Tag: finger lakes vacations

Finger Lakes Kayaking and What You Need to Know

The Finger Lakes region is famous for the great boating and kayaking opportunities held within its northern New York waters. Spend a day exploring nature while getting a real workout when you go kayaking in the Finger Lakes. From rentals to boat launches, discover everything you need to know about kayaking in the Finger Lakes.

Vacation Guide

Your Guide to Finger Lakes Kayaking
Best Place to Kayak in the Finger Lakes

Ask 10 people in the Finger Lakes where their favorite place to kayak is, and you’ll get 10 different answers. With so much beauty to be discovered, it’s no wonder! The Finger Lakes offer miles of clear, gorgeous water to explore. Which lake is right for you all depends on your personal preference. Without a doubt, the four most popular lakes to kayak are Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. There aren’t many differences in difficulty of the journey between these lakes, and each lake has plenty of public kayak launches available.

Where to Rent a Kayak

Many of the stunning homes from Finger Lakes Premier Properties include a kayak or canoe that is available to guests. Simply search through our selection of homes with non-motorized crafts to see them all! If you fall in love with a home that doesn’t include a kayak, though, there are plenty of great rental agencies around.

Seneca Lake Kayak Rentals

If you’ve decided on kayaking Seneca Lake, both ends have wonderful vendors to rent from. At the north end, you’ll want to contact Fuzzy Guppies who are the area’s most popular providers of watersport sales, rentals, and accessories.  You can visit their shop or call ahead for delivery to your rental for the duration of your stay! The team at Fuzzy Guppies is also well versed in local fishing and can provide some great insights on where to cast.

At the south end of Seneca Lake, head to one of the most popular Watkins Glen kayak rentals, Summit to Stream Adventures. They are located at Village Marina in Seneca Harbor, at the southernmost tip of the lake. Summit to Stream Adventures offers single and double kayaks as well as paddleboards. They even offer guided private and public tours of Seneca Lake! While you don’t need to reserve a boat in advance, you will need to call and make a reservation for a kayak tour from Summit to Stream.

Keuka Lake Kayak Rentals

Visit Keuka Watersports for paddle boards and kayak rentals off Keuka Lake! They offer hourly or daily kayak rentals at Champlin Beach with no reservation required. If you’re interested in Keuka Lake kayaking, this is the place to go.

Cayuga Lake Kayak Rentals

Without a doubt, Puddledockers is one of the most popular kayak rentals near Cayuga Lake. Like Summit to Stream Adventures, they offer tours as well as rentals. Choose from the two-hour, four-hour, or eight-hour rentals of single, tandem, or adult and child kayaks. To get a great group experience of kayaking in the Finger Lakes area, take one of the available tours, like the Cayuga Lake Evening Paddle or the Harvest Moon. Who says kayaking is only for the daytime?

Canandaigua Lake Kayak Rentals

If you’re interested in exploring Canandaigua Lake, head to Reagan’s Canoe & Kayak Livery for a rental! They have provided thousands of visitors with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. They service six of the 11 Finger Lakes, including the very popular Canandaigua. Ask them the best areas to kayak while you’re renting your vessel!

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

After your Finger Lakes kayaking adventure, return to a beautiful home from Finger Lakes Premier Properties. We have the best selection of rentals along the shores of seven of the Finger Lakes. Remember to choose “non-motorized craft” when searching for your home to get a selection of properties with kayaks or canoes available to the renters!

If you’re hoping to go kayaking right from your rental home, consider booking Rapalee Retreat. Located off of Seneca Lake, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom property comes with a gorgeous, fully-equipped kitchen, a fire pit in the yard, a kayak available for guests as well as a Seneca Lake kayak launch!

Check out our full selection of rooms and book today! We look forward to having you.

3 Reasons Why You Should Book Direct This Year

Book Direct Day 2021 is February 3! It’s a day when vacation rental owners and managers from around the world promote a common message: bypass third-party channels to book your vacation directly at the source.

There’s a misconception that when guests book from a third-party site, like Airbnb and VRBO, that those companies are responsible for the rental. In reality, these sites act as a middleman while a local owner or management company oversees your stay from booking to departure. It creates confusion when policies don’t align or when guests don’t know who to call when problems arise.

Here are 3 more reasons why you should #BookDirect this year:

Save Money

Third-party sites tack on extra fees that can add up at checkout. When you book directly with a vacation rental management company, you can be certain you’re getting the lowest price guaranteed on the rental you’ve selected.

While third-party sites may display many rental options, not every owner or manager uses them. Only a fraction of our 270+ professionally managed rentals are on VRBO or Airbnb and 70% of our bookings come directly from our website or reservation agents. If you can’t find the right rental on a third-party site, contact a vacation rental management company in the area you’re traveling to see what they have available.

As an added bonus, vacation rental managers send out exclusive promotions and special discounts that can only be used when you book direct. Join our mailing list so you don’t miss an opportunity to save!

Local Experts

When you make the decision to book direct, you’re booking with a team of local experts in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our reservation agents, housekeepers, maintenance techs, marketing team, and more are all members of the local community. Our on-the-ground teams can quickly and easily respond to guest issues and requests. Plus, our local vacation planners provide the best recommendations for your trip based on their intimate knowledge of the area.

Services You Can Trust

You don’t always know what you’re getting when booking your rental on a third-party site. With numerous reports of scams and safety issues for Airbnb users, its more important than ever to know you’re renting from a reputable source. Vacation rental managers hold themselves to high standards with a focus on education, advocacy, and professional services. They elevate the industry and articulate best practices for others to follow.

With high standards and hyper-localized services, comes the ability for vacation rental managers to guarantee services many independent hosts cannot. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and has a fully staffed office during business hours to accommodate special requests. In addition, we have a housekeeping guarantee that promises your home will be clean upon arrival. If for some reason our services are unsatisfactory, a housekeeper will return to make it right, ensuring guests are comfortable in their rental.

To join in on #BookDirect Day, visit FLPPlake.com! Finger Lakes Premier Properties is largest, full-service vacation rental company in the Finger Lakes. Our team has been managing lakefront properties locally for 28 years.

Browse our selection of over 270 lakeside vacation rentals here or call our reservation agents for a personalized booking experience – (800) 897-8161

Finger Lakes Babyquip Rentals

Baby Equipment Rentals

Did you know that you can bring your child’s favorite toys/blanket and forget the rest?

That’s right, you wont have to pack a high chair, stroller, pack and play, bassinet, changing table. Or any other type of baby equipment that your bundle of joy needs on a daily basis.

Babyquip rentals are here in the Finger Lakes and ready to provide you all your baby essentials and less stress while giving you the best vacation. Now let’s be honest, you have needed this vacation for a very long time now. Repeat, VERY long time. Consider this rental a gift to you and your traveling crew.

Bassinet delivered to FLPP rental in 2020.

No more, playing jenga while packing the car, no more hauling heavy babyquip around, down stairs to the cottage, back up to the car and vice versa. No more complaining about who is carrying which piece to the house. Just grab your bundle of joy and your duffle and head to your vacation rental. Want to know more? Check out the 3 simple steps below.

AND, if you like it that much, check out the grocery delivery service we partner with right here so you don’t even have to go grocery shopping and haul groceries to the house either!

Crib and rocking chair delivered to FLPP rental in 2020.

That’s right, a true vacation for the very busy parent you are!

3 Simple Steps:

Cleaning and sanitizing is incredibly important and something that both BabyQuip and Finger Lakes Premier Properties takes very seriously. You can learn more about cleaning and sanitizing procedures by clicking here. All items are laundered or cleaned with natural, child-friendly products.

Book Your Family Vacation Here!

3 Reasons Why You Should Prepare Your Vacation Rental NOW for 2021

Finger Lakes travel trends for 2020 showed a significant shift in accommodation preferences. Demand for private vacation rentals has soared above traditional hotel stay by travelers. As the year progressed and our reservations inquiries swelled by 61% year-over-year, one thing was clear, people still want to vacation.

What is the outlook for vacation rental demand in 2021?

Demand for Finger Lakes vacation rentals continues to soar. In fact, our bookings for next year (2021) are up 56% compared to this time last year! Our private rentals have become the preferred choice of accommodations for travelers seeking comfortable, clean, and dependable lakeside spaces.

Our guests and owners value the services included with their premier property. Such services include our 24/7 guest services, professional housekeeping standards, keyless check-ins, and travel planning assistance by our local agents. As we continue to accommodate inquires for our short term rentals, we want to ensure our owners and prospective rental homeowners are optimizing our partnership for the 2021 season.

Why list your home for rent now? Isn’t the season slowing down?

Many assume this is the time when we are winding down for the year. Not true. Yes the rush of peak season is behind us, but with arrivals still 88% higher this fall than last, the momentum continues. Plus, our inquiries for 2021 bookings are flowing in! Now is the time we work with our owners in preparation for next year with optimizing their home, online listing, and rates for the next year.

If you are interested in joining for the 2021 season, now is the best time to get the most out of our partnership for three reasons:

  1. It’s all about the photos! Joining now will allow us to optimize your listing with premier photography before the leaves fall. We will send our staff photographer to your home to get interior and exterior photos PLUS a virtual tour. Photos are one of the most important assets to your listing and will help generate demand for your home.
  2. Take advantage of expert recommendations. Our partnering owners have full access to our team of industry experts. When you join, talk to our Owner Services team about possible upgrades. From remodels, furniture upgrades, to bonus amenities, these will help secure bookings, enhance your guest’s experience, and capture more revenue. If you join this fall, you’ll have more time to make these enhancements before your first guest checks in.
  3. Secure 2021 revenue now! With demand up 56% for 2021 vacation rentals, joining now will get more traffic to your listing and secure more bookings for next year. Secure revenue now for 2021 at the best rates possible.

Want to learn more about partnering with us?

Whether you are currently renting your home, looking to purchase an investment home, or are just starting to explore what it means to be a vacation rental owner, we’re here to help.

We have a dedicated Owner Services Team ready to answer any questions you may have about renting your lake home with Finger Lakes Premier Properties. Contact us today for more information by calling 855-585-5877 Option 4 or by inquiring here.

The Premier Advantage of Booking a Vacation Rental

If one thing is certain during these unprecedented times, it is that travel will look different going forward. We will be more conscious of space and human contact. Our choices of transportation, locations, and especially accommodations will have more inquisition in the planning stages of your next vacation. But yes, travel will happen.

While you are listing the needs and wants of your next getaway, a private home to host your next vacation may be key to creating the best trip yet. Here’s why staying at one of our rentals gives you a premier vacation advantage.

No Contact Check-in

From the moment you pull out of your driveway to the time you arrive at your lakefront rental, you will not come in contact with any of our staff. There is no lobby, no desk to check-in at, simply drive to your private home to check in. Key less entry systems are on all of our rentals, providing you less stress, convenience, and a safe start to your vacation.

Cleanliness Standards

The elephant in all our minds is the cleanliness of the vacation rental prior to arrival. We continue to maintain the highest housekeeping standards so that you’ll experience a sanitized, clean, and disinfected home to enjoy. We continue to use commercial grade disinfectant, and our housekeeping staff has increased their focus on “high touch” items like light switches, doorknobs, remotes, etc.  For more information on our cleaning standards, click below.

Our Cleaning Standards

Private Spaces Inside and Out

Keuka Lake Vacation Rentals
“This house was perfect for our family! It is so beautiful inside. Everything was very clean and well kept. It felt like home. The mattresses were very comfortable, unlike some homes we have stayed at in the past. The kitchen was well stocked and had everything I needed to cook all the meals for the week. There is plenty of outside seating to accommodate all guests. We caught pike, large and smallmouth bass, and a catfish right off the dock. There were 2 kayaks that came with the property. We enjoyed the house so much we are going to book it for the same week next year. This home exceeded our expectations!”

Travel with the peace of mind knowing you don’t have to share a home with other guests or the owner of the rental like you would if you rent through VRBO/Airbnb. You’re also eliminating the contact you would have in lobbies or common areas of a hotel. The entire home is for your full enjoyment and relaxation.

In addition to the social distancing advantage, there are economic benefits of staying in a vacation rental when it comes to dining. All of our vacation homes come will fully equipped kitchens. You’ll eliminate the search for safe dining or take out and be able to cook every meal, snack, and baked dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. If you plan ahead, you can even order all of your groceries online and pick them up curbside on your way to your rental.

Take a step outside of your rental to find your personal paradise. The only people you will be sharing the beach, porch, yard, outdoor kitchen with is the people in your group. No need to worry about crowded beaches, or your spot getting stolen from another vacationer. Some lakefront homes in our region are in close proximity to neighbors. Be sure to review the photos or ask our vacation planners if you’re looking for a secluded home, we have plenty of these too!

Search Homes Now

Entertainment is Included

Finger Lakes rentals
“We booked a Honeoye Lake home for a quiet week away. It was perfect. My favorite was taking our 2-year old son out for a paddle in the provided kayak each day. His favorite was probably the s’mores at night.” – L.B., September, 2014

One of the best benefits of staying in a vacation rental is you have the space and amenities to keep you entertained for days! Below is a list of commonly found amenities to help you enjoy your time on vacation safely.

  • Game rooms
  • Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards
  • Fire pits
  • Hot tubs
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Free WiFi (for those that continue to work or school from home)

Many of our amenities are search options on our site. If you need assistance of finding the perfect home to suit the needs of your group, contact our vacation planners at 888-414-5253.

For more information on how to safely experience the Finger Lakes region through the COVID-19 changes, click here.

Search our entire vacation rental inventory by clicking book now below. No matter which rental you choose you will always receive the premier vacation rental advantage.

Book Now!

Finger Lakes Homemade Ice Cream Stands

After this weekend’s record breaking heat wave, you deserve to cool off with a scoop or twist of delicious Finger Lakes ice cream. And its perfectly timed with National Ice Cream Day! To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of the best ice cream and custard stands near your favorite lake.

Cayuga Lake Creamery

This small-batch ice cream stand in Trumansburg, NY serves up sweet treats from the finest ingredients, coffee, and roadside fare. You can also visit them at all the best Finger Lakes Festivals happening in the Ithaca area.

Cake Batter & Shakespeare in the park at Woodstock 1869 at the Trumansburg Conservatory! Here til 6. Come out & play!

Posted by Cayuga Lake Creamery on Saturday, July 13, 2019

Seneca Farms

Seneca Farms has been a local favorite since the 1950’s, serving up homemade hard ice cream and other parlor favorites. If you’re staying on Keuka to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, be sure to stop in for one of their homemade ice cream cakes!

White Mountain Blueberry…. White Chocolate Ice Cream with White Chocolate Chips and a Blueberry Swirl!

Posted by Seneca Farms on Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Spotted Duck Creamery

This unique frozen treat stand sits right between Keuka and Seneca Lakes. Their one-of-a-kind custard is made from duck eggs, rather than chicken eggs, giving it a richer flavor and it’s signature creamy texture. All of their flavors are derived from local, organic, and in-season ingredients.

Cheshire Farms Creamery

This Canandaigua Lake creamery serves up premium home churned ice cream, baked goods, locally roasted coffee, AND lunch specials. Their menu changes daily, so may need to make a second trip!

Posted by Cheshire Farms Creamery on Sunday, February 10, 2019

Glen Dairy Bar

There’s no better way to end a day of hiking in Watkins Glen than with a stop into Glen Dairy Bar. While they don’t make their own ice cream, they have everything you’ve ever craved… and air conditioning!

Geneva Gelato

We know this isn’t ice cream, but Geneva Gelato offers the tastiest homemade frozen treats on the north end of Seneca Lake! They have everything from old favorites, like Pistachio to unique flavors, like Root Beer.

Geneva gelato is welcoming a whole new flavor to the family! Try new: "Fruit Medley" with bananas, strawberries, kiwis, lemon and lime! It's the perfect way to feel refreshed and cool off in the summer heat!

Posted by Geneva Gelato on Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Twister’s Ice Cream Shop

Our Conesus Lake guests will love this homemade ice cream shop! Cool off in their Livonia location or catch them at one of their mobile locations around the lake.

Montezuma Winery

How did a winery make this list? Because Montezuma sells wine ice cream flavored with some of their most popular varietals. And if you’re not an ice cream fan, stop in for a wine slushie or some homemade fudge instead!

Looking for more ways to cool off during your stay? Our local vacation planners can help you beat the heat with their knowledge of Finger Lakes attractions. Call them today! (888) 546-5517

Rainy Day Activities in the Finger Lakes

We know how to have fun in any season here in the Finger Lakes! From snow to falling leaves to gorgeous, sunshiny days, we have beautiful views and lots to do no matter the weather. But if you experience a dreary day during your vacation, don’t fret – we have some tips for making the best of a rainy day, at least until the sun comes back out!

Learn

The Finger Lakes are rich in history. We have the birthplace of the Women’s Rights Movement, Underground Railroad historic sites, Native American culture, and so much more! In addition, the region is home to some fantastic family- friendly science museums that blend education with involvement. Here are a few of our favorites:

Corning Museum of Glass

Strong National Museum of Play

Sciencenter

Glen Curtiss Aviation Museum

William Seward House

Women’s Rights National Historical Park

Shop

Malls offer an easy solution to cabin fever. We have malls that can cater to any shopping preferences, from high-end shops at Eastview Mall to outlet bargains at Waterloo Premium Outlets. If you’re looking for a more local shopping experience we suggest:

The Olde Country Store and More

Sauder’s Country Store

Oak Hill Bulk Foods

Taste

You can taste your way through the Finger Lakes, rain or shine! From award winning wine and beer to sweet treats and cheeses, there’s tasting adventure for everyone to embark on. Check out:

Finger Lakes Cheese Alliance

Finger Lakes Sweet Treat Trail

Red Jacket Orchards for Fruit Tastings

Finger Lakes Beer Trail

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Play

Our local communities are host to numerous bowling alleys, movie theaters, libraries, and more to explore. They’re ready to welcome you on even the dreariest days! For those who just want to have fun, here are some kid-friendly and adults-only ways to play in the Finger Lakes:

Roseland Bowl Family Fun Center

Cascades Indoor Waterpark

Del Lago Casino

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack

Stay

We’ve prepared for this! Most of our homes are well-equipped with streaming services, movies collections, board games, billiards, cooking supplies, and more to make staying in just as fun as heading outside. Cuddle up for a movie night, cook a meal together, or enjoy a glass of wine and watch the rain from a covered porch.

Our local reservation agents are experts on making the most of your Finger Lakes vacation, even on rainy days. For more tips and activities, call (844) 359-5317 now!

Finger Lakes – #1 Wine Region in the Nation

Whether you live in or have visited the Finger Lakes, you probably agree with most everyone that it is a breathtaking part of the country. However, not only is it beautiful, it has also been nominated as the #1 wine region in the United States, according to a 2018 poll conducted by USA Today’s 10 Best. Check out some of the wineries that contributed to the Finger Lakes nomination as #1 wine region in the nation.

Winery Restaurants

F.L.X. Table / Element Winery – Geneva, N.Y. 

As the leading restaurant in the Finger Lakes, F.L.X. Table at Element Winery provides an intimate and interactive dining experience. With only fourteen seats available, slots fill quickly. So plan ahead and make your reservation early.

Fox Run Cafe at Fox Run Vineyards – Penn Yan, N.Y.

Careful to serve high-quality foods that are in season, the Fox Run Café strives to represent the Finger Lakes region whenever they can. With several menu items, Fox Run staff pair wines with each menu item, carefully focusing on how the flavors complement each other. The café is open seasonally April-December.

Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars – Dundee, N.Y.

At Veraisons, everything is made from scratch and sourced locally. From the meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables, sauces, bread, and desserts—everything is homegrown in the Finger Lakes region. Veraisons also pays particular attention to diners with food allergies and dietary restrictions, serving vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Winery Tasting Rooms

Fox Run Vineyards – Penn Yan, N.Y.

Taking seventh place for the best wine tasting room is Fox Run Vineyards, according to 10 Best, an affiliate of USA Today. Open year-round, Fox Run invites guests to visit their tasting room and explore all the different wines they have to offer.

Dr. Konstantin Frank – Hammondsport, N.Y.

While guests enjoy complimentary tasting of curated wines, the Dr. Konstantin Frank tasting room offers a beautiful view of Keuka Lake. In addition, guests will be led through five wines as wine educators relay the story of Dr. Konstantin. The tasting room is open year round.

Wine Festival

Finger Lakes Wine Festival – Watkins Glen, N.Y.

Dedicated to showing off what New York has to offer for the wine industry, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival was ranked as the fifth best in America, according to 10 Best. The festival takes place annually between July 13-15, offering numerous opportunities to learn about and taste the best wine and culinary in the state.

Winery Tour

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard – Dundee, N.Y.

In the heart of the Finger Lakes, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard overlooks the largest of the lakes in the region—Seneca Lake. Known particularly for their Riesling wine, Wiemer employs meticulous viticulture and strict ecological standards to produce high-quality wines. Take a tour the next time you are in the area.

Where to Find the Best Finger Lakes Fall Foliage

The Finger Lakes region is famous for its incredible displays of orange, reds, yellows, and browns during the fall season. Leaf peepers and photographers come from all over the country to enjoy the amazing sights. Let Finger Lakes fall foliage become part of your annual tradition. Here are some of the best places to see the foliage! If you need help planning the rest of your trip to the Finger Lakes, download our free Vacation Guide. It’s full of our personal recommendations for everything in the region, from restaurants to hiking trails and more! It’s the perfect all-in-one guide to this area we call home, and we’re so excited to share it with you. Download it today!

Where to see Finger Lakes Fall Foliage

Canandaigua Lake

Start your leaf peeping adventure at the northernmost tip of Canandaigua Lake and head down West Lake Road. This drive is enough of an opportunity to see some incredible foliage, but it also conveniently takes us to our next stop on the tour of trees.

About 15 minutes into your drive south, you’ll come across Onanda Park. This quiet, lakefront park in the town of Canandaigua is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch or an easy stroll. One of our favorite things to do here is to sit in some of the available chairs and gaze out on the water. However, if you’re looking for a great hike, we’ve got the inside scoop. There are 73 acres of Uplands located across the road. You can hike two miles of hiking trail over the hillside and encounter gorgeous vistas.

After your hike, continue to explore on Route 21S towards Naples, you will discover a vast array of photo-worthy sights as you climb and descend the hills surrounding Canandaigua Lake. Along your ride grab a snack at one of the many fruit stands offering freshly picked grapes, or better yet, a grape pie from the infamous Monica’s Pies just outside Naples.  Fortunately, this area also neighbors many of our vacation rentals that fit the bill for the perfect foliage-oriented weekend. 

Seneca Lake

Another wonderful scenic drive begins in Geneva, near Seneca Lake. Drive along NY 14 South and look at the stunning views of the lake on the left and the trees on the right. This road continues to Watkins Glen, where you can explore the town or head to the state park, which has some of the best hiking trails in the Finger Lakes. Explore the Gorge Trail, which is famous for its winding staircases and views.

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake State Park is ideal for families traveling with small kids. The little ones will love playing on the swing sets and other equipment, and you’ll love the priceless views!

If you’re in the mood for a glass of wine, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the perfect opportunity for another scenic drive. Wineries like Toro Run or Thirsty Owl are perfect places to stop and enjoy the view and a glass of wine!

Keuka Lake

The Keuka Outlet Trail is a rail-trail in the heart of the Finger Lakes. This path stretches between Keuka and Seneca Lake, with plenty of opportunities to see the vistas for which the Finger Lakes are famous, including waterfalls and historic buildings.

Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties

Are you ready to experience the Finger Lakes fall foliage? We’ve got just the homes you need! Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection of vacation rentals around, including many rentals that are just a short distance from the sites above! For example, Stone Crest, our gorgeous six-bathroom, four-bathroom estate is just two miles from the Keuka Outlet Trail. If you’d prefer to spend your time in Watkins Glen, book Dean Lake House, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom property which is less than a mile from town. The possibilities are endless!

Check out our full selection of rentals and book today! We look forward to having you.

Increase Bookings With Four Easy Upgrades

Comfortable Outdoor Atmosphere

When you vacation in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee or the white sandy beaches of Pensacola, what do you do? Do you lounge around inside or enjoy the view outdoors? If you are like the people vacationing in the Finger Lakes, you probably chose your vacation spot for the outdoor spaces to savor the scenery. If you want to increase bookings, create an enjoyable outdoor atmosphere for your guests.

One way you can do this is to provide furniture. However, throwing a few wooden chairs out in a yard that receives direct sunlight probably isn’t going to do the trick. Instead, you may want to invest in plush furniture that is both comfortable and decorative, but durable enough to withstand the elements. Perhaps some comfy cushions or a recliner would be appropriate so that guests can unwind and relax.

Another way to create an enjoyable outdoor atmosphere that will really make your vacation rental stand out is outdoor décor and shaded spaces. With some art, statues, and area rugs, you can increase the ambience of your outdoor living area. Potted plants that don’t require much watering would also add a nice touch. Above all, make sure your vacation rental’s outdoor space provides enough shade. Not everyone likes to be in direct sunlight all day.

Central Air and Ceiling Fans

Although vacation rentals are on the cool waters of the lakes, summers can get hot and humid. Nothing feels better than walking into a cool, air-conditioned house to recuperate from the day’s activity. It also happens to be one of the main complaints our guest services department handles during peak months.

If your vacation rental home does not have central air and/or ceiling fans, you will want to install these as soon as possible. Doing so will boost your home’s search results, improve your guest’s experience dramatically, and ultimately lead to return bookings.

Technological Home Improvements

While many people vacation in the Finger Lakes to get a break from reality and enjoy the outdoor scenery, they still appreciate the convenience technology offers. This is especially true of the millennial generation who are beginning to enter into the vacation rental industry as consumers.

Installing a reliable Wi-Fi network will definitely please your guests. If guests have complained in the past about limited Wi-Fi, you may consider upgrading to accommodate a greater number of devices.

Guests also appreciate smart TVs with cable or a movie streaming service to relax at night, such as Roku. Besides entertainment, a TV contributes to the overall atmosphere and helps your guests feel more at home. If you already have one TV in the living room, you may consider placing additional TVs in each bedroom.

Another technological improvement that is becoming popular in the vacation rental industry is virtual home assistants such as Amazon’s Echo products. Like Siri, a virtual home assistant will talk back and act on voice command. Guests can ask for information, the weather forecast, music playback, and more. This can be especially useful for guests who want to look up things to do or places to eat in the area.

Amenities

When it comes to amenities, do not skimp. Amenities are all those extra things that put the cherry on top. Even the smallest things can make or break a guest’s experience which can affect reviews and repeat visits.

FLPP includes the traditional amenities such as towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and maps of the area. You may wish to throw in additional amenities such as a universal charger and adapter to assuage the fears of travelers who forgot their own.

However, remember that guests are vacationing in the Finger Lakes. If you want to increase bookings, consider adding lake-specific amenities such as paddleboats or kayaks as part of the vacation rental. Another amenity guests look for is a hot tub, especially our year-round renters. In addition to the extra draw, you will be able to increase rates as well.