Stand Out from the Competition with Your St. Pete Beach Rental: A Case Study

As rental property managers in St. Petersburg Beach, FL, we know very well how saturated our rental market has become. Recent studies show a 50% increase in inventory within our niche over the past few years. This fierce competition makes it increasingly challenging for beach rental owners to stand out.

In this scenario, only properties with one-of-a-kind qualities and amenities can consistently secure high-quality bookings. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to enhance your rental’s décor and improve your photographs. However, there are other ways to set yourself apart — namely, through your property’s amenities.

We usually tell owners that one great way to set themselves apart is by having unique perks that other guests in the same building or in the same area don’t have.

In this blog, we’ve handpicked a few of our top-performing rentals in St. Pete Beach to illustrate how you can stand out with your beach property.

Grab your pen and pad, because if you follow the examples below, you’re on the right path to attract more bookings.


Twin Tiki, Treasure Island

The hero image of Twin Tiki excels in showcasing the property’s Instagram-worthy facade against the backdrop of the beautiful Treasure Island sunset sky. Golden hour shots evoke emotions and are highly appealing to potential guests. The property’s photo gallery also includes captivating images of its outstanding decor, the inviting hot tub room, and a picturesque shot of the beach to highlight its surroundings.


Twin Tiki in Treasure Island performs incredibly well, and one reason for its success is its exceptional use of indoor and outdoor spaces. They proudly showcase this with a hero image that highlights their beautiful facade and front yard, both of which are highly Instagram-worthy. The sculptures that adorn the garden, the gorgeous plants, and the meticulously maintained lawn, all contribute to a unique and distinctive appearance when compared to neighboring properties.

The hero image also beautifully captures the colors of the dusk sky, creating a dreamy atmosphere that fosters an emotional connection with viewers. Twin Tiki owners clearly understand the importance of outstanding beach rental photos in setting themselves apart in this competitive market.

The living area at Twin Tiki boasts superb décor, featuring elements, colors, and materials that beautifully evoke the beach environment. These are all choices that reflect a keen sense of design.


We also find Instagram-worthy details in the interior design. The living room showcases carefully selected elements that align with the beach environment, including artful surfboards and a vintage beach sign.

The interior décor is on-point, featuring modern and sleek furniture, a color palette, fabrics, and materials that capture the allure of the beach, along with a bold mix of patterns. Updating the interior design of your rental property and selecting an engaging theme for the décor will truly set you apart from the competition in this business.


Speaking of standing out, the hot tub at Twin Tiki is a great leisure amenity, and it sits under a rustic beach hut, a thoughtfully designed touch.

 

The swim spa with a hot tub in the backyard is incredibly inviting. It’s nestled beneath a charming thatched roof hut and features a high table attached to it, which is a wonderful bonus for hanging out and chatting the night away. When we’re talking about unique perks and making your rental stand out, this space is a prime example.

A well-equipped kitchen is crucial for the success of a short-term rental, and Twin Tiki has nailed it with a modern kitchen featuring top-notch appliances.


Having a well-equipped, modern kitchen is a fantastic way to stand out from the competition. Kitchens are one of the key reasons guests prefer short-term rentals over hotels.  In St. Pete Beach, it seems that most vacationers are eager to play chef! Twin Tiki totally gets it, with a kitchen that’s sleek and equipped with great appliances like a top-notch stove and a coffeemaker. Plus, there’s also a  washer and dryer for that extra convenience.

This bird’s-eye view of Twin Tiki provides a sneak peek into the neighborhood and the property’s closeness to the beach.


Having a bird-eye shot of your rental is totally eye-catching, and it shows potential guests what the surroundings look like. Here, the shot shows how close the property is to the beach. This can be a shot that will convince guests to click the “book” button. 

 Pro tip: whether it’s a well-manicured garden or a porch with a sea view, there are many ways to boost the appeal of your outdoor spaces, just as Twin Tiki has done. Taking a page from their playbook will undoubtedly place your rental in the spotlight and provide guests with an exceptional experience.


Paradise Found, St. Pete Beach

Paradise Found in St. Pete Beach caters perfectly to its ideal audience. The photos evoke the quintessential holiday atmosphere that everyone seeks on the Coast of Florida, and when combined, they immediately capture your attention.


Paradise Found in St. Pete Beach really masters its optimal photo collection. The hero shot showcases their stunning pool, while right next to it, you’ll see a fantastic wooden deck extending over the green waters, complete with a charming lounge area. To boot, an aerial shot provides a glimpse of the lush surroundings and the rental’s location. What more could you ask for in a Florida holiday?

Pools are one of the most sought-after amenities in Coastal Florida, providing guests with an excellent opportunity to bask in the sunny bliss right in their backyards as an alternative to public beaches. The pool area at Paradise Found is situated close to the water and beautifully designed with tropical plants and outdoor furniture.


The pool sits alongside a natural body of water, offering a magnificent setting for some fun under the sun. It includes an area with loungers for sunbathing and a table with an umbrella, perfect for guests to gather and enjoy meals while soaking up the sunshine. These splendid pictures allow potential guests to imagine themselves enjoying this fantastic amenity even before they book their stay.

The gym and office at Paradise Found are unique features. Providing distinctive amenities not commonly found in your area is an excellent way to attract more guests, including those with specific needs and interests. 


Two extra nice amenities that really boost this rental’s image are the gym and the office. The office gives guests a cozy, private spot to get some work done while enjoying lovely views of the pool and the sea, so they can mix business with pleasure. And for those who are fitness enthusiasts, the gym is a real winner, letting them stay active even on vacation. It’s the kind of stuff that certain guests absolutely love.


Doesn’t get much better than having your own private wood deck with a lounge area, does it? This one tops the list of amenities at Paradise Found.


When it comes to offering unique amenities, Found Paradise’s wooden pier is the icing on the cake. It’s a fantastic spot for guests to come together and enjoy the stunning water views. This is a prime example of creativity and space design that will certainly help beach short-term rentals stand out.

 

Sunset Point Beach House, Treasure Island

Drone shot and optimal group of Sunset Point Beach House.


Sunset Point Beach House in Treasure Island is another great example to be followed both in how to create alluring spaces for potential guests and photographing them (which is, again, an important rule to succeed among thousands of rentals on listings platforms).

Sunset Point Beach House boasts spacious, stylish bedrooms, and a spa-like bathroom. Besides the quality of the spaces, the photos expertly balance artificial and natural light.


This rental album features a large, nicely decorated bedroom and a spa-like bathroom, both creating luxurious spaces that leave a great impression on potential guests.

Like the other properties in this blog, Sunset Point Beach House spared no expenses in hiring a professional photographer who, in turn, did an excellent job capturing the interplay of natural and artificial light, an important rule to keep in mind when photographing properties and making them shine.

They also paid great attention to the angles. For instance, the bedroom picture expertly captured the integration of the room with the balcony and the sea views guests will enjoy from the bed.

Extra tip: it’s clear in the photos that both spaces appear spotless. It’s always good to ensure that guests find the place exactly as depicted in the photos. Meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations is essential in this industry to gather good reviews — and stellar reviews are another way you can beat the competition.


Elegant and modern kitchen and a leafy hallway adorned with plants at Sunset Point Beach House. It’s no wonder this property outshines the competition in Treasure Island.


The property’s kitchen is anything but ordinary. It’s fully equipped with updated appliances and features a spacious central countertop. Also, its décor is equally appealing, with green-blue tiles, beautiful cabinets, and elegant flooring.


Sunset Point Beach House porch features a unique hot tub surrounded by palm trees. Who wouldn’t want to relax for a while in such a space?


Another highlight at Sunset Point Beach House is the fantastic porch with a hot tub surrounded by palm trees. With this photo, viewers can almost feel the sea breeze — a clever way to create an emotional connection with potential guests and help them envision themselves enjoying this amenity.


Sandy Dunes, Redington Shores 

Sandy Dunes’ optimal photo group is all about highlighting the property’s proximity to the beach and the beautiful dunes covered in coastal vegetation that surrounds it. It also showcases some fantastic interior décor.


The property’s name says it all. Nestled amid the sandy dunes of Redington Shores, this rental truly maximizes its proximity to the natural surroundings. The hero image reveals a delightful patio surrounded by the dunes, and through other photos in their top-notch collection, viewers can appreciate just how close the property is to the sea. It’s as if the patio seamlessly extends to the beach, a clever touch!

Interior design at Livin’ The Dream. A comfortable bedroom and an open-space kitchen that seamlessly integrates with the living room.


The outdoors may steal the spotlight, but the indoors at Sandy Dunes are also thoughtfully designed and incredibly inviting. All bedrooms are equipped with large flat-screen TVs and feature high-quality furniture. The lighting follows an open-concept layout, seamlessly integrating with the living room and creating that cozy atmosphere everyone appreciates. Thoughtful interior design is crucial for standing out as a competitive beach rental in coastal Florida.


The ultimate leisure at this rental, though, is the patio — the centerpiece of the house where guests can relish the close connection to nature. They can listen to the waves crashing and feel the sea breeze. That’s not all, a fire table adds a touch of luxury to the space, significantly enhancing the property’s value and playing a crucial role in the guests’ decision-making process.


We just can’t get enough of these beautiful sand dunes covered in coastal vegetation. They really do create amazing scenery to be surrounded by. Can you see the shimmering blue sea right in the center? It’s the perfect shot to entice guests into clicking that ‘book’ button.

 

Secrets to Standing Out with Vacation Rentals in St. Pete Beach


How else can you make your beach rental truly unique? Dare to be different and use your creativity. In a sea of ordinary rentals, aim to be the extraordinary one.

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