What vacation rental guests want in 2025

Guest expectations are evolving, and vacation rental managers must keep pace to deliver the frictionless, personalized experiences that today's travelers expect. Based on industry research and consumer surveys, here are the top priorities for vacation rental guests in 2025 — and how smart property operations can meet them.

Flexible self check-in

A 2025 study by Oracle indicated that 73% of guests are more likely to stay at a hotel that offers self-serve technology to minimize staff interactions, and almost 40% want a completely contactless experience. This trend applies similarly to vacation rentals, as more guests value flexibility over face-to-face interactions.

With RemoteLock, property managers can automate check-in by integrating smart locks with booking software to send time-bound access codes the moment a reservation is confirmed. The result: a smoother guest experience and fewer coordination issues for hosts.

Reliable Wi-Fi and smart features

Reliable Wi-Fi is a top priority when choosing a vacation rental. According to one 2022 survey, almost 90% of guests are less likely to book a property with low-quality internet. And according to Hostaway, 60% of guests said they would pay more for a rental with digital home features like smart locks and thermostats.

Guests expect smart home features to enhance convenience during their stay. RemoteLock's integrations with smart thermostats allow temperature settings to be adjusted automatically before a guest arrives, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency from the moment they walk through the door.

What security features vacation rental guests look for before booking

Trust is critical, and many travelers report that visible security features like exterior cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and locks on common areas influenced their decision to book.

RemoteLock makes properties safer and reassures guests by offering smart access to both guest units and common areas like garages, pools, or storage spaces — without the risk of lost or copied keys. Guests can rest easy knowing that their codes can’t be reused and the property can’t be accessed by unauthorized parties during their stay.

RemoteLock also offers security for vacation rental owners and managers, ensuring that guests can’t return outside their booking window, only authorized vendors can access the property, and real-time access logs will provide visibility into who accessed the property and when.

Which amenities push guests to book and return

Vacationers are looking for value-added amenities and experiences. Whether it’s a welcome basket or personalized local recommendations, operators should think beyond basic lodging.

With RemoteLock's integrations with major software providers like ChargeAutomation and Escapia, hosts can integrate access control with booking and payments, create welcome packages and upsells, and schedule housekeeping access and automate turnovers to keep properties spotless between stays — enhancing the guest experience while reducing operational effort.

Why sustainable practices attract today's travelers

A 2024 Booking.com survey found that 76% of travelers want to travel more sustainably and prefer accommodations that support that goal. Smart thermostats and leak detectors, when paired with RemoteLock, can help vacation rental operators improve energy efficiency and prevent water waste — appealing to eco-conscious guests and reducing utility costs at the same time.

Operational efficiency fuels guest satisfaction

The guest experience doesn't begin at the front door — it begins the moment someone books. Smart access control and integrated tools like thermostats and leak detectors aren't just conveniences; they’re a key part of delivering five-star stays. With RemoteLock, property managers can automate key operations, streamline turnovers, and elevate the guest experience — meeting guest expectations while improving efficiency and control.

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