Like the last couple of blog entries, this one also follows a similar theme: targeting a specific demographic for your rental property. In this example, we’ll focus on how to appeal to an older age group, specifically guests who are 60 years old and older. This demographic presents unique needs and preferences compared to younger groups, as they are past the lively party stage and have different expectations from their rental experience.
Understanding what this age group values is crucial. Generally, older guests are more concerned with comfort, accessibility, and safety. They may have specific health considerations or mobility issues that require you to tailor your property’s features and amenities. For instance, offering easy access to amenities, ensuring the property is well-lit, and providing comfortable, ergonomic furniture can make a significant difference.
Additionally, older guests might appreciate quieter, more serene environments compared to younger guests who might prefer vibrant nightlife and active entertainment. Consider highlighting features such as proximity to medical facilities, easy access to public transportation, and nearby attractions that cater to their interests, like cultural sites or nature reserves.
By addressing these factors, you can better cater to this demographic and create an inviting and comfortable experience for older travelers. Tailoring your marketing efforts to highlight these aspects can help attract this age group and meet their specific needs, ultimately leading to more successful and satisfying bookings.
Most people in this demographic are quite distinct from the families and millennials we’ve discussed in previous entries. Retirees and older guests typically have different priorities and expectations. They are generally less concerned with party atmospheres and more focused on comfort, relaxation, and practicality.
To effectively cater to this group, opening a dialogue is essential. Rather than making assumptions about their preferences, directly engaging with them can provide invaluable insights into what they truly want. Asking questions such as what amenities they value most, their preferences for quiet or activity, and any specific needs related to health or mobility will help you tailor your offerings.
Starting a conversation with potential guests not only helps you gather important information but also builds rapport and trust. This approach demonstrates that you are attentive to their needs and committed to providing a positive experience. Moreover, it can set the tone for a welcoming and personalized stay, which older guests often appreciate.
Remember, the more you understand your guests’ preferences and concerns, the better you can adjust your property to meet their expectations. So don’t hesitate to reach out and ask—it’s an effective way to ensure you’re offering what they truly desire and to foster a strong connection with your guests.
Asking the right questions
One big concern you must consider is their health. As humans get older, injuries become more common, and more serious. You should review your property to ensure that everything is easily accessible by anyone that is going to rent. This is another time where you should discuss things with your potential guest. Asking questions like, “Is there anything you would like to see in the property?” or “Is there anything you’d like me to consider to make this rental more accessible to you?” are both really good questions to ask, as they aren’t necessarily intrusive and also show that as a host you are caring. I know I’m mentioning these questions for this demographic, but even if you aren’t focusing on retirees, these are also good questions in general, as it can make a good impression on the guest.
Another concern you may want to bring up with your potential guest is the amount of noise they are comfortable with in the apartment. Let me be clear, this is not noise made by the guest, but the noise made by neighbouring houses or streets. This one could be crucial. If your guest is looking to go away for a relaxing vacation and are awakened at two in the morning by some drunk teenagers — it just doesn’t scream relaxing. Even if your guest doesn’t end up booking with you because you believe your location isn’t the most subdued, it’s a good idea to bring it up, or else risk a bad review!
The last concern I’m going to mention today is ease of access into the rental. I touched on it a little bit about the accessibility aspect, but for this I am talking about the actual process of unlocking the door — literally accessing the rental. You want this to be the easiest part of the whole experience, so that they aren’t confused or lost. If you have smart locks or other smart devices: great! They are already super easy to use, but I would recommend an instruction manual for the guests, just in case. If you don’t have any smart devices or locks, that’s still okay, but the ease of getting into the rental may be compromised. If you are looking to transition your property into an automated home, we have a few resources that you can check out. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to email contact@ensoconnect.com or visit our website at ensoconnect.com.
