Can’t beat a dip: Top 10 amenities for vacation properties

Renting out your place this summer?

Vacation property owners often wonder which amenities will add the greatest appeal (other than waterfront) to their vacation rentals. To help answer this question, we pulled data from actual travelers searching for properties on HomeAway, VRBO and VacationRentals.com to determine the most in-demand amenities. Here’s what we found:

1. Pool. No big surprise here. When people go on vacation, they typically look for some body of water in close proximity. Even if you don’t have a pool in your own backyard, advertise the shared pool in your complex or a nearby community pool.

2. Hot Tub. Hot tubs have become a must-have amenity in many markets, especially those with cooler weather. A hot tub can even increase the shoulder season “rentability” of properties in areas with chilly spring and fall seasons.

3. Internet. Even on vacation, travelers still want to be connected, and wireless Internet has become the preferred method.

4. “Pet Friendly.” According to the Travel Industry Association, 14 percent of all American adults have traveled with a pet at some point in the past three years. Although it may not be a traditional amenity, accepting pets at your vacation rental could increase business.

5. TV. Even with the rising popularity of HDTVs, just plain “TV” remains the more popular search term. However, it doesn’t hurt to include more details in your listing about any high-end televisions you may have. “Cable” and “satellite TV” also rank highly in searches.

6. Fireplace. When vacationing in a cooler climate, renters look forward to cuddling up by the fireplace after a long day outdoors.

7. Porch. No matter what type of outdoor living area you have – a porch, deck, terrace, lanai or patio – be sure to provide a detailed description and photo. Another popular search term is “balcony,” so don’t forget that keyword when posting a photo of your view

8. Pool Table. Pool tables are especially popular in certain ski and mountain regions because they offer reliable indoor entertainment.

9. “Jacuzzi” Tub. Just like Kleenex and Google, “Jacuzzi” is a brand name that has become synonymous with its category. Many travelers search for “Jacuzzi” when seeking a whirlpool bathtub, and some use “Jacuzzi” interchangeably with “hot tub.” If you own a jetted bathtub, consider checking off both the “hot tub” and “Jacuzzi” check boxes in the amenities section of your listings – just be sure to specify which type you have in the free text section of your listing so as not to mislead your guests

10. Tennis. If you don’t have a tennis court in your backyard, subdivision, or complex, consider looking up local courts and including information about them in your listing.