SunnyVR, Author at Sunny Vacation Rentals

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We often receive this question: Is using a St. George Utah vacation rental property as a wedding venue advisable?’ The most commonly used vacation rental platforms nowadays are Airbnb and VRBO. Most people book these for their family vacations, but did you know you can also use them as event venues, such as for your wedding? Renting an Airbnb or VRBO for your wedding is possible, although some restrictions may apply. In this article, we will provide details and logistics regarding what you need to know if you decide to select an Airbnb or VRBO property as your wedding venue. Firstly, why would you consider a vacation rental as a wedding venue?

Why Choose a Vacation Rental as a Wedding Venue

Opting for vacation rentals adds a touch of uniqueness and non-traditionality to your wedding. Not only do they provide onsite lodging for the couple, but they can also accommodate the bridal party and even the family. Furthermore, these rentals boast picturesque onsite locations that are perfect for capturing memorable photographs throughout your special day. With beautiful locations here in Southern Utah, you can find vacation rentals with breathtaking views of Zion National Park. Whether you prefer secluded and remote rentals or something else entirely, there are countless reasons why vacation rentals make an excellent choice for a wedding venue.

Walk through your property before booking

We highly recommend that if you are considering booking a property, you should reach out to us first. Feel free to message us on AirBnb or VRBO and ask if it is possible to visit the property in person. It is not advisable to book a property without seeing it beforehand. Sometimes, pictures do not accurately represent the property and it could be much better in person. On the other hand, the pictures might make the property look amazing when it is actually not. It isn’t very pleasant to arrive at a place and realize that it is nothing like what you expected based on the pictures. This situation can definitely occur. We try our best to represent the property as best and possible and most people using the home as a simple vacation rental might not care if things are slightly off. But we do highly recommend scheduling a tour with us to walk through the property. Worstcase scenario, ask for a video tour, whether it’s live or prerecorded, if you are going to use one of our homes for a wedding and expect to pay a little bit more than if you’re using it as a standard vacation rental. This is because there’s a lot more involved when using a property for a wedding more wear and tear on the property and more people coming and going. Ensure that you get a fuller understanding of the property beyond the pictures provided in the listing.

The Perfect Wedding Portraits

So if you’ve been dreaming of portraits of you and your spouse, and you want to have a lot of variety in backdrops for your pictures, message us to find out which of our properties have the best options? Things you should consider are whether we have enough different spots around the property, good walls, nice landscaping, and beautiful views to provide the variety you’re hoping for in your portraits. This is definitely something that many people might overlook when browsing through the photo gallery of a property. If not, you could try using Google Maps to explore the surrounding area and see if there are any suitable locations within a five to 10-minute drive where you and your spouse, along with the photographer, could take a short drive or even venture down the long driveway at the end of the road. Alternatively, you could schedule a tour of one of our recommended properties for wedding venues in St. George, Utah.

What are Your Wedding Venue Needs?

Do you need your bridal party to also be there? Do you need your whole family? So if you’re searching for a venue, make sure that it can actually reasonably and comfortably accommodate the amount of people you need. Make sure that for the rest of your guests that there is lodging close enough by within a reasonable drive, whatever you think is reasonable. We have plenty of other smaller homes in the same area other family members can rent out, reach out to us for exclusive discount codes to give out to your family members. Along with our other vacation rentals we have other lodging sources close by such as hotels and motels.

Vendor Services

One thing you should be aware of is the vendors that will service the area where you book your vacation rentals. When it comes to vacation rental properties, all of ours are typically a la carte, meaning they won’t include any of your rentals or vendors. You’ll have to bring in all the necessary items yourself. We do have a couple of rentals that provide tables and chairs for an additional cost, but for our other rentals, you’ll need to bring your own tables, chairs, and food catering staff. Are you willing to cover the transportation expenses for your vendors to reach the venue? They might come to you, but they’ll charge a lot for transportation, which could cost you hundreds of dollars extra. This is something you need to be aware of, and we always recommend using local vendors in the area to avoid additional fees.

When planning your event, cooking is another important factor to consider. Many of our rentals feature professional chef kitchens capable of accommodating up to 50 people. However, if you’re expecting 200 guests at your wedding, cooking offsite may be necessary. It’s crucial to discuss these details with your catering staff as it can impact the level of service and the overall quality of the food.

Wedding Planners

We strongly suggest that when booking with Sunny Vacation Rentals, you consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. Regardless of whether you choose a small or fullservice package, it is crucial to get some assistance rather than taking on everything by yourself. Many people think they can handle all the arrangements on their own, but this often leads to unnecessary stress. It’s always beneficial to have professionals coordinating with vendors and property managers, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the vacation rental property. Unexpected challenges may arise, which require prompt attention from someone knowledgeable. By allowing the wedding planners to handle such matters, you can ensure that your special day unfolds seamlessly.

 

Don’t just have a wedding but love your wedding. Explore some of our event-friendly vacation rentals below that could make for the perfect wedding venue.

View all of our wedding-friendly vacation rentals 

With incredible state and national parks, museums, and cultural scenery, Southern Utah is undoubtedly the most visited holiday destination in the US. No wonder it attracts many adventurers and outdoor lovers seeking a memorable holiday. There are so many things to see and do in Southern Utah that it is hard for travelers to know where to start. With so much to explore, it should be no surprise that there are plenty of places to stay as well. So, if a trip to this gorgeous destination is on your mind, it is time to start planning to make the most of your stay. 

Keep reading as we share one of the best communities of vacation rentals in Southern Utah- Copper Rock, offering a memorable and comfortable stay for your upcoming trip!

Stunning Views

If gorgeous views are what you are looking for, Copper Rock is the place for you. The luxurious community comes with high-end furnishings and offers access to the pool and spa area. You can easily soak up and enjoy the stunning views of the course and beautiful mountains. The best part of the community is that from every window, you get to enjoy picturesque views of the Pine Valley mountains. On top of that, some of the most fabulous vacation rentals in Southern Utah are located here! Trust us, this community is so stunning that from sunrise to sunset, your day will be filled with gorgeous and unbelievable sights.

18 holes Championship Golf

Copper Rock community is nestled in Hurricane Valley, offering a peaceful stay during your vacations. Additionally, the resort features 18 holes of championship golf with gorgeous views. It sits on an expansive 6901-yard course layout featuring a front nine and back nine mixes of challenging holes gently rolling up and down the hills. The good news is that the golf courses have been perfectly maintained to cater to players with different skill sets and have convenient access to the pool and onsite clubhouse.

Awesome Location

Copper Rock is conveniently located in the Hurricane Valley and is just 20 minutes away from St. George Airport. The best part? As you stay here, you are close to Zion National Park, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and many other popular attractions in St. George. So, whether you want to relax in the hot tub, play golf, or enjoy outdoor activities, you can just do everything you want.

Endless Outdoor Adventure

Southern Utah is well known for its endless attractions and thrilling ways to enjoy during the holidays. This area is known for lots of adventurous activities such as hiking, ATV riding, water sports, mountain biking, and more. You can easily explore this amazing place and enjoy the views you won’t find anywhere else before relaxing at your vacation rental. 

Copper Rock is one of the most popular and loved communities in Southern Utah. It has amazing, beautiful vacation homes with up to 6 bedrooms, perfect for family or group vacations. If you’re looking for a peaceful and memorable stay combined with modern amenities, the Copper Rock, St. George, Utah, community is your best destination. Blending luxury, convenience, and comfort, the vacation rentals make for an ultimate getaway! 

Looking for the best vacation rentals in Hurricane, Utah, or further? A world of options await you on our page – go check it out!

 

If you want to change how you host your work parties whether your in St. George, Washington, or Hurricane Utah, then considering vacation rentals is an amazing idea! When you are fed up with regular bars and restaurants from our lackluster town for your business events, then looking for something completely different is the key. Sunny Vacation Rentals offers many high-end luxury retreats right here in Southern Utah for work parties. this will be a major game changer, resulting in events that will keep the entire team entertained. 

Below, we have listed why hosting a work party in vacation rentals is a great idea for your next event. Once you look into the benefits you get, you will never look into another option for your event location. 

You Get a Luxurious Setting

Booking a vacation rental for your work party means getting the chance to have your event in a luxurious setting. Our vacation rentals in St. George Utah are modern and with gorgeous appeal – perfect for a special occasion for your employees. Moreover, you will get the privacy you need and have a place only for yourselves. Many restaurants and bars may have other guests in their locale during your event, but with a corporate party vacation rental, the spot is exclusively reserved for you. 

In addition, you can ensure that your business party has spectacular views and provides your co-workers with amazing surroundings. Plus, you get enough space for everyone, meaning you give each person a chance to mingle and create stronger relationships during the party. 

Personalization with Decor 

A vacation rental for work parties will allow you to personalize your events how you see fit. Even though restaurants and similar venues allow you to decorate, you still have some limitations with your choices. However, when you book a special accommodation for such an occasion, you have the opportunity to create the setting you have imagined. That is, you are allowed to make the whole business party more personal with details that you think are necessary. 

Cost-Effective Event Solution 

When choosing a corporate party vacation rental, you have the option to pick one that suits your needs in terms of the guest number. In other words, you can book a house that has enough rooms for all your employees and avoid the costs of arranging rooms in costly hotels around a particular area. With a book rental, you do not only get a luxurious setting but also convenient accommodations for everyone from your team. 

Extended Stay 

If you opt for a vacation rental for work parties, you can choose to extend your stay and engage your employees in activities the day after. Many of our rentals in Utah are located in areas that offer different things you can do the day after your event and give your business event a unique character. After the big night, you can explore the area as a team and enjoy special time with your co-workers. 

 

Choosing a vacation rental for your work parties will give your events a new meaning. This way, you can make your party stand out from the crowd and give your employees the time they deserve. Opting for a vacation rental means having something completely different that will bring a lot of amazing memories! 

 

For more information on the best vacation rentals for corporate events, check out our page.    

 

 

Want to organize a unique corporate retreat in Southern Utah with a difference? Then, a vacation rental is just what you need! Vacation rentals can do miracles when you want to give your employees something special. Not only will you change your regular workspace, but you will also enjoy many activities that will contribute to stronger professional relationships between co-workers. Additionally, Utah is one of the states frequently recognized as one of the best corporate retreat destinations due to its abundance of activities.

If you have second thoughts about vacation rentals for your corporate retreat, we are here to help you make the right decision. Below, you will read about several great reasons why a rental in Utah might be an exceptional idea for your retreat. 

Change of Workspace Scenery 

Even if you love your job, the setting of your workspace can sometimes be dull and uninspiring. You should not forget that productivity and motivation for work are partly influenced by the surroundings in which you do your job. In such cases, a change of scenery can do wonders for the outcomes of your work.

Taking your team at a vacation rental for a corporate retreat with breathtaking views can be exactly what your employees need for a motivation boost. Stunning surroundings are a great way to get the creativity flowing and begin the birth of new ideas. 

Team-Building Activities 

When you book a vacation rental at one of the many luxury corporate retreat destinations such as Copper Rock, the idea is not only to spend time working. On the contrary, you should plan some activities in the area that will allow your employees to let their hair down for the time being. Spending time doing fun stuff and exploring new surroundings will also influence the productivity and creativity of your co-workers. 

Luckily, Utah is a place of versatility and amazing opportunities!  The state offers so many interesting places you can visit, meaning your team can have a fantastic time without a single dull moment. 

Amazing Accommodation

If you decide to book a vacation rental for a corporate retreat, you will have the chance to stay in a luxurious accommodation at an affordable price. Our Utah rentals come with exceptional designs and spectacular views that will make you feel like you are staying in a 5-star hotel. Moreover, we offer spacious houses with the most comfortable rooms, so your employees will have an amazing stay without missing anything. 

Separate Place for Work

A corporate retreat vacation rental will allow each person to choose their own space for work. Your co-workers will be able to find a spot in which they feel more comfortable doing their tasks. As you know, some people enjoy working alone while others cherish the company of their colleagues. So, in a vacation rental, everyone will be able to choose their own perfect place where they feel the most productive.

When upgrading the productivity game with your team, booking a vacation rental for a corporate retreat is the ideal solution. You will be impressed by the achieved results and the stronger bonds of your co-workers. In short, a vacation rental can change the mentality of your employees, so it is definitely worth trying! 

To learn more about vacation rentals, please check out our blog page. 

 

The Pecan Valley Resort is one of the most astonishing places in Utah, just 10 minutes away from Sand Hollow State Park! It is an area with stunning landscapes ideal for unique stays and memorable experiences. It is a spot that offers you access to the most scenic views and spectacular activities in the heart of Utah. Simply put, if you are striving for an authentic trip, don’t look further than Pecan Valley Resort.  

Naturally, you need accommodation as grand as the Sand Hollow Reservoir in Utah to have a spectacular trip. For that reason,  we have provided you with some really cozy vacation rentals near Pecan Valley Resort. Our suggestions are created with your utmost comfort in mind, so whatever you choose will be absolutely worth it. 

Sand Hollow Aquatic Adventure:

Whether you want to enjoy the spectacular views and natural beauty or explore the magnificent surroundings of Pecan Valley, Sand Hollow Aquatic Adventure will give you everything you need! The luxurious 7-bedroom vacation rental near Pecan Valley Resort comes with majestic views of Utah, along with unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art amenities. Your trip can be exactly how you imagined it. 

This vacation rental can offer accommodation for up to 26 people. So, if you are looking for a big group adventure, then this is your ideal place to stay. More precisely, if you book this glorious house for your stay, you will have access to the following amenities: 

When you book Sand Hollow Aquatic Adventure rental for your trip, you will have the chance to enjoy the scenic views of Pecan Valley. Moreover, you get to choose whether to spend your vacation adventurously or just relax in the comfort of the house. For instance, you can explore some of the Sand Hollow State Park trails or dip in the reservoir for a refreshing swim.

This amazing vacation rental near Pecan Valley Resort offers a fully-equipped kitchen with all the utensils you need, meaning you can always prepare your favorite meals. In addition, the bedrooms are designed to ensure your utmost comfort and opportunity to rest to the fullest. 

The house offers a basketball court and a mini-golf course for the more active guests, meaning you will never be bored. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a true adventure, you can always opt for activities to explore the surroundings of Pecan Valley Resort. There are stunning walking trails for perfect mountain sunsets, so you will never want to leave. 

Desert Hideaway at Pecan Valley

If you are looking for something more intimate, then a comfortable casita in the heart of Pecan Valley should be your choice. This amazing house has a full kitchen and comfortable bedrooms to ensure you have the best stay in the heart of Utah. 

This stunning vacation rental offers the following amenities: 

You can enjoy your stay at Pecan Valley at affordable prices by choosing this cozy vacation rental. It will offer you access to the best spots in this area so you can explore the region at your convenience. As the previous option, this vacation rental is in near vicinity to Sand Hollow State Park, where a world of adventure awaits you!

When looking for something different in Utah, our vacation rentals near Pecan Valley Resort will provide you with what you need – and more! You will get a guaranteed unique experience and spectacular options for an unforgettable stay! 

If you are interested in more information about vacation rentals, please check out our blog page.    

 

There’s nothing better than planning a celebration of love somewhere far away from home! Your wedding is one of the most significant milestones of your life, so the location you choose definitely needs to be special. That said, how about tying the knot in a secluded, romantic place amidst the picturesque scenery? With near-perfect weather throughout the entire year, it’s obvious why you should consider St. George as your wedding destination. 

The beautiful city is home to majestic views of the Red Rock Cliffs, numerous national parks, including the Snow Canyon State Park, and breathtaking views. With rich history, culture, and natural beauty everywhere, the wedding venues in St.George reflect entirely the city’s uniqueness, making them the perfect place to start your new beginnings. And to make your destination wedding even more memorable, we recommend you opt for luxury vacation rentals. Today, our article will focus on one such rental property and the perks of choosing a luxury vacation rental as compared to traditional wedding venues.

Memorable affair

Vacation rentals, such as AirBnbs, and VRBO’s offer joyous experiences in a dreamy location with extraordinary opportunities to transform your wedding into an unforgettable affair. The best part? Your guests probably won’t know much about the rental properties, so you get to surprise them with gorgeous settings!

Personalization

By choosing a vacation rental as your wedding venue in St. George, you are not just embracing the lovely surroundings but also unlocking several opportunities for personalization. Choosing a rental property gives you more freedom to make the event uniquely yours and customize everything exactly as you envisioned. 

Privacy

One of the essential aspects that attracts many couples to vacation rentals is the privacy it offers. The secluded settings let couples have a more flexible and intimate affair without any interruptions.

Destination Wedding Experience

When you choose vacation rentals as your wedding venue in Utah, you get to spend more time with your loved ones than hosting a multi-day celebration. You can arrange for fun activities like game nights or trips nearby where everyone gets to enjoy the destination with the vacation of a lifetime.

Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime event connecting you with your soulmate for the rest of your life. As vacation rentals are special in their own right and also very economical, more couples are embracing the idea of celebrating their special day in tailored settings. If you are looking for a luxurious property but aren’t sure where to start, we are here to help. We have brought to you one such unique vacation rental as your wedding venue in St. George.

Copper Rock Vacation Rental

Elegance and refined luxury are the things that await you at this brand new high-end home by Sunwest Develop at Utah’s newest Golf community. And this is only the beginning! This beautiful home boasts the most gorgeous and picturesque views with the finest attention to detail at every corner. With some of the best grand golfing views from the home and pool, it is no wonder that it is one of the most preferred luxury vacation rentals for hosting a memorable ceremony. 

Nestled along the unspoiled settings, this opulent retreat offers peace and luxury indulgence. The modern-appointed grand five bedrooms enriched with lavish amenities ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. As you arrive, you are greeted with the sight of a spacious garden, a striking view of the pool, and an added level of convenience and security. 

The expansive living areas are bathed in natural light, creating an inviting experience. Finally, the beautiful property welcomes you to respite amongst the beautiful new furnishing and state-of-the-art amenities. 

If you are planning a destination wedding in St. George, Utah, now is the time to explore this property and book it for your memorable occasion.

Let us know if you find our information on the luxury vacation rental for your Utah wedding insightful. Also, feel free to explore the amazing and informative ideas through our blogs!

Are you looking for unique places to stay while touring the newly renovated St. George Temple or visiting the newly built Red Cliffs Temple in the Washington Fields area? Before we recommend our favorite places to stay near the St. George Temples, let’s give a brief overview and history. The St. George Temple is not only the first temple built in St. George, Utah, but it is also the oldest temple belonging to the global community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

History of St. George Temple

In 1871, Brigham Young announced plans to build a temple in St. George. Knowing the challenges ahead, church members drew on their prior experience. Shortly after founding St. George, Brigham Young directed the Saints to construct a public meeting space, a tabernacle. They started building in 1863 and used the Tabernacle as a learning experience for future construction in St. George. They identified sources for stone, plaster, mortar, and wood, setting the stage for the temple.

Truman Angell created the temple’s plans. On November 9, 1871, Brigham Young dedicated the site and spent subsequent winters in a home nearby, overseeing construction. The site stood partially on marshland, so the first construction step involved stabilizing the ground. Workers pounded black volcanic rock from a nearby bluff into the ground with a converted cannon used as a pile driver. When the pile driver bounced three times, they confirmed the ground’s stability for foundation construction.

In 19th-century Utah, everyone in the community contributed to temple construction. Residents of St. George and the surrounding Southern Utah area had some connection to the building. People donated money, sewed carpets, fed workers, or offered moral support. Brigham Young declared, “This temple builds upon the principles of the United Order. We can achieve anything by putting aside selfishness and focusing solely on building God’s kingdom on Earth.”

After completing the red sandstone walls, workers plastered them white. Brigham Young dedicated each finished section. In 1877, he announced that the April General Conference would occur in St. George. Upon his arrival, banners and cheering crowds greeted him, displaying their excitement for the temple and their prophet.

Many Saints had lost hope of ever seeing another temple. When Orson Hyde saw the font installation, he left the temple in tears, overwhelmed with emotion. After the temple’s dedication, Brigham Young met with Wilford Woodruff, who served as one of the Twelve Apostles in the Quorum and the first president of the St. George Temple. Together, they recorded temple ordinances for future generations.

Brigham Young passed away later that summer but left the Saints a lasting legacy: their first enduring temple for performing endowments for the living and the dead.

The Red Cliffs Temple

The Red Cliffs Utah Temple covers 96,277 square feet and is a three-story building with a full basement. It will be the twentieth Utah temple and the second in Washington County, following the 1877 St. George Utah Temple.

Rentals Near the St. George Temples

St. George, Utah, offers stunning natural landscapes and a rich history. Vacation rentals near the St. George Utah Temple and the newer Red Cliffs Temple provide comfort and convenience. Whether you seek a cozy townhome overlooking Copper Rock Golf Course, a spacious desert retreat, or a luxurious villa, options suit every budget and taste. All rentals lie within a 15-minute radius of these temples and provide easy access to activities like hiking in Snow Canyon State Park or exploring downtown St. George.

 

Set in the quaint outskirts of Santa Clara in Utah, dripping in luxury and surrounded by marvelous landscapes, Paradise Village at Zion invites you to a heavenly vacation where you can genuinely relax and enjoy life’s little pleasures. 

This is the ultimate location for the whole family as this newly-found community features countless exciting experiences for all ages! While you are out in the sun, kicking your feet up without worrying, your little ones can have a blast at the two waterparks and many playgrounds. Additionally, since Paradise Village is located near iconic national parks like the Grand Canyon and Brian Head Ski Resort, exploring their scenic trails and gorgeous vistas is a must! 

A world of opportunities awaits you in this heavenly community, and to ensure you have the most memorable holiday, we have selected our favorite vacation rentals near Paradise Village at Zion just for you!

Paradise at Zion Water Park

CASA CLARA ~ LUX FAMILY OASIS ~ SWIM/SPA ~ THEATER

Boasting over 6 bedrooms, 2 spacious living rooms, and a vast array of entertainment options, the PV16 Casa Clara vacation rental near Paradise Village at Zion is the perfect spot for you to have a well-deserved “aah” moment! In addition to the abundance of national parks that are in the vicinity of the community, some of which are just a few minutes away, the PV16 Casa Clara is close to the St. George area, where you and your whole family can go for an epic hot-air-balloon ride!

Paradise village at zion

From the moment you enter, you’re graced with the sight of elegance and luxury. Both living rooms are as spacious as ever, and the second one even features a pool table! Then, you have a beautifully lit kitchen, thanks to the big windows equipped with cutting-edge appliances. Finally, the bedrooms will make you feel like you’re staying in a 5-star hotel, while the rooftop terrace offers the best views of the surroundings, perfect for relaxing after a whole day of adventure!

Some of the noteworthy features of the PV16 Casa Clara vacation rental near Paradise Village at Zion include:

PV16 Casa Clara

 

DESERT PARADISE RETREAT ~ LUX OASIS ~ WATER PARK

 

The PV48 Desert Paradise Retreat is another fabulous vacation rental near Paradise Village at Zion, adorned with a fantastic blend of comfort, luxury, and convenience. The open floor plan, along with the estate’s relaxing atmosphere, will make you feel right at home! Also, PV48 Desert Paradise Retreat offers the best vistas of Paradise Village due to the grand windows that allow plenty of light in, illuminating the space wonderfully.

There are two living spaces at the vacation rental near Paradise Village at Zion, both of which are equipped with ultra-comfortable seating areas, and the main one even has a cozy fireplace! The kitchen comes with everything you need to have the most memorable family dinner, while the 4 bedrooms are not only luxurious but super comfortable as well! And for the ultimate tranquility, head to the rooftop deck, light the fire pit, and create memories you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Here’s what you can expect from this fantastic estate:

While these are some of our favorite vacation rentals in Paradise Village at Zion, a lot more options await you on our site! So, once you’re done checking out all of our options, check out the rest of our blogs for even more thrilling destinations and vacation rentals for your next adventure!

PV48 Desert Paradise Retreat

 

This article will be talking about the different Online Travel Agency (OTA) platforms, the different booking platforms, namely Airbnb, VRBO and booking.com. We’re going to walk through the pros and cons of each one of them when you should use each one of them and which ones are best. So if that is something you’re wondering about, you’ve been curious about, you want to know more about, keep reading below.

AirBnb

Let’s start with the most popular one, Airbnb. So Airbnb is a really, really great platform. It is our personal favorite. It’s definitely where we recommend people start out if they’re looking to host a space or a property on short-term rental or if you’re looking to manage other people’s properties, that is ultimately just going to always be the number one place to start. The way that you want to look at a booking platform overall is that it’s really just a booking engine. It’s sort of like a marketing platform for your property. Now, each one of these marketing platforms does come with additional bells and whistles. So for example, with Airbnb, you get their host protection policy, which the air cover, it covers you for up to a million dollars worth of damages that a guest might cause.

That’s a really nice bonus. They also have a whole bunch of features built into their platform that allow you to better screen guests, make sure they have good reviews, all that sort of thing. So there certainly are additional bonuses on top of just the marketing they provide to you, but really that’s the main distinction there. That is really what the platform is there for is to be a marketing platform. They also do payment processing. Again, that’s fantastic as well, it takes some of the burden off our plate of collecting and paying taxes to the state and cities, but the marketing is really the main value added and the main difference between the different platforms. And that is ultimately also what’s going to cause you to want to expand out to other platforms is if the point of constriction and you having your property perform as well as it could and getting more bookings is getting more distribution, getting more marketing. So the reason we like Airbnb the best is a number of reasons.

The main one though is that they just have the biggest market. They just have the most people on there looking for properties like your typical short-term rental. Now, booking.com as another example, has a ton of people visiting there every single day looking for places to stay. However, booking.com is typically where people go to find hotels. Now, over the last number of years, they have built up way more of an audience of people looking for short-term rentals, and they’ve kind of distinguished themselves as also offering short-term rentals on their website. However, they were initially designed and built for hotels. And so a lot of people know booking.com as the place to go to book hotels, not necessarily the place to go to book short-term rentals. You can think about it. When people say they’re getting a short-term rental, they oftentimes will say, let’s book an Airbnb.

Airbnb has just become synonymous with short-term rental. So the majority of people that are looking for a short-term rental property are going to be looking on Airbnb first and foremost. So what we have seen is that when people list their properties on Airbnb, if they’re only listed on one platform, whether it’s Airbnb, VRBO or booking.com, they’re going to get a landslide more bookings on Airbnb than they will on any of the other platforms. So Airbnb is fantastic for that. We also really like that they do all the payment processing for you, makes it really nice and easy. It’s the easiest from a user interface perspective. They’ve got the best user interface for someone looking to just set up their property, start getting bookings, start taking guests. They really do make it incredibly easy. So Airbnb gets our vote as the number one platform to list on out of those three. But with that said we want as much exposure as possible so we use all 3 platforms for our clients.

Booking.com

Now, if you are looking, have a hotel equivalent listing, we do actually think booking.com is a phenomenal sort of second option. And what I mean by hotel equivalent is think about your one bedroom or bachelor condo that’s in a downtown or urban area that’s going to be a really kind of neck and neck. You’re going to be directly competing with hotels, but you do have a leg up on them because you have a full kitchen, your unit, maybe there’s some other amenities that you’ve got. And so if you’re going to be sort of in that same market segment as hotels, then booking.com can be a really great place to list your property because those people that are going to booking.com to look for a hotel can potentially book your place. Whereas if you have a rural, like a cottage four bedroom home, no one’s going to be going to booking.com looking for a hotel room and is going to then make the jump to book a four bedroom rural getaway.

It’s just not really going to happen. So booking.com really good for hotel equivalent properties. Now there is some nuance to using it. It’s not going to be nearly as user-friendly as Airbnb from the hosting perspective, actually getting yourself set up, your property set, accepting payments, all that stuff. So booking.com is another good option, but mostly for hotel equivalent properties.

VRBO

Vrbo on the other hand is another good option, but not so much. It’s kind of the opposite. It’s the opposite of booking.com where it’s another good second option or alternative if you’re looking to get more exposure for your vacation rental listing. Because again, V R B O, it stands for Vacation Rental by Owner. And so the majority of the people that are going there are looking for vacation rentals. They’re crowd tends to be people that are more kind of used to booking like a vacation rental in Florida, that sort of thing.

And so there’s not nearly as many properties on V R B O as there are on Airbnb and there aren’t as many guests that are looking on V R B O, but there are still people looking and typically those people are looking for whole home listings and are willing to pay a little bit more typically is what I’ve found. So you can command a bit higher rate on V R B O, but you’re just not going to get as much volume of traffic to your listing and therefore you’re not going to get as many bookings.

How to expand your business

Now the next question becomes when should you actually expand? Should you just launch on all three of them right out of the gate? Hey, what’s the downside in that? Should you expand slowly? And our answer there is that you really want to focus on solving the point of constriction in your hosting business, whether you’re managing other people’s properties, managing your own space, you really want to look at your goal, look at where you’re at and figure out what is the main point of constriction here.

And so what we see people doing often is they list their property on Airbnb, they’re not making as much money as they want, and so their initial response is, okay, let me list it on booking.com and V R B O so that I can get more bookings and make more money. And though that seems logical at face value, it’s actually really illogical because in most cases what’s happened is the reason that that host isn’t getting as much revenue as they would like on Airbnb has more to do with their pricing strategy or their listing optimization or other factors and not so much to do with the amount the volume of traffic actually going to their listing. So in other words, if you take a machine that is fundamentally broken, think about it like a car. If you take a car and the engine’s broken, pouring in more gasoline to the fuel tank is not going to make the car go any faster or further, it’s just going to fill it up with gas.

And so similarly, if you have an underperforming listing where the photos aren’t optimized, the listing isn’t optimized, the pricing isn’t dialed in, and you expand that out to VRBO or booking.com, you’re just going to be getting more gasoline on that fire, you’re going to get more people seeing this fundamentally underperforming listing. So what I generally recommend people do is I always like to do a deep dive with people and ask them, let, let’s look at your photos. I’ll just look through their photos and nine times out of 10, their photos could be better. And then the next thing I want to look at is the listing headline, the listing description, the rest of the kind of body of the listing and see, okay, is that actually optimized? Then from there, we can look at their pricing strategy and their pricing strategy.

Essentially you want to make sure that you’re pricing your property appropriately for the different seasonal periods of the year, different days of the week, all these different factors. And so 99 times out of a hundred people aren’t doing those main key things properly, and when they are at that point, that’s when it makes sense to go and expand out to VRBO and or booking.com or other platforms because at that point you’re taking a machine that actually is running as well as it possibly can run, and now you’re just filling it up with more gas so it can go further. It can go better. And so that’s ultimately when you want to expand to other platforms is when you’ve really got things dialed in. And what we recommend doing is expanding out to VRBO or booking.com after Airbnb, depending on the type of property that you have.

So if you have a hotel equivalent property, you’ll want to go on Airbnb first, then booking.com. Second, if you have a vacation rental listing, you’ll want go on Airbnb first and then VRBO second. And then the important thing to remember as well, this is a really big mistake I see people make as well, is that they just go and expand out and they think it’s going to be the exact same. And the reality is there are nuances to each platform, both in the way that they operate and in the way you want to optimize your property on them. So you can’t just go and expect that you’re going to take your listing on Airbnb, port it right over to VRBO without changing anything, use the same exact pricing and do everything the exact same. There’s definitely a lot of similarity, but there are a few key differences and nuances to the way they work, the way you collect payments, the way you should be screening guests, the way you should optimize your listing, the way you should set your pricing.

There’s slight nuances to each of those, so make sure that you don’t just go in blindfolded and try to do the same thing on both platforms. It just isn’t going to work nearly as well. And so if you do all that properly, then what’s going to happen is that in most cases, the lion’s share of your bookings are going to come from Airbnb and then you’re going to get some more coming in from VRBO or booking.com, kind of filling in those gaps. Now, we’ve also talked about on this channel, another way to do that to fill in some more of those gaps is to get repeat bookings through your own direct booking platform. So that’s a way of what we do is we like to collect email addresses from every single guest that stays with us, and then we can send an email blast out to them to invite them to book again and do it directly through our own direct booking platform so we can avoid that 15% fee that we’re paying to Airbnb or whatever other booking platform.

Sunny Vacation Rentals

If your looking to get into the vacation rental market here in Southern Utah. Give us a call we are licensed real agents and can help you find the perfect income producing property give you advice on managing the property or if you want a hands-free experience let us manage it.

Zion National Park is Utah’s third most visited and most popular park, with nearly 2 million visitors every year. Wondering why? The gorgeous red rock formations, soaring towers, and thousand-foot-tall canyon across the Virgin River make this place truly incredible and on every adventure seeker’s list. The unique scenery is composed of sandstone from the Virgin River, which has eroded over time. This iconic picture-perfect river forms the main attraction for visiting and exploring the beautiful park. If you are enchanted by this park and planning a trip soon, you must be looking for vacation rentals near Zion National Park!

So, to help you find the best place, below we are sharing our top favorite vacation rentals near Zion National Park, featuring all of their amenities.

1625 Designer Golf Course Haven

Copper Rock Vacation Rentals

This contemporary retreat is the perfect base in a quiet and convenient neighborhood accessible to most of the main attractions near the park. The best part? Located at the Copper Rock Golf Community, you will have a fantastic opportunity to mix luxury living with championship golf. The homey accommodation has one master suite, five bedrooms with king-sized beds, and one with a triple bunk bed with full-size mattresses. All bedrooms offer similar amenities, such as ensuite bathrooms, premium linen, air conditioning, smart TVs, outdoor access, and night reading lamps. Some of the noteworthy features of the rental accommodation include:

Copper Rock Golf Course Home

The designer retreat is intimate and spacious, with two floors and open living areas. It is just the perfect place that combines an entertaining living room and an inviting dining area to share with family and friends. The modern interiors with stunning artwork are worth appreciating. One of the mesmerizing places is the upper deck, offering cozy lounge seating with luxurious hot tubs and stunning views of the Pine Mountains. You can enjoy the evenings cuddling up in front of the electric fireplace or stepping onto a private patio to enjoy your drink.

The kitchen and dining area are equally amazing. They are well decorated with bright tones and quartz countertops and are fully loaded with stainless steel cooking amenities. The fully equipped kitchen has a double oven, microwave, stove, toaster, blender, coffee maker, refrigerator, dishwasher, silverware, pots and pans. If you wish to cook something of your own, you can grab fresh ingredients and prepare as you choose. The dining table is conveniently placed next to the kitchen and close to the living area, so you can easily serve and enjoy tasty meals without missing a fun moment. The house becomes yours exclusively without interruption as you book your stay here. So, all you would want to do is relax, unwind, enjoy, and have the best time of your life.

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1622 Pitch Perfect Golf Course Views

Copper Rock Vacation Rental

This amazing and one of our favorite rental accommodations is just next to the professional Cooper Rock Golf Course. As you book your stay in this luxurious home in Hurricane, you get to enjoy the breathtaking ambiance of South Utah. The charming town is a getaway to the most spectacular and gorgeous natural wonders, including outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque scenery.  

The Sand Hollow State Park is near the town of Hurricane and is famous for swimming, boating, and fishing. The best part about this rental accommodation? Zion National Park is very nearby and just a short drive away. 

For those who prefer a comfortable and luxurious stay, the accommodation offers the following:

The open space living area is provided on the second floor, where you get to spend most of the time creating lasting memories with your loved ones. You can enjoy watching a movie or sipping drinks while soaking in the views of the alluring natural scenery. Also, if you want to cook something for yourself or your group, the kitchen is always welcoming, boasting spacious areas and modern amenities.

If you are looking for the comfort of a home away from home, this is the place to be. Step into this spacious accommodation and unwind all the stress while enjoying a relaxing spa, BBQ grill, and more.

Visiting Zion National Park provides a surreal experience with its grand display of orange, red, and a touch of blue skies, and it is undoubtedly a sight you must see at least once in your life. I hope you loved our choices for vacation rentals near Zion National Park! Don’t forget to pick your favorite from our recommended list and explore more options on our website. Finally, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs for even more beautiful destinations!

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