Creating a memorable AND comfortable guest experience is crucial in running a successful vacation rental. One of the most impactful but sometimes overlooked aspects of that guest experience are the linens that are provided.
Having crisp sheets and fluffy towels at the ready for your guests, especially those guests who are coming from quite a distance, is vital for their enjoyment of your home. We have found that providing linens has become more standard in recent years.
The vast majority of WeneedaVacation homeowners do offer linens. Our data: 50% of the homes listed on Cape Cod, 62% of homes listed on Martha’s Vineyard, and 98% of the homes listed on Nantucket provide linens.
Here are some essential tips to help you choose, manage, and present linens effectively:
Vacation Rental Linen Best Practices
Invest in High Quality Linens
Guests often associate the quality of linens with the overall comfort and luxury of their stay. Choose durable, soft, and easy-to-maintain materials such as:
- Sheets: Opt for cotton or microfiber with a thread count of at least 300.
- Towels: Look for plush, absorbent towels made from Egyptian or Turkish cotton.
- Pillowcases: Be sure they match the sheets and fit snugly to avoid wrinkling.
Provide Multiple Quantities
Stock your rental with sufficient linens for the maximum number of guests. A good rule of thumb is to provide:
- 2-3 sets of sheets per bed
- 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel, and 1 washcloth per guest
- Spare blankets and pillows for added comfort
If you plan to provide your own linens, we suggest keeping surplus linens in a locked “owners closet.” This will help ensure that you have a rotating supply during turnovers.
Presentation
First impressions matter. Be sure your linens are:
- Freshly Laundered: Use hypoallergenic detergents and avoid overpowering scents.
- Well-Ironed: Neatly pressed sheets and pillowcases give a polished look.
- Beautifully Arranged: Fold towels neatly or display them creatively (e.g., rolled and stacked).
Additional tips to consider:
- Offer disposable makeup wipes in the bathrooms to avoid unnecessary stains on towels.
- Consider purchasing mattress and pillow protectors. This will increase the longevity and cleanliness of these items.
- Consider duvet covers for your beds. These are much easier to clean and less bulky than washing the comforters they cover.
Tips for Hiring a Professional Linen Service
You may decide to hire a linen rental company to provide your home with the needed supplies for incoming guests. While this is an added overhead cost, it can save you or your cleaning crew a great deal of time. Most linen companies provide professionally laundered, high-quality linens, which helps with that great first impression. They will take care of tracking inventory for you, and make sure that you always have enough linens for your guests.
If you hire a company to provide linens, keep these key things in mind:
- Ensure that the company provides high-quality linens that align with the experience you want for your guests.
- Choose a company that has a reliable delivery schedule that will meet your turnover needs.
- Compare costs with other local companies and look for the best fit for the services you want to provide.
- Check reviews and ask fellow vacation rental owners for their recommendations for companies they have used and trust.
If you're looking for a local linen company, consider: Auntie Vi's Cape Cod Rentals, Cape Cod Linen Rental, Cape Linen Rentals, Essential Rentals, The Furies Linen Rentals, Linen Drops, and Martha's Linen Rentals.
Whether you choose to provide your own linens, hire a rental company, or have your guests bring their own, clearly explain your process on your listing so that your guests will know what to expect. Having a clearly laid out plan for your linen needs will lead to less stress on your part as the host and a smooth and pleasant experience for the guests.