How to Price Vacation Rentals for Families vs. Couples

When it comes to vacation rentals, understanding the unique needs and expectations of different types of guests can help you tailor your pricing strategy. Two common groups of guests are families and couples, and each group has distinct preferences when it comes to accommodation features, pricing, and the overall guest experience. While families often look for spacious accommodations with family-friendly amenities, couples might prioritize romantic settings, privacy, and luxury touches.

Pricing your vacation rental based on these different types of guests can help you optimize your revenue and attract the right clientele. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between pricing for families and couples and how to adjust your pricing strategy to meet their specific needs.

Why Pricing for Families vs. Couples Matters

Different Expectations and Needs

• Families: Families traveling together often need larger spaces with multiple bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and family-friendly amenities (e.g., cribs, high chairs, play areas, or a fenced yard). They might also prioritize proximity to kid-friendly attractions, such as parks, beaches, or museums.
  
  
• Couples: Couples are usually looking for intimate, romantic settings with amenities like private balconies, hot tubs, and seclusion. They may prioritize location near romantic activities (e.g., wine tours, scenic views, or quiet retreats) and luxury experiences.
  

Understanding these differing priorities helps you set a competitive yet profitable price that aligns with what each group is looking for.

Pricing Based on Group Size

Families typically require more space (and therefore pay more for larger properties), while couples tend to stay in smaller, more intimate accommodations. Offering the right price based on group size ensures that you're not underpricing for larger families or overpricing for smaller couples.

Pricing Vacation Rentals for Families

Charge More for Larger Spaces

Families usually need properties with multiple bedrooms, large living spaces, and often additional amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, extra bathrooms, and a larger dining area. Because families typically occupy more space, the price per night should reflect the extra size and convenience of the property.

• Larger properties = higher price: A property with more rooms or a larger capacity will naturally command a higher price. This is especially true if the property has features that cater specifically to families, such as kids’ rooms or safety features (e.g., gates, childproofing).
  
  
• Extra costs for additional guests: Many families have more than two members, so it’s common to charge an additional guest fee for every person over a certain number (usually 2-4 people). This ensures that you’re compensated for the extra wear and tear on the property and the additional resources (e.g., towels, beds, etc.).
  
  

Family-Friendly Amenities Justify Higher Pricing

Families often look for amenities that cater to children or provide extra convenience for parents. Properties with baby gear, such as cribs, baby monitors, and high chairs, as well as childproofing like safety gates, can justify a premium rate. Other amenities, such as family games, swimming pools, or backyards, are also attractive features.

• Additional amenities: Charge a premium for amenities like a game room, pool table, or swimming pool—features that families find particularly valuable. If your property is near family-friendly attractions, make sure to highlight this in your listing to justify a higher price.
  
  
• Discounts for extended stays: Families tend to book longer stays, especially during vacation periods (e.g., summer break, holiday seasons, or school holidays). Offering discounts for weekly or monthly stays can encourage families to stay for longer periods, securing higher revenue.
  
  

Include the Cost of Extra Services

If you provide family-oriented services, such as babysitting, housekeeping, or tours that cater specifically to families, you can include the cost of these services in the rental price or offer them as optional add-ons for an additional charge.

Pricing Vacation Rentals for Couples

Price for Seclusion and Luxury

Couples tend to look for properties that offer privacy, romance, and a touch of luxury. The location, ambiance, and special amenities (e.g., private hot tubs, fireplaces, Jacuzzis, or romantic views) are key factors that influence their decision to book. Therefore, properties designed for couples should command a higher price per night compared to more basic, family-oriented accommodations.

• Luxury amenities: Adding amenities like Jacuzzi tubs, private balconies, or fireplaces can justify charging higher rates for couples. Many couples also seek beautiful views (such as mountains or lakes), so highlight these features in your listing and set the price accordingly.
  
  
• Smaller, intimate spaces: Unlike families, couples typically seek smaller, intimate spaces. These spaces can be priced higher for the luxurious experience they offer. For example, a cozy cabin, charming cottage, or private villa can be marketed as the perfect romantic getaway at a premium price.
  
  

Provide Extras That Appeal to Couples

Couples often value special touches that enhance their stay. Think about offering romantic packages, such as wine and cheese baskets, candle-lit dinners, or spa treatments. These personalized services allow you to charge more for a romantic experience.

• Romantic experiences: Offer special romantic packages, such as a champagne welcome or flowers, which can increase the perceived value of your property and justify a higher nightly rate.
  
  
• Proximity to attractions: Couples often look for properties near romantic destinations, such as beaches, wine regions, or historical landmarks. Ensure you emphasize your property’s location advantages to justify a higher price.
  
  

Flexibility and Weekend Rates

Couples typically book weekend getaways or short stays, so setting weekend rates higher than weekday rates may be a viable strategy. A two-night minimum stay or a weekend rate premium can help you attract couples without overpricing for longer stays.

• Premium for weekends: Many couples prefer to travel on weekends, so charging a slightly higher rate for Friday and Saturday nights can help increase your revenue.
  
  

Key Differences in Pricing for Families vs. Couples

While both families and couples can bring in substantial revenue, understanding their needs will help you set the right price. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Conclusion

Pricing your vacation rental effectively for families and couples requires an understanding of their unique needs and preferences. Families typically value space, comfort, and functionality, while couples are more likely to prioritize privacy, luxury, and romance. By catering your pricing strategy to these needs, you can maximize occupancy and revenue while providing an experience that suits each group.

For families, focus on offering larger properties with family-friendly amenities and consider offering discounts for longer stays. For couples, price for seclusion, luxury, and romantic experiences. Understanding these differences and pricing accordingly will ensure that you attract the right guests and achieve optimal profitability for your vacation rental.

Happy pricing, and may your vacation rental continue to thrive with bookings that match both your property and your guest’s needs! If you want to learn more about how to stay ahead of vacation rental market trends, visit 👉 www.vacationpropertyexpertnetwork.com for expert insights and resources.