Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Holland, MI has long been a beloved destination for summer getaways, family lake trips, and seasonal events like Tulip Time. As demand for unique, home-like accommodations rises across West Michigan, owning a short-term rental in Holland presents a profitable opportunity.
But as more vacation homes hit the market, it takes more than a good location to stand out. To consistently attract guests and maximize your revenue, you need the right combination of strategy, service, and local know-how.
At PMI Grand Partners, we help homeowners in Holland convert vacation homes into stress-free, income-generating rentals. Whether you're new to the market or looking to improve your results, this guide outlines practical steps to make your property thrive.
What Is a Short-Term Rental in Holland?
A short-term rental (STR) refers to a fully furnished home—often listed on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo—available for stays of 30 days or less. In Holland, this could be a lakeside cottage, a downtown condo, or a seasonal guesthouse.
Short-term rentals provide flexibility and comfort for travelers. But they also come with added responsibilities for property owners—from maintaining legal compliance to managing operations and guest experience.
Key Challenges for Holland STR Hosts
1. Quick Turnovers in Peak Season
Summer in Holland sees a surge in demand, especially around beach season and Tulip Time. With many properties booked back-to-back, there’s limited time to clean, restock, and reset your home.
2. Local Zoning and Regulatory Compliance
Short-term rental ordinances vary by city and township. Some areas of Holland may have registration, zoning, or permit requirements. If you’re in an HOA-managed community, additional rules may apply.
3. Off-Season Slumps
Unlike Kissimmee or other warm-weather destinations, Holland has a distinct off-season. If you’re not adjusting your pricing or marketing for fall and winter, your calendar may sit empty.
4. Guest Expectations and Reviews
Travelers expect hotel-level communication and amenities. Poor communication or missed cleanings can quickly translate into negative reviews—and less visibility on booking platforms.
High-Impact Strategies for Holland Short-Term Rentals
Tailor Your Home for the Holland Experience
Many visitors come to enjoy Lake Michigan, nearby dunes, breweries, and the Dutch heritage in downtown Holland. Highlight features like walkability to the beach or shops, outdoor space for barbecues, or cozy fireplaces for cooler months.
Family-friendly additions—like board games, bunk beds, and beach gear—can also improve reviews and attract repeat visitors.
Adopt Smart Pricing Strategies
Rates in Holland can shift drastically depending on season, local events, and even weekends vs. weekdays. Use dynamic pricing tools or partner with a professional manager to regularly adjust rates.
Not sure how much vacancy is costing you? Use our Vacancy Loss Calculator to estimate the income you’re leaving on the table.
Sell the Experience, Not Just the Property
Your listing should do more than describe the home—it should paint a picture of the guest’s experience. Phrases like “walk to Tunnel Park for sunset views” or “enjoy a quiet morning on the screened-in porch” help potential guests envision their stay.
Pair this with professional photography that captures bright, clean rooms and thoughtful details.
Optimize for Year-Round Bookings
Holland has more to offer than just summer. Promote off-season highlights like fall color tours, holiday parades, or romantic winter getaways. Include photos of fire pits, hot tubs, or nearby hiking trails to show year-round appeal.
Streamline Operations for Better Results
Automate Guest Communication
Use automated messaging to confirm bookings, deliver check-in instructions, and request reviews. These tools save time while providing a polished guest experience.
Keep Availability Accurate
Sync calendars across Airbnb, Vrbo, and other sites to avoid double bookings and ensure your calendar reflects accurate availability.
Work with Reliable Local Vendors
From emergency repairs to mid-stay cleaning requests, reliable service providers are essential. PMI Grand Partners, partners with trusted local vendors to ensure your home is always guest ready.
For owners who want to simplify everything from turnover scheduling to 24/7 guest messaging, explore our Holland vacation property management services.
Deliver Five-Star Stays That Lead to More Bookings
Thoughtful Touches Make the Difference
Welcome kits with snacks, local coffee, or activity maps can delight guests. Extra amenities like firewood, bikes, or beach passes can set your rental apart.
Include a Digital or Printed Guest Guide
Your guide should include parking instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, house rules, and a curated list of favorite local spots. QR codes linking to local menus or hiking trail maps are a great bonus.
Respond to Feedback and Adapt
Review guest comments to identify patterns. If multiple reviews mention dim lighting or missing kitchen tools, prioritize improvements. Showing responsiveness can increase ratings and loyalty.
Why Partner with PMI Grand Partners?
Managing a vacation rental in Holland is rewarding—but it’s also time-intensive. From coordinating cleanings to navigating guest needs and local regulations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
PMI Grand Partners provides full-service vacation rental management tailored to Holland’s unique market. Whether you live locally or out of state, we take care of everything—from marketing and maintenance to dynamic pricing and detailed reporting.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you unlock the full income potential of your Holland vacation home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a permit to run a vacation rental in Holland, MI?
It depends on your property’s location. Some areas require registration or zoning compliance. PMI Grand Partners helps ensure your property meets all local guidelines.
2. What types of amenities attract the most guests in Holland?
Features like fire pits, beach gear, family games, fast Wi-Fi, and proximity to Lake Michigan consistently boost guest satisfaction.
3. Can I keep my calendar full outside of summer?
Yes. By adjusting pricing and promoting seasonal activities, many Holland owners enjoy steady bookings year-round.
4. How does PMI Grand Partners support out-of-town owners?
We provide 24/7 local support, guest communication, vendor coordination, and performance reporting so remote owners can rest easy.
5. What’s the best way to know if I’m maximizing my rental income?
Use our Vacancy Loss Calculator to identify where you may be losing revenue and get data-backed insights into improvement opportunities.
