How to Make Your Cape Cod Vacation Rental Stand Out

Congratulations on your new Cape Cod rental property! Whether you’re turning a beloved family cottage into an Airbnb or have just purchased a beach house to rent out, making it stand out in the crowded short-term rental market is key. By optimizing your interior design, offering must-have amenities, and adding small thoughtful touches, you can increase bookings and delight your guests. This guide will walk you through embracing the Cape Cod style, equipping your home with essential comforts, and creating a memorable stay that gets those five-star reviews. Let’s dive in with a friendly, conversational approach to get your Cape Cod rental ready for success!

Embrace the Cape Cod Style in Your Interior Design

Cape Cod homes are famous for their charming coastal style, so lean into that aesthetic when decorating your rental. Guests choose Cape Cod for its New England beach cottage vibe, and your interior design can reflect that charm:

Light & Airy Colors: Stick to a breezy color palette inspired by the sea and sand. Think soft whites, creams, and sandy beiges paired with muted blues and greens that echo the ocean and dunes. Cape Cod interiors traditionally feel bright and open, with natural light pouring in. Use lightweight curtains or blinds to let the sunshine in and make spaces feel larger.

Natural Materials: Incorporate wood, wicker, and cotton/linen fabrics for a relaxed coastal feel. Exposed wood beams or shiplap walls can add character – shiplap paneling is a Cape Cod staple that brings texture and a cottage vibe . Woven jute rugs, rattan chairs, and driftwood accents all nod to the natural surroundings.

Comfortable, Classic Furniture: Cape Cod style favors simple, traditional furniture with a cozy touch. Plush sofas, overstuffed armchairs, and solid wood pieces (oak or pine) create a warm, inviting atmosphere . Aim for comfort and durability – a slipcovered couch in a neutral tone or a farmhouse-style dining table can endure guest use while looking timeless.

Coastal Accents (But Don’t Overdo It): A few well-placed nautical or beach-themed decor pieces will remind guests they’re on Cape Cod without feeling kitschy. For example, you might hang a vintage oar on the wall, display a bowl of shells, or use throw pillows with subtle coral or anchor motifs. Cape Cod design welcomes maritime artwork, striped patterns, seashells or coral sculptures – but use them as accents for charm. A little goes a long way; you want a homey, coastal feel, not a theme park.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Keep décor minimal yet homey. Guests love a lived-in feel but not personal clutter. Remove family photos or highly personal items – renters want to imagine it as their vacation home, not feel like they’re intruding. Clear out knick-knacks and leave some open space for guests’ belongings. Each room should feel welcoming and usable, with just enough decor to add character.

Local Touches: Consider incorporating local art or Cape Cod memorabilia. Maybe a framed vintage map of Cape Cod, paintings of a Chatham lighthouse, or a coffee table book on Cape Cod history. These pieces not only support local artists but also spark conversations and deepen the guest’s sense of place.

Maintain the Charm in Updates: If your property is an older Cape Cod cottage, preserve unique architectural features like exposed beams or a brick fireplace – these are part of the charm! Give that fireplace a starring role with a fresh coat of paint on the mantel or some coastal decor on top (like a lantern or small ship model). Modern amenities can be added without losing the character. For instance, a new ductless AC can keep guests cool, and you can hide its indoor unit with clever placement so it doesn’t detract from the aesthetics.

By thoughtfully designing your interior in a classic Cape Cod style, you create an ambiance that sets your rental apart. A balance of coastal charm and comfort will make guests instantly feel on vacation in your space.

Offer Must-Have Amenities that Guests Expect

Interior design draws guests in, but amenities make them book and leave great reviews. Today’s travelers often filter Airbnb or short-term rental listings by amenities – failing to meet expectations can cost you bookings. Ensure your Cape Cod rental provides all the essentials (and a few extras) so guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

Here’s a checklist of must-have amenities and small upgrades to consider:

Fast Wi-Fi & Tech: Nearly every guest expects free high-speed Wi-Fi – essential for streaming, work, and sharing those vacation photos. A smart TV with access to Netflix/Disney+ (or basic cable) is another baseline expectation. Consider a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar so guests can play music. If you want to stand out, a small work desk or workspace with accessible outlets can attract remote workers or planners of the group.

Self Check-In: Install a smart lock or lockbox for 24-hour keyless entry. This convenience lets guests arrive on their own schedule (especially helpful for late check-ins) and starts their stay off smoothly.

Climate Control: Cape Cod summers are warm and winters can be chilly. Provide air conditioning (at least window units or ductless AC in summer) and reliable heat in cooler months. If your home lacks central AC, ceiling fans and portable fans in bedrooms are appreciated. Don’t forget screens on windows so guests can enjoy ocean breezes without bugs.

Quality Bedding & Towels: Invest in comfortable mattresses and replace bedding regularly so it stays fresh. Offer at least two pillows per guest (some like firm, some soft). Linens should be hotel-quality cotton or microfiber – soft and clean. The same goes for towels: provide ample fresh bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, plus beach towels for outings. These details make guests feel cared for.

Stocked Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen is a huge draw for vacation rentals. At minimum, include a coffee maker (and maybe some starter coffee/filters), a tea kettle, toaster, microwave, and basic cooking appliances like a stove and fridge. Stock up on pots, pans, baking sheets, cutting boards, sharp knives, and plenty of utensils. Don’t forget bottle opener, corkscrew, can opener, and scissors. Provide dishes, glasses, mugs, and cutlery in higher quantities than the max guest count (to cover for a full day’s meals). Small but useful additions: tupperware for leftovers, a blender for smoothies, a grill set if you have a BBQ, and storage containers. A dishwasher (if available) or at least a drying rack and dish soap make cleanup easier. Bonus: leave basic cooking essentials like salt, pepper, cooking oil, and a few spices, plus coffee/tea and sugar. Guests love not having to buy an entire bottle of olive oil for a short stay.

Bathroom Essentials: Nobody wants to run out to buy soap on day one, so provide toiletries. Stock hand soap, body wash or bar soap, shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Add a hairdryer, plenty of toilet paper (store extra rolls under the sink), and a few extras like cotton swabs or travel-size toothpaste. If you really want to impress, luxurious touches like bath bombs or a basket of travel-size sunscreen and aloe (for after sun) show extra care.

Washer/Dryer (and Supplies): If your rental has laundry, make it guest-accessible and leave detergent and dryer sheets. After beach days, guests appreciate being able to wash towels. If no laundry on-site, provide info on the nearest laundromat and maybe a roll of quarters.

Living Room Comforts: Make the living area a place to relax after a day at the beach. A large smart TV with streaming, some books or magazines about the Cape, and a collection of board games or puzzles for family fun on a rainy day can be a nice touch. Guests also love local guidebooks or a binder with recommended restaurants and activities.

Outdoor Amenities: Cape Cod is all about indoor-outdoor living in summer. If you have a deck or yard, furnish it! Provide outdoor seating (Adirondack chairs or a patio set) for morning coffee or evening cocktails outside. A grill is a big plus for summer rentals – ensure it’s clean, with propane or charcoal provided (and tools for grilling). An outdoor shower is a quintessential Cape Cod feature – if you have one, highlight it in your listing, and make sure it’s clean and private for rinsing off sand.

Beach Gear: Many Cape Cod visitors are here for the beach, but they can’t pack everything on a plane. Consider providing beach chairs, a beach umbrella, a cooler, and beach toys (buckets, shovels, frisbee). A beach cart or wagon to haul gear is a huge bonus for families. These extras greatly enhance the stay and make your rental more appealing in search filters (travelers often filter for “beach equipment provided”).

Family-Friendly Items: If you want to attract families, think about a few amenities for kids: a high chair, a Pack ‘n Play crib, outlet covers, even a baby gate if your home has stairs. Small sand toys or board games for various ages can help parents travel lighter and keep kids entertained.

Safety and Convenience: Don’t overlook safety basics. Have a first aid kit handy, fire extinguishers on each floor, working smoke and CO detectors, and if your area requires it, things like a parking permit or beach pass available for guests. A list of emergency numbers and a clear house manual (with trash pickup days, Wi-Fi password, etc.) is essential. Also, a list of local contacts (hospital, 24-hour pharmacy, maybe your preferred handyman) can be very reassuring to guests.

Cleanliness: Okay, cleanliness isn’t a physical “amenity,” but it is absolutely expected and crucial. No amount of cute décor will matter if your rental isn’t sparkling clean . Hire professional cleaners or do an extremely thorough job yourself between guests: fresh linens, no mildew in the shower, no sand on the floors, and a fridge free of old food. A clean home not only gets good reviews, it is an amenity – it shows you care.

By covering these bases, your guests can relax and enjoy their vacation without little inconveniences. When they find a rental that anticipates their needs (from kitchenware to beach fun), they’re more likely to book, leave positive reviews, and come back next year. It’s all about making your Cape Cod Airbnb feel like a home away from home, with all the comforts ready and waiting.

Add Thoughtful Touches for a Memorable Stay

Once you’ve nailed the essentials, sprinkle in some surprise-and-delight touches that guests will rave about. These don’t have to be expensive – it’s often the little things and local flair that create a lasting impression. Here are ideas for thoughtful details that can turn a great stay into an unforgettable one:

Warm Welcome: Greet guests (literally or figuratively) with Cape Cod hospitality. A hand-written welcome note on the kitchen counter can set a warm tone. Thank them for choosing your home and maybe mention a couple of your favorite nearby spots (“Be sure to catch the sunset at Skaket Beach – it’s amazing!”). Some hosts also leave a small welcome gift or basket, like a bottle of local wine, a few K-cups for the coffee maker, or goodies from a neighborhood bakery. This personal touch can wow guests and starts the stay with a smile.

Local Guide & Tips: Create a binder or digital guide with your local recommendations – the best seafood shacks, hidden-gem beaches, hiking trails, bike rental shops, etc. Include take-out menus, maps of the area, and info on upcoming local events. Guests will appreciate insider info that saves them research time. You can even go the extra mile with a custom Google Map you’ve made of favorite places.

Thoughtful Toiletries and Supplies: In addition to basic toiletries, consider adding a basket of extras that travelers often forget. Things like spare toothbrushes, razors, tampons, sunscreen, or bug spray can be lifesavers for guests. These low-cost items show that you’ve really thought about their experience. High-end hand soaps or a lovely lotion in the bathroom can also give a little luxury hotel vibe.

Snacks and Drinks: Many hosts set out a few complimentary snacks. Cape Cod potato chips and Cape Cod Beer (if you leave alcohol) are on-theme options. Even a bowl of fresh fruit or granola bars and bottled water can be a relief if guests arrive late and hungry. A coffee/tea station with a variety of teas, maybe some hot cocoa packets for kids, and all the fixings (sugar, creamer) is always appreciated.

Seasonal Touches: Tailor your thoughtful touches to the season. In summer, perhaps provide beach towels and a small cooler (as mentioned) or even free beach parking passes if your town offers them to residents. In the fall or winter, set out a throw blanket by the couch and maybe a couple of packets of gourmet hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice coffee blend. If it’s the holiday season, a small decorative wreath or some string lights can make the space festive.

Ambiance Extras: Little details can enhance the ambiance. Leave a few candles (or safer LED candles) for cozy evenings. Provide a Bluetooth speaker for music. If your rental has a fireplace, have it cleaned and leave some firewood or Duraflame logs so guests can enjoy a fire on chilly nights (along with instructions for safety). Outside, consider outdoor lighting like fairy lights on the deck or path lights – it makes returning at night welcoming and magical.

Family-Friendly Details: If you know a family is coming, you might set out a few children’s books or coloring books. For pet-friendly rentals, maybe a couple of dog treats or an old towel labeled “dog towel” for wiping off sandy paws. These aren’t expected, but when provided, they wow the subset of guests who need them.

Impeccable Bed Presentation: This might sound odd, but how you present the beds can stick in guests’ minds. Hotels do “hospital corners” and fancy folds – you can simply ensure the bed is made neatly and invitingly. Plump those pillows, maybe add a throw at the foot of the bed. Some hosts even fold the end of the toilet paper roll into a triangle like hotels do – it subconsciously signals a high standard of care.

Guest Book: Leave a guest book for visitors to sign and share a note about their stay. Not only is it heartwarming to read their gratitude and fun experiences, but future guests enjoy browsing it too. It creates a sense of community – a line of happy travelers who have made memories in your home.

These thoughtful touches don’t cost much in time or money, but they pay huge dividends in guest satisfaction. Travelers often mention these surprises in reviews – “The host left us a welcome basket with local goodies!” – which can make your listing shine. Remember, guests are looking for “an experience they won’t soon forget,” and every time you exceed their expectations, you increase your chances of a glowing 5-star review.

Present Your Rental with Great Photos and Details

We’d be remiss not to mention one of the biggest factors in increasing bookings: how you showcase all these wonderful features in your listing. After you’ve optimized the design, amenities, and special touches, make sure to capture them with high-quality photos and an informative listing description.

Hire a Pro Photographer: Professional photos can dramatically improve your listing’s click-through rate. Bright, wide-angle shots of each room (staged neatly) will do justice to your interior design. Include photos of the cozy living room, the inviting bedrooms, the sparkling kitchen, and those thoughtful extras (yes, snap a pic of your welcome basket or the beach gear neatly arranged!). Don’t forget exterior shots – a photo of your Cape Cod cottage with hydrangeas in bloom or the back deck with patio furniture can sell the outdoor experience.

Stage for the Shoot: Before photographing, stage the space as you want guests to see it. Open all curtains/blinds to let light in. Add a pop of color with a bowl of lemons in the kitchen or a vase of wildflowers on the table. Make the beds hotel-style. Set up a beach chair and umbrella in the yard if you advertise those amenities. Little details in photos help guests imagine their vacation.

Highlight Key Amenities in Text: In your Airbnb or listing description, brag about the amenities and design choices you’ve made. Use those SEO-friendly terms: “Newly renovated Cape Cod cottage with light-filled coastal decor,” “Fully stocked kitchen with Keurig, blender, and all essentials,” “High-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV with Netflix, and short-term rental friendly features like keyless entry.” Mention the beach gear, the outdoor shower, the fireplace – anything that sets you apart. This not only improves your search visibility but also ensures no perk goes unnoticed by potential renters.

Use Descriptive, Evocative Language: You’re not just selling a house; you’re selling a Cape Cod experience. Phrases like “cozy Cape Cod retreat steps from the beach” or “charming coastal cottage with modern comforts” can paint a picture. Describe how guests can “enjoy morning coffee on the sunny deck” or “bike to the nearby lighthouse with the cruiser bikes provided.” By the time they finish reading, they should be picturing themselves there, loving it.

Finally, keep an eye on feedback once you start hosting. Guests might mention something they wished you had, which could be your next improvement project. Over time, you’ll fine-tune your offering and really dial in what your target guests want.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone

Outfitting and managing a vacation rental is a lot of work – especially if you’re new to it. The good news is you don’t have to manage it alone. While you focus on creating a beautiful space, a service like Capehost.ai can help handle the rest. From optimizing your listing and pricing to communicating with guests and coordinating turnovers, Capehost.ai is like your dedicated co-host, making your life easier and your rental more profitable.

Ready to turn your Cape Cod home into a high-performing vacation rental? List with hCapeost.ai and let our experts help you every step of the way. Don’t miss out on higher earnings and peace of mind – join CapeHost.ai today and watch your bookings soar!

By combining your personal touch in design and amenities with professional support in management, your Cape Cod rental will truly stand out. Here’s to a booked-solid calendar and happy guests who can’t wait to return next summer. 🏖️