The difference between a property that generates occasional bookings and one that maintains constant occupancy isn’t in the luxury, but in the details. As a vacation property owner in Bogotá or Miami, understanding the small touches that create memorable experiences is key to maximizing your short-term rental income.
Why attention to detail increases your occupancy rate
Today’s guests aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They’re looking for experiences that exceed their expectations. According to recent hotel industry studies, 78% of travelers are willing to pay more for properties that offer personalized touches.
Attention to detail directly impacts:
- 5-star ratings on booking platforms
- Positive reviews that attract new guests
- Return rate of satisfied customers
- Word of mouth and social media recommendations
10 small touches that transform the guest experience
1. Personalized welcome before arrival
Advance contact sets the tone for the entire stay. Sending a personalized message 24-48 hours before check-in, including local recommendations tailored to the guest’s profile, builds immediate trust.
What to include: Information on local weather, special events in the city during your stay, and transportation options from the airport.
2. Basic amenities that many forget
The most valued details are the simplest. Make sure you have visible spare toilet paper, extra towels, universal device chargers, and a basic first aid kit. These items prevent 90% of urgent guest requests.
3. Curated local guide (not generic)
Forget the standard tourist brochures. Create a guidebook with your authentic recommendations: the café where locals have breakfast, the hidden neighborhood bakery, the perfect park for a morning run. In Bogotá, mention alternatives to Monserrate; in Miami, beyond South Beach.
4. Kitchen equipped for real cooking
A beautiful kitchen is useless without salt, oil, basic spices, or functional utensils. Guests who plan to cook do so to save money or out of dietary preference. Make that experience easier for them with basic condiments, aluminum foil, storage bags, and microwave-safe containers.
5. Perfect temperature and environment control
The ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping is between 18-21°C. Make sure your HVAC system is working efficiently and provide options: an additional fan, extra blankets, and complete blackout curtains. Thermal comfort is one of the factors most frequently mentioned in negative reviews.
6. Frictionless connectivity
Wi-Fi must be working flawlessly throughout the property. Display your credentials in a visible location, preferably a QR code, to facilitate connection. Consider having power outlets with USB ports near beds and desks. In today’s world, connectivity is as essential as water.
7. Sensory details that create atmosphere
Smell and hearing are powerful senses in hospitality. A property that smells clean (not harsh chemicals) with subtle aromas like lavender or citrus, and that offers ambiance options (scented candles, diffusers), creates a sense of home. Silence matters too: invest in weatherstripping for doors and windows if there’s noise outside.
8. Clear and accessible information
Nothing frustrates a guest more than not knowing how to work something. Create simple visual instructions for: TV remote control, air conditioning system, coffee machine, smart lock, and check-out procedures. Use pictograms and multiple languages if your market is international.
9. Evident privacy and security
Guests need to feel safe. Make sure the locks work perfectly, the curtains provide complete privacy, and that there are working smoke alarms. A small detail: provide a safe or secure space to store documents and valuables.
10. A farewell that invites you to return
The last contact is just as important as the first. A post-checkout thank-you message, requesting honest feedback and offering an incentive for the next booking (a 10% discount on their return), closes the experience positively.
How to implement these details without increasing operating costs
Attention to detail doesn’t require significant investment; it requires systematization. This is where professional management makes the difference:
Implementation Checklist:
- Create standardized protocols for every detail
- Train cleaning and maintenance staff in these specific aspects
- Perform quality inspections before each check-in
- Maintain an updated inventory of amenities
- Request specific post-stay feedback for continuous improvement
The measurable impact of small touches
Properties that implement attention-to-detail strategies report:
- 35% increase in 5-star reviews
- 40% increase in returning guest rate
- 50% reduction in complaints and requests during the stay
- Greater ability to adjust premium prices (15-25% over competition)
When to delegate attention to detail to professionals
As an owner, you can implement these touches yourself if you manage one or two local properties. However, when you have properties in different cities like Bogotá and Miami, or when your time is more valuable in other activities, professional management becomes an investment, not an expense.
A property management company ensures:
- Consistency in every detail during every stay
- Immediate response to guest needs
- Constant updating of amenities and preventive maintenance
- Established relationships with quality suppliers
- Monitoring competition and market trends
Differentiation in competitive markets: Bogotá and Miami (hospitality)
Both Bogotá and Miami are markets saturated with accommodation options. Attention to detail is your sustainable competitive advantage.
In Bogotá: Guests particularly value the security, transportation information (TransMilenio, Uber, areas to avoid), and power adapters. Including quality Colombian red wine and aromatic water makes a great impression.
In Miami: Travelers appreciate information about less-touristy beaches, nearby free or affordable parking, and sunscreen. Beach umbrellas and pool towels are essential details that generate rave reviews.
In hospitality, small touches aren’t optional luxuries; they’re the difference between a forgettable property and an experience guests actively recommend. Every detail implemented is an investment in your reputation, positive reviews, and the long-term financial sustainability of your property.
The question isn’t whether you can afford to implement these details, but whether you can afford not to in a market where guests have endless options just a click away.
Do you want to maximize your property’s occupancy with professional attention to detail? At Palermo Home, we specialize in transforming properties into memorable experiences that generate consistent income. With presence in Bogotá and Miami, we understand the unique characteristics of each market and apply hospitality standards that keep your property occupied.
Contact us for a free evaluation to see how we can enhance your property with personalized service, attention to detail, and proven loyalty strategies.
