Owning a vacation home in Central Florida is more than just an investment, it's a business. And to run it successfully, you need a smart booking and marketing strategy, strong communication systems, and a guest-first mindset that keeps those 5-star reviews rolling in ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Whether you're new to vacation rentals or a seasoned host looking to improve your results, here are the top tools, tactics, and lesser-known secrets for getting more bookings, more revenue, and happier guests in 2025 and beyond.
📣 1. List on the Right Booking Sites, but Don’t Stop There
Yes, Airbnb and Vrbo are household names, but relying on one site is leaving money on the table.
Best booking sites for exposure:
✅ Airbnb
✅ Vrbo
✅ Booking.com
✅ Marriott Homes & Villas (for upscale homes)
✅ Google Vacation Rentals (yes, Google now lists rentals!)
✅ Houfy (great for direct bookings — no guest fees!)
✅ FloridaRentals.com (niche, but well-targeted)
Pro Tip: Create a direct booking website and drive repeat guests there to avoid third-party fees. This builds loyalty and puts more money in your pocket 💰.
📸 2. Photos and Video Tours Are Your Secret Weapon
Listings with professional photos outperform others by a mile. But in 2025, it’s not just about photos, it's about experiences.
✔️ Use a floating video tour
✔️ Include twilight images for wow factor
✔️ Add aerial drone footage if you’re near water, parks, or attractions
✔️ Stage your home like a magazine shoot, clutter-free and cozy
💡 Bonus: Create a 30-second vertical video and upload it to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook Reels with trending music and location hashtags. You'd be surprised how many bookings come from a scroll!
🛎️ 3. Guest Communication Is a Game-Changer
Fast, friendly communication = better reviews and better rankings in search.
Top tools:
📱 Hospitable.com (formerly Smartbnb) – auto-messages, FAQs, and team coordination
📲 YourWelcome tablet – a digital concierge for the home
🧠 ChatGPT-style autoresponders (use AI to draft instant answers)
Questions to prepare answers for:
“How far to Disney?”
“Is the pool heated?”
“Can we check in early?”
“Do you have beach gear or a pack ’n play?”
💡 Insider Tip: Create a saved message bank for each platform. Responding within 1 hour improves your Airbnb response score and boosts visibility.
🧼 4. Make Your Home Stand Out With Little Touches
It’s often the small things that turn a good stay into a great one.
🏖️ Stock it like a resort:
Pool towels
Basic toiletries
Coffee & tea station
A welcome snack or bottle of water
📕 Create a house manual (digital or printed):
Wi-Fi code
TV instructions
Trash day
Local restaurant and park recs
Add some “surprise and delight” think Disney-themed towels, a family board game drawer, or seasonal décor.
🛎️ Our Team at Vacay & Co Real Estate
We love sharing informative Resources for all of our Clients!
Grab our FREE WELCOME BOOK (fully editable in Canva so you can fully personalise it for your vacation home). Always great for guests to be able to open a Welcome Manual upon their arrival - there's just something about having a tangible item that is still popular to have.