Years back I traveled to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. By far it remains the best welcome I have ever had at a resort. When we arrived, we were greeted at the front desk by name, our bags were taken to our rooms, we were given a tour of the property and told about all the amenities available to us during our stay. By the time we arrived at our room, a cocktail of our choosing was waiting and we were then left to settle in.

So it got me thinking, what could property managers do to help greet their guests. There is something nice about being greeted by a dose of special treatment. With vacation rentals on the rise, however, a traveler often will have little to no interaction at all with a property managers. This acts as both a benefit and a negative to the traveler. What can property managers do to add that special arrival touch for luxury travelers that says your important, while at the same time remaining in the background? Here are five ideas:

• The Classics: Food items. As mentioned above, having the cocktail of my choice waiting for me was a wonderful touch. You really cannot go wrong with a note attached to some sort of food or beverage. Some of the standard luxury food items would include; chocolate covered strawberries, champagne on ice, a fresh fruit basket, a cheese plate or even a nice bottle of wine to add a nice welcome touch. But be creative especially if the region you are in is known for a specialty item.

• The welcome phone call/text message: Many managers will not see the guest if there is a hide-a-key in place. Know the time of your guest’s arrival. Be sure to call or send a text message welcoming them their home away from home. More than just a welcome, check to make sure everything is to their satisfaction. They’ve paid a hefty price and it is nice to know someone is making sure they are getting their money’s worth.

• The Highlight: Guest may never read the “binder” left to help them navigate around the home and the area they are visiting. A hand written note or letter highlighting a few top spots is a nice way to give them a few bullet points to get them started. Make sure to point them towards the binder for more great ideas for their stay.

• The Voucher: You know the area and most likely the group coming in does not. One way to assist them in getting out to explore would be by teaming up with a local restaurant, spa or store and creating discount vouchers for your guests. (Both you and the business benefit!) Make them exclusive and make them worth it. A voucher for two glasses of wine at a top restaurant or a guaranteed seat at a place impossible to get a reservation will go a long way. I do not suggest gift cards (although if that is easier, go for it.) A voucher you only spend money on if the person goes, whereas a gift card often does not get used and you will have wasted money.

• The Bouquet: Flowers are also an excellent way to welcome someone into a vacation rental. It also adds a touch of elegance to the home, by not simply brightening it up, but also making it smell wonderful. Have the flowers waiting on the kitchen counter or in the living room. Make sure there is a welcome card and include your contact information. Guests want to know there is someone they can call in case they have a question.

I know you property managers are extremely busy. But special touches, once you do it a few times, will become almost second nature for you and can leave a lasting impression that can keep a guest coming back again and again.

Comment on this blog and share your ideas or story of a special touch below.