As a property owner, I prefer to leave a summary instructional page on everything guests should know about the property as I believe most vacationers arrive to the property very tired and don't seem to want to go through a tour of the property right away. However, I encourage them to call me within a day to go over any questions or concerns about the property.
As a vacation renter, do you prefer meeting the owner/manager? If so, why?
While I'm a VR owner now, I did have 11 years experience renting a VR at the beach for our family every year. At that time I would have preferred not to meet the owner of the property. For that week we just wanted to have the feeling that it was "our" house. We were comfortable with the non-personal relationship with the owner. We went through a management company at the time, so perhaps that was part of the reason we never were interested in meeting the property owner.
Mike L
Lake of the Ozarks Condo Rental
I think your instructions and contact information in case your guests need something are a good strategy. I think some people do not need to have a personal contact with the owners.
But as a traveler and person working in vacation rental industry I always thought the opposite. Whenever I go on a vacation and rent a private house, it is always so much nicer to meet the owner directly. It definitely adds value to the property itself. I like when there is someone at the door waiting for me and welcoming me warmly (especially in the foreign country). I had several cases when the property owner of a house I rented wasn't there. We couldn't make the key work, we didn't know how things worked, where the nearest metro station was and etc. Of course if a traveler arrives late, maybe it is not a perfect timing for a tour around your property but a warm welcome is always well received I think.
Nice and helpful property owners always made me remember my stay even better. I would much rather come back to a place where I was welcomed and offered help by property owners than to a place not represented by anybody. I think it's just an excellent customer service and giving that extra value to your guests. But maybe it's just the matter of personal preferences.
Marta
Rentalo.comLodging Directory for Vacation Rentals, Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts used by 5.2 million Travelers
I tend to agree. We rent our beach property at Florida Gulf Vacation and have for several years. I have only met a couple of the actual renters but always try to speak to them on the phone and always make myself available should there be any questions or issues. I have one long time renter who I have never even spoken to. In three years she has emailed me 4 times and comes back year after year.