How to Personalize the Guest Experience in Your Short-Term Rental (Without Overwhelm)
Personalization is one of the most powerful tools in a short-term rental host’s toolkit — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many hosts hear the word and assume it means creating a custom experience for every single guest. Cue the overwhelm.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.
At Lucky Blue, we believe personalization isn’t about tailoring your space to every guest — it’s about shaping an experience that resonates deeply with the right guests. Your ideal guests. The ones who rave about their stay, leave glowing reviews, and come back again and again.
So how do you create a personalized guest experience that feels warm, memorable, and manageable? Here’s how I help hosts do exactly that.
⸻
Step 1: Know Your Ideal Guest
Before you can personalize anything, you need to know who you’re personalizing for. Are your guests:
• Digital nomads working remotely?
• Families with young kids?
• Couples on romantic getaways?
• Multi-generational groups reconnecting over a long weekend?
I encourage hosts to look at their booking patterns, read past guest reviews, and even analyze competitors’ listings to gather clues. Once you understand what your ideal guests value, you can make intentional choices to support that experience.
For example:
• If your guests are remote workers, clear WiFi details and a cozy coffee station with branded mugs can make a big impact.
• If they’re families unplugging from tech, consider a thoughtfully stocked game cabinet or a welcome note encouraging quality time.
⸻
Step 2: Focus on Small but Thoughtful Touches
Personalization doesn’t have to be expensive or over the top. In fact, the most effective strategies are often the simplest — as long as they’re thoughtful.
Here are a few guest-loved touches I’ve seen work wonders:
• Meet the Host signs that tell your story and connect on a human level. These signs aren’t customized per guest, but they are tailored to reflect your brand and voice in a way that resonates with your ideal audience.
• Custom welcome mats that reinforce your property’s identity, theme, or vibe — giving guests a sense of place from the moment they arrive. (Coming soon! Message me.)
• Branded merchandise like mugs, tea towels, or tote bags that elevate your coffee station or kitchen — and double as memorable keepsakes or guest gifts.
(Coming soon! Message me.)
What these all have in common is that they’re small but meaningful. They show the host cares — and that care builds trust and loyalty. The goal is for your guests to feel seen, welcomed, and remembered.
⸻
Step 3: Use Tech (But Keep It Human)
I love using automation tools like my property management software, including some AI-powered messaging features — especially for common requests like early check-ins or WiFi access. These tools help streamline operations, save time, and reduce stress.
But I always make sure my messages feel warm and approachable. A quick “Hi! We’re so glad you’re here — let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay special” goes a long way.
The key is striking a balance: let the tech do the heavy lifting, but never lose your personal voice.
⸻
Step 4: Evolve with Feedback
Personalization is an evolving process. Sometimes guests will comment on something you didn’t expect — a mug they loved, wall decor that made them smile, or a tip in your guidebook that helped them feel like a local.
Every bit of feedback is a clue. Listen to it. It may inspire your next personalized upgrade.
⸻
Looking to Add Personalization to Your STR?
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refine your guest experience, I’m here to help.
✅ Need a fresh set of eyes on your listing or guest journey? My personalized STR Audit service dives deep into how your space shows up — from photos and amenities to your tone and messaging — and how it compares to other listings in your area that your ideal guests are considering. I’ll help you identify your ideal guest and map out where personalization can make the biggest impact.
✅ Looking for small but effective products to tell your story and delight your guests? From custom “Meet the Host” signs to branded welcome mats and merchandise, Lucky Blue offers STR essentials that blend form, function, and brand-forward design. Shop now >>
Let’s turn your space into a story your guests will remember — and return to.
Have any questions or ideas you want to chat about? Let's do it! Send me a message @theluckyblueshop or hello@luckyblueshop.com.
Cheers!
