Renting out your cabin when you’re not using it is a great way to recoup some of the costs of ownership. And now is a great time to get in the game. Short-term rentals, particularly cabins, have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years as more and more Canadians are choosing to stick closer to home for their vacations.
How do you set your cabin apart from the hundreds of other options on the market? One word: Amenities. A well-stocked rental can mean the difference between a relaxing stay and one that sends guests scrambling to find the things they need.
We’re breaking down some of the most important amenities to consider providing with your cabin in three categories: basics, a step above and luxury.
The basics
Even rustic cabins should come with basics to enjoy a simple weekend in the woods.
- Free parking
- Pots, pans, dishes, utensils and glasses
- Coffeemaker and kettle
- Wi-Fi (if available in the area)
- TV
- Heating system
- Simple cleaning supplies, such as dish soap, hand soap and a multipurpose cleaner
- First aid kit
- BBQ
A step above
Want to delight and surprise your guests with a few extras that will make their stay a little more fun?
- Board games
- DVDs
- Outdoor games
- Surround sound system
- Books and magazines
- Local maps, guidebooks and recommendations
- Adapters and chargers
- A basket of complimentary snacks
- Kid-friendly gear like a highchair, stroller, travel crib
Luxury
If you want your guests to feel like they’re at a self-serve boutique hotel, offer some of the finer things.
- High-quality soaps and shampoos
- Small grooming and beauty items like shaving cream, makeup remove wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Cozy throw blankets and pillows
- Fluffy towels
- Robes and slippers
- High-quality linens
- Beach supplies if near the water or hiking gear if in the woods
- Bikes, scooters, skateboards
Whether you choose to offer the basics or go all out with luxury amenities, the most important thing is to ensure that your short-term rental is clean, safe, in compliance with applicable laws and that it’s easy for your guests to check in and out.
If you want to make sure that you’re protected from whatever fun your guests get up to, make sure you have the right cabin insurance coverage. Aviva’s RetreatLife may come with short-term rental protection for 30 non-consecutive days per policy term. You may be able to increase that coverage to 60, 90 or 180 days for an additional surcharge.
For more information, visit aviva.ca/RetreatLife.
