Preparing a holiday rental is not about buying pretty decorations or copying an apartment from a catalog. The key is to invest where the guest notices it, where cleaning becomes easier and where every euro can translate into better photos, fewer incidents and better ratings.
The decision changes a lot if you start from an already furnished home or from an empty apartment. In an existing home, the normal thing is to separate what can stay, what should be improved and what needs to be changed before opening the booking calendar. If you are starting from scratch, the goal should not be to spend more, but to buy better: resistant pieces, easy to clean and consistent with the type of guest you expect.
Preparing is not decorating, it is deciding where to invest
A home can look correct on a quick visit and fail in what matters most in a stay: sleeping well, showering comfortably, cooking something simple, entering without complications and understanding how the property works. That is why it is advisable to prioritize improvements that reduce friction.
| Priority | Where there is usually return | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | Mattress, topper, pillows, blackout curtains, noise and ventilation. | Choose based on personal taste without thinking about different types of guests. |
| Visual cleaning | Bathroom, joints, screen, mirror, white textiles and easy surfaces. | Old furniture that looks dirty even though it is clean. |
| Operations | Electronic lock, clear instructions, inventory and incident protocol. | Rely on improvised explanations for each reservation. |
| Photos | Order, natural light, well-made beds and a property that is faithful to what is reserved. | Hide defects or exaggerate views that then lower the rating. |
If the property is already furnished
When the property already exists, the temptation is to “take advantage of everything.” Sometimes it makes sense, but not always. A sturdy sofa can still function; An old table with marks, an aged screen or a closet that smells closed can ruin the guest’s perception even if the property is clean.
- What to keep. Solid, neutral pieces, easy to clean and that do not look overused.
- What to improve. Textiles, lighting, kitchenware, small appliances, curtains and bathroom details.
- What to change. Damaged furniture, sagging mattresses, poor pillows, black joints, old mirrors, uncomfortable taps or fragile decoration.
- What not to buy. Delicate objects, difficult rugs, dark textiles that age poorly or striking pieces that do not contribute to the reserve.
Rest, noise and darkness
Rest weighs a lot in the reviews. People can forgive a simple decoration, but not an uncomfortable mattress, a room with too much light or a window that lets noise in all night.
If the mattress isn’t bad but not great, a topper may be a reasonable upgrade. If it is sunken, it should be replaced. Adding two pillows per guest helps because not everyone sleeps the same: some people want a firm, high pillow, others prefer something thinner.
- Comfortable and protective washable mattress.
- Two pillows per guest, with different firmness if possible.
- Blackout curtains if there are no blinds or a lot of light enters.
- Better windows if there is renovation and the street is noisy.
- Fan, air conditioning or simple heating depending on area and season.
In the Canary Islands the climate helps, but not all homes have the same orientation, height or ventilation. On the coast, good air circulation may be enough; In other areas it may be worth an air conditioner, a portable penguin or a simple radiator for winter. If this improvement raises the average rating and avoids repeated complaints, it may pay off sooner than it seems.
Bathroom, paint and feeling of cleaning
The bathroom, paint and visible finishes are areas where less investment can change perception more. A freshly painted wall, a new screen, a clean mirror, comfortable faucets or redoing aged silicone joints can make a property look much more cared for without doing a complete job.
It is also worth checking water pressure, drains, ventilation and odors. A faucet aerator or a proper shower head won’t fix a bad installation, but they can sometimes improve the feeling of pressure for very little money.
- White or light towels, sufficient and easy to replace.
- Gaskets, silicone and screen in good condition.
- Mirror without marks, good light and trash can.
- Dryer, mat, hand soap and basic consumables.
- Ventilation or extractor if the bathroom retains humidity.
Kitchen and inventory guests actually use
Not every property needs a magazine-style kitchen, but it does need a practical one. Many guests will not cook every day, but they still value being able to make breakfast, heat something up, prepare coffee, store food and find enough kitchenware for the maximum occupancy.
Small appliances are often a modest investment with real impact: coffee machine, toaster, kettle, microwave, a simple blender if it fits the guest profile, and a washing machine when the average stay justifies it.
| Area | Reasonable basics | High-impact extras |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Complete kitchenware, pans, pots, chopping board, knives, glasses and cups. | Coffee machine, toaster, kettle, basic spices, oil, salt and rubbish bags. |
| Bedroom | Bedding, mattress protector, pillows and hangers. | Topper, alternative pillows, sockets near the bed and reading lights. |
| Bathroom | Towels, toilet paper, hand soap, hairdryer and bath mat. | Extra textiles, upgraded mirror, simple amenities and good lighting. |
| Living area | Reliable Wi-Fi, a comfortable seating area and enough table space. | A laptop-friendly corner, visible chargers and a clear house guide. |
Families, couples or long stays
The inventory must be adapted to the type of home. A small apartment for couples does not need the same things as a family home. Offering a crib may make sense if the property attracts families; In a property geared toward short getaways, a good coffee maker, a comfortable laptop area, or very clear arrival instructions may be more important.
- Families. Crib, folding high chair, sturdy dishes, washing machine and space to store purchases.
- Couples. Comfortable bed, good light, pleasant terrace or corner, coffee and simple details.
- Long stays. Washing machine, clothesline, full kitchen, work space and more linens.
- Leisure areas. Robust furniture, easy to clean and fewer delicate parts.
- Quiet areas. You can opt for a warmer and less defensive decoration, without losing resistance.
Security and frictionless access
A good arrival reduces calls, waits and bad first impressions. The electronic lock can be very useful when there are late check-ins, delayed flights or remote management. It is not always essential, but when it fits it can save many incidents.
- Electronic lock, key box or clear delivery protocol.
- Sufficient lighting in entrances, hallways and passage areas.
- Basic first aid kit and useful telephones visible.
- Fire extinguisher or safety elements when appropriate by regulations or common sense.
- Tested Wifi, clear password and easy router reset.
Operational before the first guest
The operation must be prepared before publishing, not after the first incident. A well-done inventory, photos of the initial state and a cleaning protocol help detect breakages, replace consumables and keep the property constant between reservations.
- Arrival instructions. Exact address, access, parking if applicable, hours and contact.
- House rules. Noise, garbage, ventilation, use of terrace, exit and coexistence.
- Inventory. Housewares, textiles, appliances, controls, keys and fragile items.
- Incidents. What to do if hot water, wifi, lock, electricity or cleaning fails.
- Replacement. Paper, soap, bags, coffee, batteries, light bulbs and change textiles.
Faithful photos that sell better
Photos must sell, but they must also be faithful. A home photographed with natural light, a well-made bed, white sheets, clear surfaces, and a day with good weather can greatly improve the initial click. But hiding defects, exaggerating views or using misleading framing can worsen ratings in the medium term.
The goal is for the guest to arrive and think “it’s just like the photos, even better maintained,” not to discover a different reality. On booking platforms, this difference is noticeable in comments, scores and future conversion.
When is it worth asking for help?
The correct preparation depends on the area, condition of the property, budget and type of guest. A professional inspection helps you decide what to change, what to keep and what to buy so that the property works better without spending more.