Owning a vacation rental in Estes Park, Colorado comes with its unique set of rewards: breathtaking views, a steady stream of visitors, and a thriving tourism economy that supports the business. However, like any venture, there will inevitably be times when business slows down. Slower seasons are something every vacation rental owner must prepare for, whether due to weather changes, global events, or local market fluctuations. Though it may seem stressful at first, these slow periods present a fantastic opportunity for property owners to get creative and implement strategies that can keep their properties profitable. Find more tips from our Estes Park property management team below!
Finding the Right Balance
When facing a slowdown in bookings, one of the first steps to consider is adjusting your rates. While it can be tempting to drastically slash your prices to attract more guests, this approach can have unintended consequences. Reducing your rates too much may lower the perceived value of your property, which could harm your long-term business prospects. It’s important to approach rate adjustments with thoughtfulness and strategy.
Instead of lowering your nightly rate across the board, consider offering targeted discounts. For example, offering discounts for longer stays (e.g., 10-15% off a week-long booking) can encourage guests to commit to longer stays and help fill your calendar. Offering last-minute booking discounts can also attract guests who decide to book a vacation on a whim. For slower weekends or off-peak months, it can be helpful to offer special “seasonal” discounts to make your rental more attractive.
Another effective strategy is to offer bundled packages, where guests can save money when they book additional services, like guided hikes, tickets to local attractions, or grocery delivery. If you operate a luxury property with upscale amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, or private pools, consider highlighting these features as selling points, and offering deals for guests who book extended stays or off-peak periods.
Expand Your Guest Base
When your typical guest pool is slow, it’s time to get creative and think about targeting new demographics. Traditionally, vacation rental markets have focused primarily on tourists, families, and couples looking to escape to a scenic destination. But in times of slower seasons, it’s important to expand your reach to other groups that might not have been part of your usual customer base.
One of the fastest-growing groups of travelers to target is remote workers and digital nomads. Thanks to the increase in telecommuting, more people are traveling while working remotely. Estes Park’s stunning landscapes and peaceful environment are ideal for people looking to combine work and leisure. As long as you offer fast Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces, your property could be an attractive option for those who need a break from the office, but don’t want to sacrifice productivity. Offering attractive “work-from-anywhere” packages that include amenities like high-speed internet and a dedicated workspace can help you tap into this demographic.
Another key group to target during slower seasons is travel workers, including nurses, teachers, construction workers, or other individuals who need short- to medium-term accommodations for specific projects or assignments. These workers often seek rental homes or condos with home-like amenities for longer stays, and many are willing to commit to a few weeks or months of lodging. By marketing your property to travel workers, you can secure longer-term stays during slower seasons, keeping your property occupied while diversifying your income stream.
Reach More Potential Guests
Effective marketing is the cornerstone of attracting guests during slower seasons. A comprehensive marketing approach that includes a variety of online and offline strategies will ensure your property stands out and gets noticed. Start by enhancing your online listings. Professional, high-quality photos can make all the difference in attracting guests, as they allow potential renters to experience your property before they book. Invest in professional photography or create virtual tours to showcase your property’s best features, whether that’s stunning mountain views, spacious bedrooms, or a hot tub perfect for a relaxing evening.
Along with professional photos, write detailed, engaging descriptions of your property that highlight its unique amenities, location, and atmosphere. The more detailed you are in your listing, the more confident potential guests will feel about booking with you. You can also use video marketing, which is becoming increasingly popular. Offering virtual tours, walkthroughs, or even guest testimonials in video format can help potential guests feel more connected to your property and encourage them to finalize their booking.
Additionally, maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help keep your property top of mind. Use these platforms to engage with potential guests by posting regular updates, local tips, and promotions. Social media ads that target remote workers, digital nomads, or specific geographic locations can also be an excellent way to attract new guests during slower periods.
The Key to Satisfaction
While adjusting your rates and marketing strategies is important, one of the best ways to stand out and attract guests during slower seasons is by offering unique guest experiences. Think about what makes your property special and how you can enhance the experience for your guests.
This can range from offering a customized package for different types of travelers to creating memorable experiences that guests won’t find at other properties. For example, you could partner with local tour guides to offer discounted outdoor experiences such as wildlife watching, guided hikes, or photography tours. Another idea is to offer guests “local flavor” packages that include food delivery from local restaurants, or a personal chef to prepare a home-cooked meal in the comfort of their rental. Experiences like this can help guests make the most of their trip and create lasting memories.
You can also consider offering special amenities for guests who book during slower seasons. For example, if you have a hot tub, offering guests a discount on spa services or a cozy fire-pit experience can make their stay even more special. This type of personalized service will not only attract more guests, but it can also lead to positive reviews and repeat business in the future.
Create Unique Packages
When dealing with slower seasons, one of the best ways to attract more bookings is by offering unique packages. Customizing your offering can appeal to new or existing guests, and it can also set your property apart from the competition. For example, you can partner with local businesses to provide guests with exclusive discounts or experiences. A partnership with a local restaurant for a “dine-and-stay” package or collaborating with a nearby adventure company for discounted excursions can make your property more appealing to travelers.
You can also create customized seasonal offers. Offering discounted stays for longer-term guests, like those working remotely or in need of temporary housing, can encourage bookings during off-peak times. For instance, if a traveler books for a month, you could offer them a discounted weekly rate, making it more affordable and appealing.
Focusing on providing value to your guests during off-seasons can not only help keep your property booked but can also develop long-term relationships with guests. When you create these packages, ensure they cater to the interests and preferences of your target market, whether that’s families looking for a “home base” for their adventures or couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway. By curating unique offerings, you make your property irresistible, even during the slow months.
Enhance Your Property’s Online Presence
In slower seasons, it becomes even more important to strengthen your property’s online presence. With the right digital marketing strategy, you can increase visibility and drive traffic to your listing. One key element is ensuring that your website and listing pages are optimized for search engines. For example, you could update your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to focus on keywords like “affordable Estes Park vacation rentals” or “romantic getaway in Estes Park,” which are popular during slower periods.
Social media is another powerful tool to promote your property during the off-season. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are perfect platforms for showcasing the unique features of your home. By sharing high-quality images and seasonal promotions, you can engage your audience and remind past guests of the experience they had. Encourage reviews from guests who stayed with you during busier times, as these can bolster your credibility and attract attention from potential customers.
Consider running paid ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, or Instagram to increase visibility among a targeted audience. For instance, you can run ads that focus on promoting your property to people looking for weekend getaways, couple’s retreats, or last-minute holiday bookings, which can be particularly appealing during off-peak seasons. By investing time and effort into your digital marketing strategy, you can ensure that even during a slow season, your property doesn’t stay empty for long.
Voyago Can Help You Navigate Slower Seasons
When it comes to managing your vacation rental during slower seasons, partnering with a professional property management company like Voyago can make a significant difference. A professional property manager can handle everything from adjusting rates to overseeing guest communication and maintenance issues. With our transparent pricing model and commitment to no hidden fees, you can trust that your property will be in good hands.
Voyago offers a range of Estes Park property management services, including effective marketing, guest communication, and comprehensive home care. Our virtual owner portal allows you to stay connected and updated on all aspects of your rental property, from booking details to maintenance requests. Our team is dedicated to providing transparent and proactive communication, ensuring that you are always in the loop and prepared for any changes.
We also offer high-quality homecare services, including a detailed 85-point inspection checklist, which helps ensure that your property stays in top shape year-round. We perform quarterly inspections and an annual deep clean, so minor maintenance issues are addressed before they become costly repairs. This approach not only saves you money in the long run, but it also ensures that your property is always guest-ready and well-maintained.
Learn More About our Property Management in Estes Park, CO
Dealing with slower-than-normal seasons is part of owning a vacation rental, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By adjusting your rates, targeting new guest demographics, and offering unique experiences, you can navigate the quieter months with confidence. With the help of Voyago’s comprehensive property management in Estes Park, CO, you can ensure that your rental remains profitable and well-maintained during these slower periods. With transparent communication, high-quality homecare, and proactive marketing, we’re here to help you stay on top of the changing market, no matter what the season brings. Give us a call today!