Business Travelers On Short-Term Rental Booking & Accommodations

So you are finally a short-term rental host but quite sceptical and clueless of your specific target tenants on who you should market and attract to stay on your property. Well, you are in luck as short-term rental properties have become very popular, not only for tourist travelers but also for business travelers such as contractors and tradespeople.

These guests often have unique needs compared to traditional tourists when it comes to having flexible check-in and check-out times, having high-speed internet for their work needs and close proximity to businesses. By tailoring to make sure your property is meeting their requirements, you can tap into a lucrative market that values convenience, affordability, and comfort during their work assignments. 

Business travellers often need proven ways to make sure the property they will be staying at is sustainable and efficient for their business needs. This is the reason why having an efficient short-term rental management is vital to the rental market and that includes having seamless check-in and check-out options. Accommodations that cater to contractors and tradespeople are essential to make a company achieve its goals in a timely-manner. 

Whether for work and relaxation, we’ll explore in this article how to attract contractors and tradespeople to your short-term rental property which can be a lucrative opportunity. From understanding their needs to market your property effectively, we’ll cover the key steps to make your rental stand out.

Understanding The Needs Of Contractors And Tradespeople

Contractors and tradespeople often travel for extended periods and require accommodations that blend the comforts of home with the practicality of a workplace. Unlike leisure travelers, they prioritize functionality and convenience. A seamless access to property management is highly valuable to these people as they can't be wasting time and are under a lot of pressure.

That is why streamlining your access to property more effectively for either longer stays or shorter stays of business travel can make a significant difference in their lives and you have the power to do that as property managers by having your rental property adhere through these ways: 

1. Proximity to Job Sites

One of the most specific needs for these professionals is proximity to their job sites. Contractors and corporate guests often work long hours and a short commute is highly appealing. If your property is near major construction projects, industrial zones, or infrastructure development areas you can highlight this advantage in your listings.

2. Amenities for Comfort and Productivity

Tradespeople look for what best amenities can make for them to support their demanding schedules:

• Laundry facilities: Clean clothes are essential after physically demanding jobs. Having a washer and dryer on-site is a major plus.

• Reliable Wi-Fi: While some jobs may not require much online work, many contractors need high-quality internet access to handle administrative tasks or communicate with clients.

• Comfortable sleeping arrangements: After a long day, they’ll appreciate quality mattresses and blackout curtains for restful sleep.

• Kitchen facilities: A fully equipped kitchen allows them to save money by cooking meals rather than eating out every day.
  
  

3. Adequate Parking and Storage

Many tradespeople travel with large vehicles or equipment. Your property should offer:

• Secure parking spaces, preferably with room for vans or trucks.

• Storage solutions for tools and equipment, such as a lockable shed or designated secure area.

4. Flexibility in Booking

Unlike leisure travelers, contractors may require stays that don’t fit the usual weekend or weekly patterns. Consider providing flexible booking options, such as self-check-in and longer-term discounts that can make your property more appealing and enable guaranteed income.

Prepare Your Rental To Cater & Attract Business Travelers

Once you understand their needs, it’s time to prepare your property to cater to this competitive rental market. Making a few adjustments and additions can significantly enhance your appeal to contractors and tradespeople.

1. Optimize Your Space for Functionality

• Create a workspace: Add dedicated workspaces with adequate lighting and power outlets to accommodate laptops and paperwork with reliable high-speed internet.

• Durable furnishings: Opt for furniture and flooring that can withstand wear and tear, as contractors often return from work with heavy boots or equipment.
  
  

2. Offer Essential Amenities

Consider these practical upgrades:

• Tool-friendly storage: Install shelves or hooks in a garage or storage room to accommodate tools.

• Outdoor areas: If possible, provide a hose for cleaning muddy boots or equipment in your property's front or back area.

• Smart home features: Keyless entry can simplify check-in process and as well as check-out especially for guests with irregular schedules.
  
  

3. Prioritize Cleanliness and Maintenance

Tradespeople value a clean and well-maintained property. Between bookings, ensure:

• All linens and towels are freshly laundered.

• Common areas like kitchens and bathrooms are spotless.

• Any damages or maintenance issues are promptly addressed.

Marketing Your Property To Contractors And Tradespeople

Now that your property is ready, the next step is to market it effectively. You’ll need to target your advertising to reach this specific audience.

1. Use the Right Platforms

Promote your property on popular platforms frequented by contractors and tradespeople. In addition to mainstream booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, consider:

• Specialized platforms: Websites or forums dedicated to contractor accommodations.

• Local networks: Partner with construction companies or trade organizations to advertise directly to their employees.

2. Highlight Key Features

When creating your listing, emphasize features that appeal to this audience:

• Mention proximity to local job sites or industrial areas.

• List practical amenities such as laundry facilities, parking, kitchen equipment and near public transport options. 

• Offer examples of flexibility in booking, such as discounts for longer stays or midweek arrivals.

3. Use SEO-Optimized Content

Write a detailed description for your property and use keywords contractors might search for and provide valuable insights, such as:

• "Accommodation near [local job site or industrial area]"

• "Short-term rental with parking for trucks/vans"

• "Flexible stays for trades and contractors"

4. Offer Testimonials and Reviews

Positive reviews from other contractors can build trust and credibility. Make sure to ask previous guests for feedback and highlight their satisfaction on your property. Having flexible policies are the preferred choice for business travelers.

Going The Extra Mile: Building Long-Term Relationships

Attracting contractors and tradespeople to your short-term rental isn’t just about a one-time booking. Building long-term relationships with this audience can create a steady stream of bookings. One of the essential steps of this is starting and maintaining a warm and pleasant message and conversation once they are booked and after. This can be done by having to: 

1. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Be responsive and accommodating to their needs. Address any issues promptly and consider offering personalized touches, such as a welcome pack with snacks or information about local services.

2. Build Partnerships

Develop relationships with local businesses, trade organizations, and project managers. They may refer their employees to your property if they know it’s contractor-friendly.

3. Offer Loyalty Programs

Encourage repeat stays by offering discounts or perks to returning guests. This could include a free cleaning service for longer stays or a discount on their next booking that could bring leverage to your property business listings.

Understanding Business Travelers Staying In Short-Term Rentals

Attracting contractors and tradespeople to your short-term rental property requires an understanding of their unique needs and preferences. By tailoring your property to include practical amenities, marketing it effectively, and fostering long-term relationships, you can tap into a reliable and profitable guest demographic.

Start by optimizing your property for comfort and functionality, then use strategic marketing to showcase its suitability for contractors. With a little effort, you’ll position your rental as the go-to accommodation for tradespeople in your area.

One of the ways to do this is to have a smart key management system that KeyNest provide to especially to short-term property listings may it be using a KeyNest Point, a KeyNest Locker or KeyNest Cloud Software. 

By following these steps, you’re not just filling your calendar—you’re building a reputation for providing quality accommodations that professionals trust.

Neil Beltran 28 November 2024