness and wellness amenities isn't just about keeping up with the competition; it's about redefining the guest experience and, in the process, amplifying returns.