Posted by Taylor

5 Tips to Make Your Destin Rental Stand Out from the Competition

By implementing strategic changes and offering desirable amenities, you can attract more bookings to your Destin rental and deliver a stellar guest experience. Discover expert tips to help you elevate your property and outshine the competition.

Are you the owner of a vacation rental? Here's the thing: no matter where it's located, Montana, the Outer Banks, or the Emerald Coast, you should always look for ways to stand out in this highly competitive market.

If you own a rental in Destin, you already know the short-term rental market in Florida is fiercely competitive. Staying ahead means understanding current trends and adapting your property to meet the expectations of modern travelers.

Here's your sneak peek at the tips coming up:

  1. Keep Your Rental Fresh and Stylish: Refresh décor and furniture regularly to create a stylish, welcoming space that wows guests.

  2. Turn Extra Space into a Guest Hangout: Turn unused areas, like garages, into fun spaces with games and seating for families.

  3. Upgrade Entertainment with Smart Tech: Install Roku Smart TVs and provide hassle-free streaming to enhance guest comfort.

  4. Market Your Views Like a Pro: Highlight beach or water views with professional photos and vivid storytelling.

  5. Make a Pool Your Star Amenity: Offer a private or shared pool and market it year-round to attract bookings.


At Real Joy, we've spent years managing properties right here in the Emerald Coast, and we know exactly what it takes to help them thrive. We're not shy about sharing what we've learned along the way!

In this blog, I'll share five tips to help you take your Destin rental to the next level and stay ahead of the competition.

Let's jump into the details!

1. Keep Your Rental Fresh and Stylish

The way your rental looks can make or break a guest's first impression. A modern, polished space not only attracts bookings but also sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. Keeping your property fresh and stylish takes more than a one-time update; it's an ongoing effort that pays off with happy guests and glowing reviews.

Valuable Tips

  • Update furniture and décor to reflect current design trends.

  • Replace worn or dated items every few years to keep the space looking fresh.

  • Focus on creating a warm, inviting, and memorable atmosphere.

  • Use small touches like modern lighting, art, and textiles to elevate the space.

  • Regularly assess the overall look to ensure it stays appealing to new guests.

Key Takeaways

  • A modern and well-maintained aesthetic attracts discerning guests.
  • Consistent updates help your rental stay competitive in a crowded market.
  • A beautiful space enhances the guest experience and leads to better reviews.
  • Thoughtful design choices can translate into more bookings and higher revenue.

2. Turn Extra Space into a Guest Hangout

If you own a vacation rental in Destin, especially a townhouse or single-family home, your garage can be more than just a storage spot. Turning it into a fun and functional hang-out space instantly adds value to your property. Guests, especially families, love having an extra area to relax and play, which makes your rental stand out in a crowded market.

Valuable Tips

  • Repurpose the garage into a kid-friendly game room or hang-out zone.

  • Add easy entertainment like ping pong, ladder ball, or a small basketball hoop.

  • Keep the space clean and organized to enhance your property's overall look.

  • Include a shaded seating area to create a retreat from the Florida sun.

  • Promote the garage as a bonus feature in your listing to attract family bookings.

Key Takeaways

  • A converted garage makes your property more appealing to families.
  • Simple games and seating can turn unused space into a vacation highlight.
  • Guests love rentals that offer fun and functional extras beyond the basics.
  • Highlighting this feature in your marketing can help your rental outshine the competition. 

3. Upgrade Entertainment with Smart Tech

Travelers today expect comfort, convenience, and smart technology when booking a vacation rental. Equipping your Destin property with Roku Smart TVs is an easy way to elevate your guest experience. These TVs provide hassle-free entertainment, add extra value to your rental, and make your property feel modern and guest-focused.

Valuable Tips

    • Upgrade to Roku Smart TVs: Give guests a sleek, user-friendly entertainment setup with access to tons of streaming options.

    • Use Guest Login Mode: Skip the messy personal logins. Guests can sign in instantly and enjoy their favorite shows without frustration. 

    • Streamline the Check-In Experience: Guests can start relaxing right away instead of figuring out complicated TV setups. 

    • Offer Free Entertainment Channels: Roku provides a variety of complimentary channels, giving guests endless viewing options. 

    •  Leverage Tech for Better Reviews: Modern, convenient amenities often translate to positive reviews and repeat bookings.

    Key Takeaways

    • Guests love simple, ready-to-use entertainment options.
    • Hassle-free check-in and streaming can set your property apart.
    • Smart TVs create a modern, guest-focused experience that drives satisfaction.
    • Positive reviews from happy guests can boost bookings and your property's reputation. 

    4. Market Your Views Like a Pro

    Beach views are one of the biggest draws for vacation rentals. Travelers are naturally drawn to the sight of rolling waves, colorful sunsets, and the calm that only the ocean can bring. Highlighting these views in your marketing not only boosts your property's appeal but also helps guests picture the relaxing escape that awaits them.

    Valuable Tips

    • Capture professional photos of your property's best views, including sunrise and sunset angles.

    • Show the experience, not just the view; include shots of balconies, hammocks, or patios overlooking the water.

    • Use descriptive, sensory language in your listing to evoke the sounds and feelings of staying near the ocean.

    • Incorporate your views across platforms, your website, booking platforms, and social media posts.

    • Create a visual story that helps guests imagine their getaway before they even book.  

    Key Takeaways

    • Beach views are a top feature guests actively seek.
    • Professional photography and storytelling make your property stand out.
    • Highlighting emotional experiences can increase bookings.
    • Strategic marketing of your views can significantly boost your rental's perceived value.

    5. Make a Pool Your Star Amenity

    Adding a pool to your Destin rental, or giving guests easy access to a communal one, is more than just a perk. It's a smart move that makes your property stand out, boosts its appeal, and keeps guests coming back. A well-marketed pool can transform your rental into a year-round getaway for travelers seeking relaxation and fun in the sun.

    Valuable Tips

    • Offer a private pool or clear access to a communal pool to make your rental more attractive.

    • Highlight pool features in your listing, such as heating, lighting, or safety measures.

    • Emphasize that your pool is enjoyable year-round, not just in summer.

    • Use photos of your pool during the day and evening to showcase its full appeal.

    • Mention how a pool adds convenience and comfort for families and groups.

    Key Takeaways

  • A pool is a highly desirable amenity that boosts bookings and guest satisfaction.
  • Year-round pool appeal helps your rental stay competitive outside peak season.
  • Great marketing and strong visuals are key to turning your pool into a selling point.

  • Make Your Rental a Guest Magnet

    Partner with Real Joy for expert property management in Destin, FL. From maximizing revenue to creating memorable guest experiences, we ensure your property thrives. Try our free rental projector today.





    Previous How to Stay Away from Property Managers with Hidden Fees How to Clean Your Destin Vacation Rental Like a Pro Next