What’s the universal goal of a vacation? Answer: To make lasting memories. While buying games for your vacation rental may seem like a frivolous detail, they’re actually a savvy way to set the stage for fun and laughter. Which in turn leads to happy guests who leave 5-star reviews (or even repeat bookings). In other words—games can be a game-changer.
However, they’re not one-size-fits-all. The games you love to play aren’t likely the same ones your teenager gets a kick out of. Let’s review some things to think about. Let the fun begin.
How to choose the right games
Don’t just pick out any game or simply throw in a deck of cards and call it a day. Anything you do to improve your guest experience and keep your guests happy requires some consideration. Here’s what to think about.
Your type of vacation home
You don’t need a dedicated game room to keep guests entertained. Even 1-bedroom condos and small cottages can still offer big doses of fun. Simply stick with compact and versatile games that guests can play in a smaller space, such as Scrabble, chess, Uno, and checkers.
Have a larger space—even an extra room that you can turn into an official game room? Think bigger. Pool tables, video game consoles, ping pong, air hockey, and foosball are all popular with guests.
Your type of guest
Think about who typically books your vacation home. Families with kids? Then stock your home with games the whole family will play. Include classic crowd-pleasers like Life, Jenga, and Operation. Plus, more modern kid-friendly games, including Throw, Throw, Burrito; Sushi Go!, or Karuba. Extra perk? Parents will love that you kept their kids preoccupied and off their devices.
Does your Airbnb attract people in their 20s to 40s? Games like Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens, or Taboo can make your game night hilariously comical.
Typical number of guests
For large groups, games like Cards Against Humanity, Apples to Apples, and Pictionary pull everyone together. While two-player games such as checkers, chess, and conversation-based games provide the right amount of entertainment for a couple.
Video games
Some kids (OK—let’s be honest—many adults) won’t want to leave home without their Playstation, X-Box, or Nintendo. You’re not expected to provide any consoles or controllers. However, update your vacation rental listing and make sure to mention your smart TV that guests can hook up their video games to and your blazing-fast WiFi to keep up with all the action.
Amount of storage space
No game room? No problem. Create a dedicated "Game Nook" with comfortable seating and good lighting to showcase your game collection. Games can get old, so organize and maintain your games regularly to ensure pieces are complete and in good condition. Consider rotating and updating your game selection to keep it fresh for returning guests.
