An Outer Banks vacation often focuses on our stunning beaches, rich nautical history, and diverse outdoor activities. However, unpredictable weather and the desire for different entertainment options means that guests are often looking for more than just sun and sand! With the saturation of the Outer Banks vacation rental market, it's important to do everything that you can to get people booking your home! Classic beach boxes are great, but in order to increase rentals, it's important to branch out and try to find other ways to make your Outer Banks vacation rental stand out. As a property owner, adding a game room or arcade system to your rental can significantly boost your property's appeal, setting it apart from the competition and bringing in more rentals year after year! Here are some reasons to consider adding a game room and/or an arcade system to your vacation rental.
Why Should You Add a Game Room/Video Arcade System to Your Rental?
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1. Enhanced Guest Experience
A well-designed game room or arcade system provides entertainment for guests of all ages, making your rental more attractive to families and multi-generational gatherings. It offers a space for guests to unwind, bond, and create memories, especially on those rainy days or evenings when they might prefer to stay indoors. Adding an arcade gaming system can spark a lot of joy for that nostalgic effect, capitalizing on the craze of the '80s sparked by shows like Stranger Things. Your guests will be abuzz about playing Pacman after they've spent the day at the beach - ensuring that this is truly a vacation to remember.
2. Increased Bookings and Repeat Guests
Offering unique amenities like a game room can increase your property's booking rate. Guests who have had an enjoyable experience are more likely to leave positive reviews, recommend your rental to others, and return for future stays. The more features your property offers, the more likely it is to stand out in a crowded market. There has been an increase in the number of guests looking to book homes with video arcade systems, meaning that if they're torn between your property and another, having a game room filled with activities or an arcade gaming system will help tilt the scales in your favor.
3. Higher Rental Rates
Premium amenities like a game room can justify higher rental rates. Many guests are willing to pay extra for properties that offer more than just the basics. By investing in quality entertainment options, you can position your rental as an upscale vacation experience, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy more than just the beach while they're here! Offer unique resort-style amenities with the ocean in the background!
4. All-Weather Appeal
The Outer Banks weather can be unpredictable, with storms or high winds sometimes interrupting beach plans. A game room ensures that your guests have something fun to do regardless of the weather, making your rental a desirable choice year-round. This all-weather appeal can help fill your calendar during off-peak seasons.
5. Appeals to a Broader Audience
A game room or arcade system can attract a diverse group of renters, including families with children, multi-generational family groups, and families with gamers. It offers something for everyone, from kids enjoying classic arcade games to adults playing a round of pool or table tennis. This broad appeal can help you tap into different market segments, increasing your rental’s occupancy rate.
6. Positive Reviews and Social Media Buzz
A game room can be a standout feature that guests love to talk about. When guests have a great time playing games, they’re more likely to share their experiences on social media or leave glowing reviews. This organic word-of-mouth advertising can be invaluable in attracting new guests.
7. Differentiation from Competitors
The vacation rental market in the Outer Banks is competitive, with many properties offering similar amenities. A game room or arcade system can be the unique selling point that makes your property stand out. By offering something extra, you give potential guests a reason to choose your rental over others. And once they're stayed at your property once, they're more likely to book with you again!
8. Increased Property Value
Investing in a game room can also increase the value of your property. Should you ever decide to sell, a well-equipped game room can be an attractive feature for buyers, adding to the overall appeal and marketability of the property.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Game Room
1. Choose a Variety of Games
Get creative! Choose a variety of games and gaming systems to add to your guests' vacation experience. Include a mix of classic arcade gaming systems, a pool or foosball table, air hockey, or even a gaming console like an Xbox or Playstation to keep guests coming back! This will broaden the appeal for a variety of renters with different interests and age groups.
2. Focus on Comfort
Make your game room a comfortable place to be. Consider comfortable seating, fun lighting, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will have guests laughing together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Additional amenities like wet bars, wine refrigerators, and mini-fridges are great for creating a fun space. And don't forget TVs and sound systems that are sure to add to the overall vacation experience.
3. Choose a Versatile Space
Think about where you want to have the game room. Does it make sense to have it upstairs near the living area? Or downstairs, allowing seamless transitions between the pool deck and the game room? Think about sound and how far away you want the game room to be from sleeping areas. Ensure the room is spacious enough to accommodate different activities and leave enough room around the gaming tables to ensure ease of access and comfortable movement. A basement, garage, or even a large spare room can be the ideal spot to set up a game room or den. Video arcade systems are flexible and can be made to fit anywhere, from the main living area to a bedroom or a den.
4. Themed Decor
A themed room can make it even more exciting for your guests. Think about the atmosphere and vibes that you want your game room to give off. Do you want a retro arcade? A sports bar? Or even just something beachy that echoes the fun of the surf, sand, and sun of the beach? Include wall art, neon signs, themed furniture, and fun decor or memorabilia that reflects your theme and adds to the ambiance that is sure to make your space visually appealing and fun.
Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your Outer Banks Vacation Rental
A well-designed game room can be a significant draw for guests looking for a vacation rental that offers more than just a place to sleep. By focusing on comfort, variety, and aesthetics, you can create a game room that enhances your guests' overall experience, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings.
We love property management on the Outer Banks and it shows. Family-owned and locally managed for over 30 years, Seaside Vacations goes above and beyond to make sure property management is Hassle-Free, meaning that we’ll take care of the details so that you can get back to taking care of the things that matter most to you. We'll help you make the most of your vacation rental! With our unique Property Coordinator model, we're here to help you succeed.
If you’re not already working with us and you're ready to find out more about how we support YOU in your rental property business, request your Complimentary Rental Projection today! Simply fill out this form to receive a commitment-free call from Michelle Russell, our Business Development Director at Seaside Vacations, who can answer any questions you may have about how Seaside Vacations can help you make the most of your Outer Banks vacation rental property.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
