Whitefish and Columbia Falls, nestled in the heart of Montana’s Flathead Valley, are known for their breathtaking scenery and appeal to luxury travelers seeking a high-end escape. Whether you own a second home or a luxury investment property, turning it into a vacation rental can provide significant financial rewards. But managing a high-end rental involves far more than just listing it online.
From curating an unforgettable guest experience to promoting your property as a destination, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your luxury rental.
1. Preparing Your Property for Guests
Guests who book luxury homes expect more than just a roof over their heads—they’re looking for an exceptional experience. That starts with the presentation and setup of your property.
- Furnishings and Decor: Make sure your home reflects both comfort and style. The design should feel cohesive and reflect the high-end nature of the property. Invest in quality pieces that are not only beautiful but durable. Guests should walk in and feel like they’re in a space that’s been thoughtfully curated, not just furnished for function.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Luxury guests have high expectations when it comes to cleanliness and functionality. Before you start renting your property, do a full inspection to ensure everything is in working order, from appliances to plumbing to outdoor amenities like pools and hot tubs. Even small inconveniences, like a leaky faucet, can detract from an otherwise perfect stay.
- Luxury Amenities: To truly stand out, go beyond the basics. Guests are looking for unique touches that elevate their experience—think heated bathroom floors, gourmet kitchens, or high-end audio systems. But it’s not just about high-tech gadgets. Consider adding touches like premium linens, a well-stocked coffee bar, or even luxury spa products. These details can make a significant difference in how guests perceive their stay and can lead to rave reviews.
- The 5-Star Resort Touches: One of the secrets to creating a memorable guest experience is to replicate the feel of a 5-star resort. Small touches such as providing plush bathrobes, offering a curated selection of local wines, or leaving behind a welcome basket with artisanal snacks can elevate your property to a higher level of luxury. Think about what makes a stay feel indulgent and find ways to incorporate that into your home.
2. Stocking the Essentials (and Beyond)
In addition to the luxury amenities, ensure that your home is stocked with the essentials—guests will expect items like paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies to be readily available. But to provide an experience that goes beyond expectations, consider adding more thoughtful touches that leave a lasting impression.
- Premium Products: Stock the kitchen with high-quality cookware, upscale coffee machines, and organic pantry staples. In the bathrooms, offer luxury toiletries, plush towels, and hair dryers. Don’t forget outdoor areas—grill supplies, comfy seating, and blankets for cool Montana evenings can make all the difference.
- Personal Touches: Guests appreciate thoughtful details that show you’ve put extra effort into making their stay special. For example, leave a note highlighting local coffee shops or a list of personal recommendations for hikes and activities. These little things go a long way in creating a memorable stay that sets your property apart from the rest.
3. Understanding Local Regulations and Taxes
Before listing your property, make sure you’re fully aware of the local regulations and taxes that apply to short-term rentals in the Whitefish and Columbia Falls area.
- Permits and Licensing: Depending on where your property is located, you may need to obtain a short-term rental permit. Requirements vary by municipality, so it’s essential to check with local authorities. Failing to comply with regulations can lead to fines or even a ban on renting.
- Tax Compliance: Short-term rentals are subject to various taxes, including the state’s lodging sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes. Make sure you know what taxes apply, and be prepared to collect and remit them as part of your rental operations.
4. Pricing Your Property for Success
Setting the right rental rate is crucial for attracting guests and maximizing your property’s earning potential. But pricing a luxury home can be tricky.
- Research and Comparisons: Check out similar properties in your area to see what they’re charging. Keep in mind that luxury homes offer more than just square footage—the experience you’re offering, along with premium amenities, can justify a higher price.
- Seasonal Adjustments: You’ll likely want to adjust your rates seasonally to reflect peak demand during the summer and winter months, while offering more competitive rates during off-peak times. Whitefish gets busy during the Summer and Winter months with dips in tourist traffic in Fall and Spring. Columbia Falls, on the other hand is a prime summer destination due to its location between Glacier National Park and Whitefish, but has very little tourism during the winter, as it’s further away from Whitefish Ski Resort than vacation rentals in Whitefish.
5. Creating a Destination, Not Just an Accommodation
In today’s competitive luxury rental market, it’s not enough to offer a beautiful home. To truly stand out, your property needs to feel like a destination in itself—a place where people want to come, not just a place to stay while they’re visiting Montana.
- Promoting Your Property: One of the best ways to turn your home into a must-visit destination is to promote it through multiple channels. In addition to listing it on popular booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, consider getting articles written about it in luxury travel magazines or local Montana blogs. These placements help build your property’s reputation as a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Social Media and Influencers: Today, social media plays a huge role in vacation planning. Consider creating dedicated social media accounts for your property, sharing photos of the home and the surrounding natural beauty. Partnering with travel influencers can help spread the word to the right audience, reaching guests who are looking for more than just a place to sleep—they’re looking for an experience. These influencers can showcase your property to their followers, highlighting why your home should be on their travel list.
6. Managing Guest Expectations
Luxury travelers expect seamless service. From the moment they book until the end of their stay, you need to provide a top-tier experience.
- Communication is Key: Be responsive to inquiries and provide detailed instructions to guests before they arrive. Make it easy for them to know what to expect, and keep the lines of communication open throughout their stay.
- Anticipating Needs: Think ahead and anticipate what guests might need. Whether it’s recommending local attractions, offering concierge-style services, or providing extra towels and blankets, going above and beyond ensures a flawless experience.
7. Handling Logistics Like a Pro
Running a luxury rental comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to logistics.
- Cleaning Services: Ensure that your cleaning service understands the high standards expected in a luxury rental. Every detail should be flawless, from the freshly made beds to spotless bathrooms. Guests will expect the same level of cleanliness they’d find in a 5-star hotel.
- Repairs and Emergencies: No one can predict when something might go wrong, but having reliable local vendors ready to step in is key. Be sure to have trusted repair professionals on call to handle any issues that arise.
- Sourcing and Managing Vendors: Keeping your property in top shape often requires working with a variety of local vendors. Whether it’s arranging for firewood deliveries to keep that cozy ambiance alive or ensuring snow removal is handled promptly during winter months, having trusted vendors you can count on is essential. Building these relationships ensures that your guests are never inconvenienced and your property is always ready for their arrival.
Turning Your Home Into a High-End Vacation Destination
Renting out your luxury home in Whitefish or Columbia Falls can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, but it’s not without its challenges. From decorating and furnishing your home to managing guests and handling the logistics, there’s a lot to manage. By ensuring that your property stands out as a destination, offering top-tier amenities, and creating a flawless guest experience, you can turn your vacation rental into a lucrative and enjoyable venture.
If you’re looking for expert help along the way, Ranch & Cabin, led by real estate veteran Sunny Valentino, is here to take care of all the details—from the essentials to the extraordinary. From designing and decorating the space for comfort and functionality for your guests, to comprehensive property management, we ensure your property is always in top condition and your guests receive an experience they won’t forget.