Rentec Direct recently published a list of 2020 emerging COVID travel trends for short-term rentals. One of these big trends: Dorm Room Alternatives. “Some students have been displaced from their school dormitory into a city that might not have the capacity for finding suitable accommodations, “notes Rentec Direct contributor Heather Peake. “A vacation rental may afford them access to housing without the constraints of having typical criteria such as rental history, good and/or established credit, or any other base-line qualifications.”
If your vacation rental is near a college or university and you want to ramp up your bookings, simply advertise that college students are welcome. Take it the next level by incorporating some of these top college housing trends from Clark Nexsen Student Life and the Multi-Family Executive: Sustainability, Digital Fitness, and Key-less Entries. Let’s dive into each of these trends, what they mean, and how you can implement them using Amazon.
Sustainability
“GenZ has grown up in an era of continuous discussion of civic responsibility and the importance of protecting our environment,” writes Peter Aranyi, Clark Nexen contributor. He further advises college housing facilities to make green choices such as LED lighting and low-flow shower heads. Here are some Amazon products to help you with this trend:
This eco-friendly, water-conservation shower head displays real-time water usage data. It fits all standard shower arms and is powered by hydroelectric power- no need for batteries.
Great Eagle A19 LED Light Bulbs
These energy efficient light bulbs boast up to 85% saving on utilities as well as the ability to last up to 9 years.
Digital Fitness
Fitness centers are becoming an expectation in student housing facilities, according to the Multi-Family Executive. Now what is really standing out as an emerging trend is on-demand fitness. These Amazon products will help you offer digital fitness in your vacation rental:
The Schwinn Indoor Bike Series uses Bluetooth technology to connect to a variety of fitness apps. You can provide the bike, and tenants can connect to their own devices. Bonus, this appeals to a much broader pool than just college students.
Key-less Entry
Multi-Family Executive found that many colleges are turning to key-less entry on campus buildings, and student housing is following suit. Not only will not worrying about keys appeal to student renters, but also it will be a much more seamless management program for vacation rental owners. Here are some easy Amazon options to make your rentals key-less:
Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt
This keypad deadbolt comes with the option of a key or a code, so you have flexibility. Plus, it comes in six colors and is highly secure, boasting 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Bluetooth Smart Lock
This smart lock makes your smartphone your new key with the options to purchase fobs or digital keys instead. Key access can be reset at any time, and SmartKey technology enables users to manage locks remotely.
Learn more about some of the pros and cons of renting to college students. For more vacation rental items and tips, see our "Vacation Rental" section of our blog. For additional resources to help you grow your rental portfolio, see our Resources Page.
