Want Guests to Come Back? Start Here.

These 5 guest loyalty tips are simple, smart, and surprisingly doable—even without a big budget.

If you've ever wondered why some vacation rental guests return year after year—and others disappear without a word—this one’s for you.

I came across this Barefoot blog post and wanted to break it down with a few key takeaways. It’s not fluff or loyalty-card jargon. It’s about real connection, which just so happens to be the heart of hospitality.

Here’s what stood out:

💬 Communicate like a human.
Guests don’t want radio silence, but they also don’t want inbox overload. The key is thoughtful, timely messages—before, during, and after their stay at your rental property.

🌱 Personal touches > generic perks.
A handwritten note, remembering a returning guest’s favorite room, or suggesting a local hidden gem—that’s what makes an impression.

🌍 Bring in your local partners.
Offer discounts or curated experiences through local businesses. It not only supports your community, it makes guests feel like insiders.

🏠 Empower your team.
Great guest experiences don’t just come from the front desk or host. Housekeeping, maintenance, everyone shapes how the stay feels.

🤝 Be real, not flashy.
Loyalty isn’t built on gimmicks—it’s built on trust, value, and showing up consistently.