How to Appeal to Business Travelers with Your Vacation Rental

16 March 2025

Let’s be honest—when most of us think about vacation rentals, our minds immediately go to families on a sunny getaway or honeymooners soaking up the romance. But here's the thing: there’s a whole other category of travelers out there—business travelers. Yes, the laptop-toting, meeting-hopping professionals who often find themselves in your city for a few days at a time.

The question is, how can you make your vacation rental their home away from home? If you’re looking to diversify your guest list and maximize your rental’s potential, business travelers are a gold mine waiting to be tapped.

In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to craft a business-traveler-friendly vacation rental. Spoiler alert: It’s all about convenience, comfort, and a dash of sophistication.

Why Business Travelers Are a Lucrative Target

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the “why.” Why should you even bother catering to business travelers?

For starters, they travel year-round—not just during peak vacation seasons. This means you’ll benefit from a steady flow of bookings, even when weekend getaways and family vacations slow down. Plus, these guests are often traveling on a company budget, which means they’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest option—they’re looking for value and convenience.

Think about it: If you can provide a stellar experience for business travelers, there’s a good chance they’ll keep coming back. Who doesn’t love a loyal guest?

Step 1: Prioritize Location

In real estate, it’s all about “location, location, location.” The same rule applies to attracting business travelers.

Business travelers don’t have time to commute an hour to their meetings or conferences. They need to stay close to the action. If your vacation rental is located near a city center, business district, conference center, or transportation hub (like airports or train stations), you’ve already scored major points.

But what if your property isn’t in the heart of the city? No worries! Highlight nearby transit options, like bus stops, metro stations, or even ride-sharing availability. If you can make it easy for them to get from Point A to Point B, you’re golden.

Step 2: Offer Work-Friendly Amenities

Let’s face it—working from your lap on a lumpy couch doesn’t exactly scream “productivity.” If you want to attract business travelers, your vacation rental needs to double as a functional workspace.

Here are a few must-haves:
- Dedicated Workspace: Even a small desk and chair can make a massive difference. Bonus points if it’s positioned near a window for natural light.
- Fast Wi-Fi: Don’t skimp on the internet speed. Nothing frustrates a business traveler more than buffering during a Zoom call.
- Outlets Galore: Make sure there are plenty of easily accessible power outlets. A charging station with USB ports is a nice touch.
- Printer/Scanner Access: If you really want to go above and beyond, consider providing a small all-in-one printer.

Adding these amenities won’t just make your property more appealing—it’ll also set you apart from other hosts who simply don’t think about these details.

Step 3: Create a Professional Yet Cozy Atmosphere

Business travelers want a space that feels professional, but they also crave comfort after a long day of meetings. So, how do you strike the perfect balance?

Start with your decor. Go for a clean, modern look with neutral colors. Think minimalist, not sterile. Add pops of personality with art pieces or throw pillows, but skip anything too quirky or overwhelming.

Next, focus on comfort. A high-quality mattress, soft linens, and blackout curtains are non-negotiables. A good night’s sleep is priceless—especially when you’ve got a big presentation in the morning.

Finally, pay attention to cleanliness. For business travelers, your vacation rental isn’t just a place to crash—it’s a representation of their personal brand when they invite coworkers or clients over. Make sure your property is spotless.

Step 4: Simplify Check-In and Check-Out

Let’s talk logistics. Business travelers are on tight schedules, and they don’t have time for check-in hassles. Your goal? Make the process as seamless as possible.

Consider offering:
- Self-Check-In Options: A smart lock or lockbox with a personalized code can save everyone time.
- Clear Instructions: Send detailed, easy-to-follow check-in and check-out procedures ahead of time. Include photos, if needed.
- Flexible Timing: Late-night flights and early morning meetings happen. Offering flexibility with check-in and check-out times can be a game-changer.

Remember, the easier you make things for them, the more likely they’ll be to book with you again.

Step 5: Provide Little Luxuries

Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest impression. Adding a few thoughtful touches can turn a basic stay into a memorable experience.

Here are some ideas:
- Welcome Basket: Include snacks, bottled water, and maybe even a handwritten note.
- Coffee Station: A high-quality coffee maker, a variety of teas, and even some grab-and-go breakfast options like granola bars can earn you major brownie points.
- Toiletries Kit: Stock the bathroom with travel-size toiletries, a hairdryer, and extra towels.
- Entertainment Options: A Smart TV with streaming services or books on business topics can be a nice addition.

Think of these extras as the cherry on top—they’re not 100% necessary, but they can set your property apart from the competition.

Step 6: Go Above and Beyond with Communication

Business travelers appreciate clear, prompt, and professional communication. From the moment they inquire about your property, your job is to make them feel confident in their decision to book with you.

Be proactive about answering questions, and don’t just stop at the basics. Provide local recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, or coworking spaces. If you know of any upcoming events in the area that might interest them, share that info too.

Lastly, always follow up after their stay. A quick “thank you for staying” message shows you care about their experience and opens the door for repeat bookings or glowing reviews.

Step 7: Market Your Property to Business Travelers

Now that your vacation rental is fully prepped, it’s time to get the word out. If you want to attract business travelers, you need to highlight everything you’ve done to cater specifically to their needs.

Here’s how:
- Update Your Listing Description: Use language that appeals to business travelers. Mention your high-speed Wi-Fi, workspace, and convenient location.
- Optimize for SEO: Include keywords like “business-friendly vacation rental,” “corporate stays,” or “workspace-equipped Airbnb” in your listing description.
- Professional Photos: High-quality photos can sell your space better than words ever could. Make sure you capture your workspace, coffee station, and anything else that sets you apart.

You can also consider partnering with local businesses or corporate travel agencies to promote your property. Networking is key!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, catering to business travelers doesn’t mean completely transforming your vacation rental. It’s all about understanding their needs and making small tweaks to meet them.

By offering a convenient location, work-friendly amenities, and touches of comfort, you’ll tap into a whole new market of guests who will keep your calendar booked year-round.

So, why not give it a shot? You’ve got nothing to lose and loyal, repeat guests to gain.