As of April 2024, the Pocono Mountains rental market remains highly competitive, with 3,400 active listings, as reported by Wheelhouse. Ensuring that your vacation home stands out is crucial to navigating this landscape successfully. Regardless of its size, the design and amenities you offer can significantly impact its appeal in a crowded market.

According to data from the Pocono Mountains Visitor Bureau, over 30 million visitors flock to the region annually, with 35% seeking overnight accommodations. In such a bustling market, how can you ensure your property shines on Airbnb search rankings?

It's no secret that securing a spot on the first page of search results is paramount. Reports suggest that 75% of bookings occur on pages 1 or 2 of someone’s search on Airbnb. At Pocono Lodging Co. we employ tools like Rank Breeze and Intellihost to ensure we achieve and maintain this visibility. Both of them offer free trials, so if you have a listing that is not performing how you think it should, reviewing the data provided by these services will be well worth your time! These tools help ensure that the homes we manage consistently appear on these crucial pages, contributing to our 65%+ average occupancy across all properties we manage. This performance consistently outpaces the market by 20% - 30% overall revenue. Where you rank is a combination of a number of factors, but the amenities your home is equipped with is one of the most crucial.

Now, let's delve into the top 10 amenities desired by guests in the Pocono Mountains, along with their projected revenue impact:

1. Waterfront: Offering direct access to a lake, river, or pond can elevate the guest experience, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Guests are willing to pay a premium for waterfront properties, with the potential to increase annual revenue by an impressive $66,307.

2. Hot Tub: A hot tub promises an indulgent retreat for guests, allowing them to unwind and soak up the mountain scenery in ultimate comfort. This coveted amenity can boost annual revenue by $23,476, appealing to those seeking relaxation and luxury. Across all of our listings, we have seen instances of revenue increasing by up to 50% after adding a hot tub. Aqua Living is typically the brand we recommend if your home is in the Poconos and you want to add a hot tub. They have several local show rooms and delivery options to many areas in the Poconos.

3. Sauna: Incorporating a sauna adds a touch of luxury and wellness to your property, providing guests with a rejuvenating experience after a day of outdoor adventures. With the potential to increase annual revenue by $18,147, a sauna appeals to health-conscious travelers seeking holistic relaxation.

4. BBQ: Enhance outdoor living experiences with a barbecue grill, allowing guests to savor delicious meals amidst the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. This amenity can increase annual revenue by $14,233, catering to guests' desire for al fresco dining and socializing.

5. Fully Equipped Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen is a cornerstone of the vacation rental experience, offering guests the freedom to prepare meals and enjoy home-cooked favorites during their stay. Modern appliances, cookware, and utensils enhance convenience and comfort, contributing to overall guest satisfaction. If you’re asking, “What is a fully equipped kitchen?” Take a look at our furnishing checklist and see what should be included!

6. Outdoor Deck or Patio: A spacious outdoor deck or patio extends the living space of your rental property, providing guests with a scenic backdrop for relaxation and entertainment. Furnish it with comfortable seating, a dining area, and a fire pit to create an inviting outdoor oasis. Adding things like bistro lights can really add a ton to a listing.

7. High-Speed Internet: In today's digital age, high-speed Internet is a non-negotiable amenity for guests seeking leisure and productivity during their stay. Whether streaming movies, staying connected with loved ones, or catching up on work emails, reliable internet access is essential for a seamless guest experience.

8. Game Room or Entertainment Area: Keep guests entertained, rain or shine, with a dedicated game room or entertainment area. Stock it with board games, a pool table, foosball, video game consoles, or even a home theater system for movie nights, providing endless entertainment options for guests of all ages.

9. Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Allow pets at your property to cater to pet owners, which can significantly expand your potential guest base. Considering that only around 50% of listings permit pets in the Pocono Mountains, offering pet-friendly accommodations sets your property apart and can increase annual revenue by approximately $4,620.

10. Self-Check-In: Streamline the check-in process and offer guests greater flexibility and convenience with self-check-in options. Utilize keyless entry systems or smart lock technology to allow guests to access the property conveniently, reducing friction and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Implementing these top 10 amenities enhances the guest experience and increases the likelihood of securing bookings and maximizing revenue potential. By staying attuned to market trends and guest preferences, you can position your Pocono Mountain vacation rental for success in a competitive landscape.