We live in a world that runs on technology. Whether connecting with family or friends in a different country, watching our favorite shows on a streaming service, or paying for groceries, there’s no doubt that technology plays a significant role in our lives.
It’s not surprising that the vacation rental business is beginning to rely heavily on technological solutions. Travelers are now booking and planning vacation rentals almost exclusively through apps, websites, and tech tools. More and more, guests expect a property to utilize smart technology. This technology often makes the rental process simpler and more convenient for both guests and owners. In addition, smart appliances can increase the value of a property while helping to reduce costs.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most popular and useful smart gadgets for vacation rentals properties.
1. Smart Thermostat
If you’re looking to control your energy consumption, a smart thermostat is the way to go. With a typical thermostat, guests can set the air-conditioning to full blast while spending a day at the beach. In the winter, guests can crank up the heat to unreasonably high temperatures. Smart thermostats reduce this annoyance by using temperature automation. Owners can easily set temperature restrictions and even control them remotely, which often reduces utility bills significantly.
2. Smart Lock
If you invest in only one thing on the list, this should be it. 25% of vacation properties have smart locks, and the number is growing each year. It saves you the headache of dealing with lost or replicated keys and it adds an extra layer of security to your property. Smart locks prevent travelers from accidentally leaving the front door unlocked, as they often lock automatically on closure. Not only is a smart lock more convenient for guests, but you can easily change the code if needed.
3. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems are an advantage for both owners and guests. Owners or caretakers can conveniently check from the app to see that lights are turned off while guests are out, potentially saving on energy bill costs. Another advantage is that rules can be set for the lights to switch on and off, possibly deterring intruders from breaking in when the house is empty. Guests also appreciate the benefits of smart lighting, which can give the home a high-end feel, while still working like traditional lights.
4. Smart Speakers
Edison Research recently reported that one in five Americans now own a smart speaker such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, and that the number has increased by almost 80% since last year. Turning your Amazon or Google device into a virtual assistant can be an great addition to a rental property. You can easily program a number of different requests and bits of information that guests can ask for with voice activation. This is useful for owners who have an automated check-in processes because the device can relay important safety or property manual information. Guests may also enjoy listening to music while while in the home.