How Traditional Lodging can actually help the housing crisis caused by vacation rentals (STR).

Traditional Lodging includes Hotels, Motels, traditional B&Bs, Hostels, Inns, Lodges, and Resorts.

To put it simply, we need traditional lodging businesses to acknowledge their negative reviews and make necessary changes. If they don’t, there will continue to be a demand for (high-end) short-term rental units. As we have seen, this demand negatively impacts the local housing market, as developers focus on building for the wealthy (investors) and second homeowners rather than the community; investors and uninformed buyers pay over market value, further inflating prices.

Alongside that, many locally owned rentals are not meeting guest standards; poor reviews leave locally owned units/rooms empty, further straining the local community and housing market.

This is where Inform + Inspire can help.

We support Colorado lodging business owners who wish to make improvements that have been proven to improve reviews and, in turn, bookings, benefiting both the owner(s)/business and the local community’s overall well-being.

We focus on Colorado-based small businesses and resident homeowners due to the influx of out-of-state investment properties, which push out local businesses and property owners and hinder/prevent first-time Colorado homebuyers from purchasing a home.

The Very Basics: The minimum.

• Top-Notch Housekeeping!

• Don't Put It Off:

  • If it is broken/damaged, repair it right away!

    • Can't be repaired: Replace it, and don't put it off!

  • If it is stained, replace it. (Use fabrics for rags.)

  • If it has a burn hole, replace it. (Use fabrics for rags.)

  • Update items as needed: Don't wait until items look, smell, or sound like they should already be in the dump. (Examples: air conditioner/furnace/fan, fridge, microwave, and furniture.)

  • Tip: Do not book the room/unit until issues are addressed; begging for bad reviews.

• Take pride in the property: Inside and Outside

  • Keep the property grounds clear of trash- someone should be out there (at least) once a day to check and dispose of trash if needed.

  • Maintain parking lot and walkways.

  • Keep grass and gardens well kept.

  • Refer to Do It Now

• Address the cause of smell and noise complaints right away.

• Insist on employee hygiene and exceptional guest service: do not accept less.

• Address safety concerns: be proactive.

• Mattresses, pillows, and furniture should be comfortable and clean, with no (visible) damage.

• Linens and towels should be mid- to higher-quality.

If you are interested in a comprehensive Inform + Inspire Guest Experience & Satisfaction Inspection and Consultation, you can learn about Inform + Inspire and what we are all about here.

Tips that have been proven to improve guest experience & satisfaction:

1. Kitchenettes absolutely tip the scales toward traditional lodging as long as the unit is price-comparable to a comparable local STR rental. People want the option to cook rather than eat out. It is one of the main reasons people choose rentals over traditional lodging.

   1. Microwave

   2. At least one countertop stove element.

      1. Supply a pot and a pan, a cutting board, basic cooking utensils/tools, a set of cutlery and dishes (total guest count), paper towels, extra trash bags, (dish-) cleaning products, and salt & pepper.

   3. Coffee maker and toaster.

   4. Suggestion: Supply a broom and dustpan.

2. Allow dogs AND cats! This is another reason guests will choose a rental over traditional lodging.

   1. Reasonable, flat pet fee: Do not charge per pet. Do not charge per night.

      1. Allow guests with pets to add pets to the reservation so they can see the total for the room, including the pet fee, plus all other fees and taxes.

   2. Suggestion: Supply pet owners with a broom and dustpan (if there is not already a set in the room).

   3. Install poo bag dispenser-trashcan combos outside.

      1. Keep them stocked with bags.

      2. Empty trash cans as needed: Don't let them overflow.

3. Make room doors as soundproof as possible (and soft-close doors) so guests do not hear doors opening & closing throughout the day and night. Interior noise is a main complaint when discussing traditional lodging.

   1. If you can afford to make the walls (and floors) between rooms more soundproof, invest in that!

4. Guest laundry room.

   1. Detergent and fabric softener for sale.

   2. Keep it maintained, in working order, and clean.

   3. Don't skimp on washing machines and dryers: (High) Quality commercial appliances save money over time and do a better job of cleaning.

The more travelers who stay in traditional lodging, the less demand there is for vacation rentals. When there is less demand, rentals that do not meet guest expectations shutter their doors, so to speak. (And Inform + Inspire strives to ensure local Colorado homeowners are the owners who remain in the Colorado rental market.)

Inform + Inspire looks forward to working with Colorado locals who want to improve their guest experience and satisfaction.