We have a condo in Kihei, Maui, and are doing very well in our renting. We get great reviews, and these are the some reasons why.
We are very responsive to any problems, that come up. That seems to create better reviews, if you are. Except if we are traveling, and that can be a challenge. Especially if we are having phone problems, like we did in Eastern Europe recently. We need to work on that.
We also work hard to keep the place up every year, steam cleaning and fixing, replacing, painting, and deep cleaning every year, etc. We try to update the decor from time to time. We have a good local handyman, which is important to get things fixed asap. And we have just recently changed our cleaning people, a very good change. The other cleaners left mold in the bathtub every year, dust throughout the condo, and we had our steam cleaner machine (large one) that walked off. The cleaning manager blamed our guests for stealing it (not a good move with me). Not very possible, they all fly in there! It had to be an inside job. Also, we had reports that he was entertaining people in our condo, when our place wasn't rented. Not a good move on his part. The new cleaners also keep up on replacing sheets, towels, etc. The old cleaners, I believe, must have talked on the phone the majority of the time they were washing the linens! Important to have reliable and thorough help.
We provide lots of extras- having a beach property, I hit the garage sales every year, and stock up on snorkeling equipment, boogie boards, umbrellas, beach chairs, beach bags, mats, umbrellas, floats, beach toys, coolers, etc. That way, when things get lost or broken, I'm not out a lot of money. People write very nice comments about these things- they love them!
I also especially make keychains and notepads, with Hawaii decor on them, with a tag on the back with our condo information to give out. I think it is a nice way for people to keep our information, and they seem to like them. We have lots of repeat business over the years. They are pretty cute, and I think the kids like them, especially! We also make up magnets, with our local beach picture on them, and our information. I put them on the refrigerator. It has very pretty picture on them, and people take them quite a bit. Every little bit helps to get the word out. They may give them to friends or family, also.
We have nice plants on our patio, and have the cleaning people water them. Just a nice extra, we feel. We have a well stocked kitchen, lots of nice towels, beach towels, dvds that I got at garage sales, etc. People notice these little extras. Just my two cents!
