Are you wondering how to write a vacation rental description that grabs attention and turns clicks into bookings? An effective description does more than just list features — it paints a picture, tells a story, and helps potential guests imagine themselves staying at your property. But here’s the catch: in today’s world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, your description needs to capture their interest instantly.
In this guide, we’ll break down key elements of a vacation rental property description, showing you exactly how to craft one that stands out from the competition and entices travelers to click “Book Now.”
1. Don’t Skip Professional Photography
We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to vacation rentals. Before your description even has a chance to shine, your photos will make the first impression. Without high-quality, stunning images that capture the essence of your property, your potential guests may skip over your listing entirely.
Why It Matters: Studies show that travelers are 83% more likely to inquire about property listings that contain over 20 photos (FlipKey). High-quality images help paint a visual picture of what guests can expect and give them the confidence to click that “Book Now” button.
How to Take Photos That Sell:
- Hire a professional photographer if possible. They’ll know how to capture your property with the proper lighting, angles, and composition.
- Get the lighting right: Use natural light to make the space feel inviting, and remember to turn on all the lights — ceiling lights, side table lamps, etc.
- Show every room: Include multiple shots of each room to give guests a full tour. Don’t forget the bathrooms, kitchen, and any unique spaces like a patio or home office.
- Highlight the surroundings with aerial photography: Include shots of the neighborhood or nearby attractions, especially if they enhance the guest experience (think: beach, mountains, or city center).
- Showcase unique features: If your property has a hot tub, outdoor dining area, or fireplace, make sure these are photographed.
- Pro tip: Make sure all photos are horizontal and high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and well-lit. Blurry or dark photos can turn guests off fast.
2. Create an Attention-Grabbing Headline
After the photos, your headline is the next thing potential guests will notice, making it your next opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Your headline shouldn’t just describe the property — it should sell the experience.
Why It Matters: The headline is your chance to make a strong first impression. A clear, concise, and descriptive headline can make the difference between someone clicking your listing or scrolling past it.
Tips for Creating an Irresistible Headline
- Be specific: Include details like the property type (cottage, condo, cabin) and standout features (private pool, beachfront, cozy fireplace).
- Highlight your unique selling points: If your property has something unique, like being close to local attractions or having stunning views, make sure that it’s front and center.
- Include the bedroom count: Platforms like Airbnb don’t always show the total number of bedrooms in searches, so adding this can be very helpful for guests looking for a specific number of bedrooms.
- Use action words: Words like “Relax,” “Unwind,” or “Escape” invite guests to picture themselves there, enjoying the space.
Headline Examples:
- “7BR Beachfront Cottage with Unmatched Ocean Views”
- “3BR Mountain Retreat with Private Hot Tub and Fire Pit”
- “6BR Upscale Loft with Pool, BBQ, and Game Room”
The goal is to capture the essence of your property in just a few words, so keep it engaging but to the point. Want some recommendations? Check out our AI Headline Generator! All you need to do is answer a few questions, and it will give you a few options to consider.
3. Craft a Detailed and Engaging Description
Once you’ve caught their attention with stunning professional photography and a great headline, it’s time to dive into the heart of how to write a vacation rental description: telling the story of your property. You’re not just listing features; you’re inviting guests to imagine what it will be like to stay there. A compelling property description should make guests excited about booking.
Why It Matters: A listing that evokes emotions and paints a vivid picture of the experience guests will have is much more likely to convert visitors into bookings.
How to Craft an Engaging Description
- Start with a hook: Open with a sentence that immediately grabs attention and conveys the vibe of the property. For example, “Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views over the ocean from your private balcony.”
- Highlight key features upfront: Lead with your property’s most exciting attributes. If you have an amazing hot tub, an expansive deck, or a cozy reading nook, make sure that comes across right away.
- Describe the experience, not just the features: Instead of simply listing amenities, consider how your property will make guests feel. For example, rather than saying, “We have a pool,” you could say, “Cool off in your private pool after a long day of exploring, or simply relax by the water with a good book.”
- Be specific: Guests want to know exactly what they’ll get. The more detailed you are, the better. Describe the number of bedrooms, the layout of the space, and any unique features (think: gourmet kitchen, custom-built furniture, or a stone fireplace).
- Keep it clear and readable: Avoid long, dense paragraphs. Use short, punchy sentences, and break up the description into digestible chunks (e.g., “Main Details,” “Living Spaces,” and “Bedrooms and Bathrooms”).
Introduction Example
“Located just steps from the beach, our charming 2-bedroom condo offers the perfect home base for a relaxing getaway. Imagine sipping coffee on the balcony while enjoying the ocean breeze or unwinding in the living room with your family and friends in front of the fireplace. With a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and stylish decor throughout, this is the ultimate retreat for a peaceful escape. Plus, you’ll be perfectly situated within walking distance to popular restaurants, our iconic fishing pier, and world-class PGA Championship golf courses.”
4. List All Amenities Clearly and Accurately
Guests are looking for specific amenities when they book a short-term rental property, so you want to ensure your listing includes every feature you offer. Many guests use filters to search for properties with specific amenities, and if yours aren’t listed, your property might not even appear in their search results.
Why It Matters: A complete amenities list ensures guests know exactly what they’re booking and helps improve your chances of being seen in filtered searches. It also caters to your target audience — whether they’re families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a romantic getaway, the right amenities will draw them in.
Tips for Listing Amenities
- Be thorough: Include all basic amenities (wireless internet, air conditioning, parking, etc.) and special features (private pool, hot tub, outdoor space, fireplace, etc.).
- Think about your target audience: If you’re catering to families, mention kid-friendly amenities like a crib, high chair, or games. If you’re targeting business travelers, emphasize fast Wi-Fi or a home office setup. If you’re near the beach, include the distance from your property.
- Don’t forget the essentials: Make sure to mention the simple yet important details — like comfortable beds (if you have a memory foam mattress, highlight it), a well-stocked kitchen for easy meal prep, and eco-friendly features that appeal to conscious travelers.
5. A Personal Touch: About the Host/Manager
Including a personal touch in your listing helps guests feel more connected to the person behind the property. It gives you the chance to share your story, your passion for hosting, and why you’re committed to providing an exceptional experience for your guests.
Why It Matters: Personalizing your listing helps humanize the experience and builds trust. It shows that you’re more than just a property manager—you’re someone who genuinely cares about the guest experience.
How to Include a Personal Touch
- Introduce yourself: Share who you are and why you became a host. Are you a local? Have you always loved welcoming travelers?
- Share your hosting philosophy: Let potential guests know what makes your hosting style unique and why they can expect a memorable stay.
- Mention your availability: Let guests know you’re available for questions or recommendations to ensure they have the best experience possible.
About the Manager Example
“We’re Seaside Retreats, a local team of dedicated hospitality professionals committed to providing an exceptional, tailored experience for every guest. With years of expertise in curating luxury getaways, our team ensures that every detail is taken care of so you can relax and enjoy everything our destination has to offer. From offering personalized recommendations to fulfilling special requests, we pride ourselves on delivering service as inviting as the property itself.”
6. Local Guide and Attractions
Guests aren’t just booking a place to stay — they’re booking an experience. That experience is often enhanced by what’s nearby. By offering a local guide or pointing out nearby attractions, you show guests that your area has much more to offer than just the property.
Why It Matters: Providing a local guide adds value to your listing and helps guests plan their trip. It shows you’re knowledgeable about the area and helps guests feel more confident about booking.
How to Highlight Local Attractions
- Mention top attractions: Whether it’s a local museum, hiking trail, or beach, share what makes the area unique.
- Provide recommendations for dining and shopping: Guests will appreciate tips on where to eat and shop, especially if you can recommend hidden gems.
- Include seasonal events: If there’s a festival, concert, or special event during their stay, make sure to mention it.
Example for Description
“Located in the heart of downtown, you’re just steps away from the famous Riverwalk and all its great restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the Sunday Farmers Market for local produce and handmade goods. If you’re a history buff, the nearby Colonial Museum is a must-see, offering guided tours every weekend.”
Final Thoughts
An optimized vacation rental listing does more than simply describe your space — it captures attention, builds trust, and drives bookings. By highlighting key elements like stunning photos, engaging descriptions, transparent pricing, and guest-focused features, you’ll create a listing that stands out and converts views into long-term success.
To take your vacation rental business even further, consider developing a comprehensive marketing plan to attract more guests and increase visibility. Learn how to create one that works for you in our How to Create a Marketing Plan for Your Vacation Rental blog post.
Need help optimizing your vacation rental listing? Let’s talk! At Casavate, we specialize in creating listings that convert. Whether it’s crafting the perfect headline and description or choosing the best image order, we have you covered. Get started today with free marketing insights or by scheduling a Discovery Call to see if working together is a good fit!
