Staying Ahead in the Property Game... from a Sun Lounger

I started writing this post whilst I was in Prague, then finished it from a hotel balcony in Marbella, as the sun set. Glorious!

Roughly once a month, me & my PolkaStays business partner, Jason Owen , go abroad to get our heads together, and get down to work.

A change of scenery, a dose of sunshine Vitamin D, and giving ourselves the space & time to focus, all helps us to grow the business.

Why am I telling you this? Well, it’s not because I (just) want you to compliment my sun tan…

…It’s actually because it clearly demonstrates the way we travel, and what we need from holiday accommodation, is changing.

If your business involves property - whether you’re flipping, running a holiday let, managing a short-term rental or overseeing a serviced accommodation empire – you’ll know that the sector is constantly evolving.

And travelling, while working, has reminded me why it's crucial to stay ahead of changing traveller preferences, technological advancements, and broader market trends.

The Rise of Remote Work and Extended Stays

With remote work becoming a permanent fixture for many, including me, there’s a growing demand for longer stays in serviced accommodations. Travellers are looking for properties that offer a comfortable, home-like environment where they can balance work, and leisure.

If you really want to cater to the growing demand of remote workers, there are some real, non-negotiables you need to provide.

• High-Speed Internet – Remote working means tonnes of video calls, streaming and downloading. Upgrading your internet package is a worthwhile investment.
• Workspaces – No one wants to video call their boss perched on the bed. Provide designated work areas with ergonomic furniture. And don’t forget to add this onto your property adverts. Take pictures that highlight the workspace, and tick the box under ‘Amenities’ on your profile on your booking platform.
• Home Comforts – I’m not doing any work without decent coffee, and I need an iron & ironing board for those video meetings that require a shirt. Equip your property with amenities that make longer stays enjoyable, such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

And speaking of guest comfort, if you want to get ahead of the competition and provide the very best service for your guests, the next industry trend is a no-brainer.

Technological Integration

Technology continues to revolutionise the hospitality industry. Integrating smart technology into your property not only improves operational efficiency, if used correctly, it can also enhance the guest experience.

• Guest Apps or Online Guides – If you have a system that allows guests to manage their stay, access local information, and communicate with you easily, you’re on to a winner. Creating an Info Pack filled with personal recommendations and top tips is great… but if your guest can only read it as a print out, when they’re sat in the accommodation, then it’s pretty useless. Make it easy for them to access the information, anytime, anywhere.
• Smart Home Devices – Some of the biggest issues I hear from people running their first holiday let could be easily resolved by incorporating smart locks, lighting, and thermostats. You shouldn’t need to have to be available at any time of the day or night to check in a guest, nor should you have a huge shock when the electric bill comes in after a guest turned the heating up to 35 degrees and left all the windows open. Tech is your friend, and it makes the guest’s experience seamless.
• Virtual Tours – Use virtual tours to give potential guests a comprehensive view of your property. Not only does this really show off all the amazing facilities and amenities you have on offer, it also gives the guest a much more comprehensive understanding of what you offer. If they know what to expect, they’re going to be happier. Happier guest equals better reviews, equals maximised bookings.

And the final industry trend that I’m absolutely loving as I’m on my travels, and will be implementing more & more in our accommodation –

Personalised Service

It’s not just me who loves a unique, personalised experience when I’m on holiday. Travellers today love to know they’re getting an authentic experience. If you understand your guests’ preferences and can tailor their stay accordingly, they’ll be more likely to recommend you to friends, and be loyal customers to your business in the future. So, how can you find out more about your guests, before they arrive?

• Pre-Arrival Surveys - If you’ve added more technology to your business, you should be able to automate sending out surveys pre-arrival, to learn about your guests’ preferences and needs.
• Tailored Recommendations – An Online Guide is quick & easy to update with local recommendations based on your guest interests. If you stay up-to-date with local events, guests will love to receive messages throughout their stay about what’s going on that week.

There are so many more developments I could mention, from sustainable travel, to travel bloggers, from experiential holidays to co-living communities…

But I’ll leave it there for today. I’m off to a sun lounger to finish off my final emails, and I'll be back in the UK by the time you read this.

Dean