Today’s guests aren’t just looking for a place to stay, they’re looking for a story to share. In the age of social media, creating a vacation rental that feels like an experience (and looks great on Instagram) can drive more bookings, better reviews, and organic promotion from your guests themselves.
Here’s how to transform your rental into a summer hotspot that’s photo-ready and guest-approved.
1. Design spaces that pop on camera
Visual appeal is everything. Summer guests love vibrant, bright, and well-lit spaces that photograph beautifully.
Design tips:
- Use natural light: Sheer curtains and mirrors help bounce daylight around.
- Choose a consistent summer palette: Think soft pastels, terracotta, ocean blue, or tropical greens.
- Add Instagrammable decor: A bold art piece, hanging chair, or neon sign makes great content.
- Keep clutter minimal: Clean backgrounds make for better photos and a more relaxing stay.
Bonus: Add a signature color or feature to help your property stand out in guest posts.
2. Curate outdoor moments
Guests love al fresco experiences, especially in summer.
Make your exterior space unforgettable:
- Set up a cozy lounge corner with cushions, fairy lights, and low seating
- Include a hammock, hanging swing, or bean bags for a playful touch
- Offer an outdoor breakfast or cocktail table setup
- Provide props like sunhats, straw fans, or beach bags they can borrow (and tag you with!)
Create small scenes your guests will want to capture and share.
3. Include a photo-friendly welcome Kit
Set the tone the moment your guests arrive.
Ideas for a summer-themed welcome kit:
- Reusable water bottles with your rental’s logo or location name
- Mini sunscreen, after-sun gel, and local snacks
- A handwritten note with a photo challenge or hashtag (“Tag us using #SunnyStayVilla!”)
It’s not just a warm welcome – it’s content inspiration.
4. Add interactive, shareable touches
Give your guests moments they want to remember and show off.
Ideas:
- A guestbook wall or chalkboard for guests to sign and snap
- A retro instant camera on-site for Polaroid memories
- Branded cocktail recipes or summer drink stations
- A QR code with your Instagram handle and a Spotify summer playlist
This is what turns a simple stay into an experience.
5. Encourage sharing without pushing
Don’t overdo it with reminders to “tag us!”
Instead:
- Gently place a small acrylic sign with your social media handle near a photogenic corner
- Include a QR code on your welcome card or fridge magnet
- Create moments worth sharing, and the rest will follow
The key is to offer value first—a beautiful experience guests will naturally want to promote.
Final thoughts: experience first, aesthetics always
In summer, guests are chasing joy, light, and memory-making. If your rental can deliver that and give them the perfect backdrop for a photo or reel, you’ll gain fans, not just guests.
And while you focus on creating experiences that shine, Hosthub makes sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. From calendar syncing to smart guest communication, we’ve got your hosting operations covered. Start a free trial and see how much smoother your hosting routine can be.
