As the holiday season approaches, short-term rental (STR) property managers face the annual pressure of high guest volumes, rapid turnovers, and unpredictable weather, all while trying to maintain a five-star guest experience. Fortunately, smart property technology offers the ultimate toolkit for managing seasonal challenges with less stress and more efficiency.
From seamless check-ins to proactive property protection, here’s how to keep your STR running smoothly throughout the holidays with the right tech stack.
1. Welcome Guests with Smart Locks and Contactless Check-In
The days of physical key exchanges are long gone. Smart locks allow guests to access your property via secure digital codes sent before arrival. Not only does this simplify the check-in process, especially during odd hours or travel delays, but it also adds a layer of convenience and security for both guests and managers.
These keyless systems make holiday hosting easier by:
- Automating guest access and revoking codes post-checkout.
- Enabling remote entry for cleaners or maintenance staff.
- Reducing the risk of lost or duplicated keys.
When paired with video doorbells, you gain the ability to verify arrivals in real-time and monitor property access throughout the season, all without invading guests’ privacy.
2. Keep Properties Comfortable with Smart Thermostats
No one wants to arrive at a chilly rental, or worse, deal with a broken HVAC system during their holiday stay. Smart thermostats ensure your STR is pre-heated or cooled to the perfect temperature before guests arrive and maintain optimal conditions throughout their visit.
Features such as automated scheduling, app-based adjustments, and preset limits provide a balance between guest comfort and energy efficiency. When integrated with predictive HVAC maintenance systems, these tools can detect potential issues early, helping you avoid costly mid-stay breakdowns.
3. Avoid Party Woes with Smart Noise Monitoring
The holiday season often brings celebrations, and unfortunately the occasional noise complaint. A smart noise monitor helps maintain peace by alerting you when decibel levels exceed a set threshold. Importantly, these devices are privacy-conscious; they monitor volume but do not record conversations.
Whether your STR is in a quiet neighborhood or a multi-unit complex, noise monitoring helps you:
- Prevent damage or neighbor complaints before they escalate.
- Uphold community rules without invading guest privacy.
- Maintain a peaceful environment that encourages positive reviews.
4. Stay Secure with Smart Video Doorbells
The holidays can be a prime time for porch piracy and unauthorized guests. Smart video doorbells offer a crucial line of defense. With features like motion detection, two-way audio, and real-time video, they allow managers to:
- Remotely verify who is at the door.
- Monitor deliveries and service visits.
- Provide peace of mind to guests who value security.
These devices are especially valuable during busy travel times when hosts may be managing multiple turnovers or traveling themselves.
5. Winter-Proof with Predictive HVAC Maintenance
Cold snaps and heating emergencies are more than just inconveniences, they can be revenue killers. Predictive HVAC maintenance uses machine learning and performance analytics to flag issues before they disrupt a guest’s stay.
This proactive approach allows property managers to:
- Avoid mid-stay maintenance calls.
- Schedule service outside of guest windows.
- Extend the life of HVAC systems while minimizing costs.
By preparing your HVAC systems in advance, you can guarantee warm, comfortable stays even during the frostiest weather.
6. Holiday Hosting Without the Stress
Managing a short-term rental over the holidays doesn’t have to mean late-night calls and logistical headaches. With a smart property technology suite in place, you can automate the tedious tasks, monitor key areas remotely, and focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience.
From smart locks to noise monitoring, video doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart HVAC systems, these tools work together to prevent issues, streamline operations, and ensure your property is holiday-ready.
This season, take the stress out of hosting by investing in smart property technology that does the heavy lifting. Your guests will thank you with glowing reviews, and your business will benefit from smoother operations, lower costs, and more peace of mind.
Want to find out more on getting your property set for winter? Read Molly Reardon’s checklist for auditing your tech in VRMA Arrival (pages 30 – 31).
