Boosting the Appeal of Vacation Rentals! Explaining the Importance of Interior Coordination!
2024.02.22
Before Starting a Vacation Rental… The Interior is Extremely Important!
As a new method of real estate operation, vacation rentals have been a hot topic recently. With the establishment of the Residential Lodging Business Act (commonly known as the “Minpaku New Law”), there are movements at the national level to promote vacation rentals.
For investors troubled by vacant houses or rooms of owned properties, the option of operating a vacation rental could be a saving grace. However, there are challenges to clear before starting a vacation rental, aside from legal procedures.
Most Vacation Rental Users are Foreign Tourists
The demand for vacation rentals in Japan surged primarily due to the rapid increase in foreign tourists. Foreign tourists often choose vacation rentals for their affordable accommodation compared to hotels and inns, which has highlighted vacation rentals as a solution to the sudden increase in lodging demand.
For Japanese people, the concept of “vacation rental” might not seem very familiar, and some might think of it as merely a simple lodging facility. However, for foreigners, vacation rental facilities are considered legitimate accommodations. They may not reach the level of hotels or inns, but they must provide a comfortable space for tourists.
The Rating of a Vacation Rental is Determined by Its Interior and Amenities
Reservations for vacation rental facilities are made through booking sites like Airbnb or Booking.com. These reservation sites allow showcasing photos of the exterior and interior of the building and the available amenities. The quality of the interior and amenities directly affects the comfort level, influencing the image tourists have of the vacation rental facility. Hence, it’s clear that this information significantly impacts the reservation status.
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Points to Consider in Minpaku Interior and Interior Coordination
Minpaku facilities’ equipment and interior are crucial elements. Among them, items like furniture and lighting directly relate to the accommodation’s image. However, being told to “coordinate” without knowing which interior items to purchase or how to arrange them can be challenging.
Here, we’ll share three important aspects to consider regarding Minpaku’s interior and interior coordination. Keeping these perspectives in mind can prevent major mistakes in design and coordination.
Does it match the local atmosphere?
Minpaku facilities are aimed at tourists, so there should be some tourist attractions nearby. Each tourist site has a somewhat fixed image, like “That building is symbolic” or “The whole town has a distinctive atmosphere.” Incorporating that image into the Minpaku’s interior and decor can maintain the tourists’ mood and enhance satisfaction.
Is there a unified sense in the interior?
It’s true that the more expensive the furniture, the more beautiful and comfortable it becomes. This is particularly evident in chairs, sofas, and beds, where the difference in comfort between high-end and lower-end products is significant.
However, interior coordination isn’t just about assembling quality items. It’s essential to decide on an overall concept first and then select interiors to avoid creating a chaotic room without unity.
Is the convenience as a Minpaku facility compromised?
Focusing too much on interior and decoration can make you forget about “ease of living” in the room. For example, it’s great to remodel a room with a Japanese concept, including tatami mats and sliding doors. However, switching to a Japanese-style toilet might adhere to the concept but could negatively impact “livability” for many people.
Moreover, unlike hotels and inns, Minpaku guests are expected to cook and do laundry. Ensure all necessary appliances are available, and the room’s layout doesn’t hinder movement.
It is also recommended to entrust a professional interior coordinator
Considering hiring a professional interior coordinator is also recommended for those struggling with conceptualization or lacking confidence in selecting interiors. They can provide not only concept and furniture suggestions but also handle orders, simplifying the process significantly.
However, as much as you rely on professionals, without effective communication, you might end up dissatisfied with the completed room’s concept and interior coordination. Having some knowledge about interior and coordination can facilitate sharing images with interior coordinators.
We introduce the interior design of the vacation rental properties we manage!
While we’ve shared various insights on interior and interior coordination, it’s hard to imagine without actual examples. Our company, World Wide Base, offers vacation rental management services, including properties renovated for vacation rental use. From here, we will introduce four properties with a focus on interior and interior decoration that are actually being operated!
Scandinavian Modern Style Guesthouse
B Cycle【Biei】
B Cycle is a guesthouse that opened in December 2022. It features 9 private rooms (2 for single use, 5 for double use, 2 for triple use) and a shared living space.
In terms of interior coordination, “Scandinavian style” is the concept, thus furniture is uniformly made from wood, and appliances are unified in bright, clean white to add to the ambience.
Though there are rooms with tatami mats, it does not disrupt the overall cohesion of the facility due to their private nature.
Additionally, as the guesthouse frequently hosts foreign tourists, board games are placed in the shared living area to facilitate non-verbal communication. By understanding the characteristics of the users and providing facilities that cater to them, it enhances guest satisfaction.
【For more details, please visit】
Press Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000010.000097848.html
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/764619203214711640?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=6827d96f-9c7d-4f7b-a918-b6a5a4fd5841
Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/b-cycle-biei12.ja.html
Supervised by a Design Firm: A Chic Space
UU HOME【Biei】
UU HOME is a vacation rental located just a 9-minute walk from Biei Station, offering an excellent location. It’s structured like an apartment, with two rooms on both the second and third floors, each capable of accommodating up to six guests.
The overall color scheme is subdued, including the wallpaper. The bathroom walls, in particular, are stone-clad, adding an enhanced sense of luxury.
Moreover, UU HOME, situated around the urban area near Biei Station, boasts a highly convenient location. One innovative feature is the inclusion of a workspace within the room, leveraging this advantage to market the facility as a suitable place for workations. This shows how interior design can be used to expand the target demographic.
【For more details, please visit】
Press Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000012.000097848.html
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/851855488395832217?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=87d1ac9c-9aeb-46b0-a004-0be2286ad6e4
Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/uuhome.ja.html
A Log House Standing Alone in the Countryside
Furano Log House Farm Resort【Furano】
The Furano Log House Farm Resort is a single-story log house located in the rural outskirts of Furano city.
Its interior strongly brings out the essence of wood, matching the views of Japan’s original landscapes seen through the windows. The interior is unified with simple shapes and colors without placing flashy items.
Moreover, at the entrance of the Furano Log House Farm Resort, there’s a purposely simply made signboard that emphasizes the concept of “a log house standing in the countryside.”
A barbecue set is also available, allowing you to enjoy it while viewing the magnificent mountains of Furano. Such an interior coordination that takes advantage of the location surrounded by greenery is a feature of the Furano Log House Farm Resort.
【For more details, please visit】
Press release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000123694.html
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.jp/rooms/852309607783739780?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=793d24d1-1e01-4eaf-91e3-edbb4e81e5f3
Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/Share-DrOYXQ
A Stylish Guesthouse Transformation Through Major Renovation
Powder Chalet Niseko【Kutchan】
Powder Chalet Niseko is a guesthouse in Kutchan Town that recently started operations and can accommodate up to 16 guests.
Presented in simple 3D renderings, the impression of each room, for example, can significantly change with the wallpaper. As for facilities, the kitchen and shower rooms are shared, but each room on the second floor is equipped with its own washbasin. This allows guests to complete their morning routines, such as washing their face and applying makeup, in their private space, fulfilling its role as a personal space adequately.
This property is quite old, and originally, the rooms on the second floor were not plumbed. However, as a result of extensive renovations, it has been reborn as a clean and attractive accommodation. In fact, Powder Chalet Niseko has recorded high sales immediately after starting operations.
It’s a great example of how interior coordination has successfully increased the property’s value as real estate.
【For more details, please visit】
Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/Share-qbvl1QO
Boost Your Vacation Rental Sales with Interior Coordination!
The original handicaps of a property, such as its age or poor facilities, can be overcome through interior coordination. However, this may require a complete renovation of the interior in some cases, often necessitating an investment of several million yen or more. Yet, if you wish to operate a vacation rental for an extended period, enhancing the appeal of the rooms is essential. Now might be the time to reconsider whether your investment in interior, facilities, and decor is sufficient.
JANKEN Supports You from Property Acquisition to the Start of Vacation Rental Operations
“If you’re looking to start a vacation rental but are unsure about the procedures,” or “You want to utilize an unused vacant house as a vacation rental,” please contact JANKEN!
JANKEN is a vacation rental specialized service that supports investors in all phases related to vacation rentals, from introducing vacation rental properties to renovation and operation. If you’re interested in vacation rentals in Hokkaido, feel free to consult us through the button below.