AIRBNB TIPS & INSIGHTS
Top 10 Amenities Muskoka
If you’re a cottage owner in Muskoka, you already know the market is competitive. With thousands of rentals available, the properties that consistently earn 5-star reviews and premium nightly rates all have one thing in common: the right amenities. Guests are willing to pay more — often hundreds per booking — when your cottage offers the extras that turn a stay into an experience.
At Homeseeker Vacation Homes, we help cottage owners identify and implement high-ROI upgrades that boost revenue without adding operational headaches. Below, we’ll break down the top 10 amenities Muskoka guests consistently pay extra for, and how you can maximize your return.
1. Hot Tubs & Saunas
Nothing says “Muskoka getaway” like soaking in a hot tub under the stars or relaxing in a cedar sauna after a day on the lake. Year-round appeal makes these amenities one of the highest ROI upgrades for cottage owners.
The numbers don’t lie: Muskoka cottages with hot tubs significantly outperform those without. Based on AirDNA market data:
With Hot Tub:
Annual Revenue: $113.2K (+6% YoY)
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $615.88
Occupancy Rate: 57%
RevPAR: $347.72
Without Hot Tub:
Annual Revenue: $59.1K (+4% YoY)
Average Daily Rate (ADR): $411.15
Occupancy Rate: 51%
RevPAR: $209.28
👉 That’s a 91% revenue premium for cottages with hot tubs compared to those without.
Why it matters: This one upgrade nearly doubles income potential, improves occupancy by 6 points, and allows owners to command nearly $200 more per night on average.
For owners, a hot tub isn’t just an expense — it’s an income multiplier that pays for itself within a season.
2. Private Dock & Water Toys
Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and even a paddle boat add instant value. Guests want direct access to the water — and they’ll pay more for it. Homes with well-equipped docks consistently outperform non-waterfront properties in both occupancy and revenue.
3. Firepits & Outdoor Living Spaces
A Muskoka cottage experience isn’t complete without a lakeside firepit. Add comfortable seating, string lights, or a covered Muskoka Room, and you’ll create a premium outdoor experience that renters happily pay extra for.
4. High-Speed Internet & Work-Friendly Setup
Digital nomads, business travelers, and families streaming content all expect reliable Wi-Fi. Cottages with dedicated workspaces (desks, monitors, ergonomic chairs) are positioned to attract higher-paying mid-term bookings.
5. Game Rooms & Entertainment
Pool tables, foosball, ping-pong, or a stocked board game wall can be a revenue multiplier — especially for large-family rentals. Guests will pay more for the built-in entertainment, particularly during shoulder and winter seasons.
6. Luxury Kitchens & BBQ Stations
Upgraded kitchens with high-end appliances, a large dining table, and a fully stocked BBQ area deliver strong ROI. Guests often choose homes where they can host family meals and gatherings over bare-bones setups.
7. All-Season Comfort (AC + Heating)
Muskoka isn’t just a summer market. Properties with central AC in summer and reliable heating for fall/winter secure more off-season bookings, which smooths revenue throughout the year.
8. Pet-Friendly Features
Over 40% of cottage renters bring pets. By offering pet-friendly policies with extras like fenced yards, dog beds, or feeding stations, owners can charge a premium and tap into a loyal niche audience.
9. Wellness & Fitness Additions
Think yoga decks, small gyms, or even cold plunges. These features appeal to wellness-focused travelers looking for a Muskoka retreat — and they’ll happily pay for it.
10. Smart Home Tech & Security
Smart locks, security cameras (for exterior entry points), and app-based thermostats reduce operational friction and provide peace of mind for both guests and owners. Plus, they allow for hands-free management with fewer on-site interventions.
Why Amenities Matter More Than Ever
Our data shows that properties with at least 3–4 of these premium amenities generate 20–40% higher annual revenue than comparable cottages without them. More importantly, the right amenities extend your booking season, attract higher-spending guests, and increase repeat bookings.
Ready to Boost Your Cottage Income?
If you’re a Muskoka cottage owner wondering where to invest for the biggest payoff, let’s talk. Our team will give you a custom property analysis and outline the top strategies to increase your rental income — all while staying completely hands-free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What homeowner support services do you provide for short-term rentals?
We provide homeowners with tools, strategies, and vendor connections to optimize their short-term rental’s performance and minimize hassle, including:
✅ Listing Optimization – We assist property owners in optimizing their Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia listings by providing expert recommendations and marketing strategies.
✅ Dynamic Pricing – We maximize your revenue by adjusting prices based on demand, local events, and seasonality.
✅ Guest Communication – We provide property owners with best practices for guest communication, including templated responses and automation tools to enhance their booking experience.
✅ Cleaning & Maintenance – We connect property owners with trusted cleaning and maintenance professionals to help maintain a high-quality rental experience.
✅ Check-In & Check-Out Management – We help property owners implement secure and efficient check-in solutions, including keyless entry recommendations, to streamline guest access.
✅ Review Management – We provide review response strategies and guidance to help property owners maintain a strong online reputation.
✅ Revenue Reporting – Monthly performance reports and insights to help you scale your earnings.
How do you charge for your services?
Commission-Based – We offer a revenue-based pricing for our homeowner support and marketing services.
How do I know my property is in good hands?
We have a proven track record of helping property owners maximize their short-term rental success. We support you with:
✅ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.
✅ Professional cleaners & maintenance referrals – We connect property owners with trusted service providers to help maintain their property in top condition.
✅ Performance insights – We provide owners with occupancy trends, revenue reports, and guest feedback analysis to optimize their listing.
Your property’s success is our success. The better it performs, the more value we create together! 🚀
How do you ensure my property stays protected?
We provide multiple safeguards to help property owners protect their investment:
✔️ Guest screening recommendations – We provide property owners with best practices and third-party tools to help them screen guests effectively.
✔️ Security deposits & insurance guidance – We assist property owners in setting up Airbnb’s Host Guarantee, Vrbo’s Property Protection, and other coverage options.
✔️ Smart locks & monitoring – We recommend and guide property owners in implementing keyless entry and noise monitoring solutions for added security.
✔️ House rules communication – We help property owners establish clear house rules and provide strategies for reinforcing them with guests.
Additionally, we encourage all property owners to carry short-term rental insurance for added protection.
Can I still use my property when I want?
Absolutely! You have full control over your calendar. If you want to use your property for personal stays, just block off the dates in your booking platform.
Do you provide furniture & interior design services?
Yes! We offer optional setup services to help property owners enhance their rental’s appeal:
🛋️ Furniture & Décor Selection – We help create a stylish and inviting space that stands out in listing photos.
📸 Professional Photography – High-quality images to showcase your property and improve listing visibility.
📍 Amenity Recommendations – We suggest high-value amenities like hot tubs, smart TVs, coffee makers, and workspaces to help attract more guests and improve guest satisfaction.
How long does it take to get my property listed and earning?
💼 Step 1: Onboarding (1-2 days) – We gather property details, provide recommendations, and customize our approach.
📝 Step 2: Listing Creation (3-5 days) – We optimize your Airbnb/Vrbo listing with professional photos, descriptions, and strategic pricing recommendations.
🚀 Step 3: Go Live! (5-7 days) – Your listing is fully optimized and ready for property owners to manage reservations and maximize their earnings.
Most property owners see increased listing visibility and guest inquiries within the first two weeks.
What if a guest damages my property?
We provide multiple layers of guidance to help property owners protect their investment:
1️⃣ Airbnb/Vrbo Host Protection – Airbnb offers a $3M host guarantee for damages, and Vrbo provides property protection options.
2️⃣ Security Deposits – We help property owners set appropriate deposit policies for added protection.
3️⃣ Short-Term Rental Insurance (Recommended) – We encourage property owners to obtain an STR insurance policy for full coverage.
4️⃣ Guest Screening Best Practices – We provide property owners with tools and strategies to help them screen guests effectively and minimize risks.
If damages occur, we guide property owners on how to handle claims and navigate Airbnb/Vrbo’s protection programs.
Do you guarantee bookings or income?
While we cannot guarantee a specific number of bookings (as market demand fluctuates), we provide property owners with strategies to enhance listing performance:
✅ Dynamic pricing guidance – We provide recommendations to help you adjust rates based on market trends, local events, and seasonality.
✅ Optimized listings – We help improve listing appeal with high-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and strategic keyword placement.
✅ Multi-platform visibility – We guide property owners on listing their rentals across platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia to expand their reach.
Our goal is to help property owners increase their property’s visibility and appeal to attract more potential guests.
What’s the next step to get started?
Ready to optimize your short-term rental? Here’s how to begin:
1️⃣ Schedule a Free Consultation – We discuss your goals and property details.
2️⃣ Property Onboarding – We assist with listing optimization, pricing recommendations, and marketing strategies.
3️⃣ Go Live & Take Control – Your listing is fully set up, and you manage reservations while we support you with expert insights.
📞 Call/Text: 705-996-6799
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.homeseekervacation.com
We empower property owners with the tools and strategies to maximize their rental’s potential—stress-free! 🚀
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