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Is Providing Internet Access Worth The Money?
By CottageGuru | August 19, 2008
This is a question I’ve been asked on a dozen occasions over the past few weeks. With more providers offering hi-speed access in cottage country, it’s a feature many owners are now considering. But, is it worth the cost, since the monthly fees can be quite high?
There are still some people who see a vacation rental as an opportunity to get away from the incessant demands of the telephone, text messaging and email, and will be quite happy to find a location where they can enjoy family time without interruption. There’s also many traditional cottage owners who wouldn’t dream of bringing these connections into their idyllic hideaway, so there is a good match there. However, for owners interested in maximising their occupancy in the low season, and serious about getting the edge in the competitive market at this time of year, then I believe it is an option worth considering.
From my perspective, I would never choose a vacation rental without hi-speed because I choose to be in touch with my company at all times. In addition, I often use being on vacation to do some fun work that I never have time for in the office. Like blogging for example!
Providing internet access goes along with installing a hot tub or sauna and having satellite TV. It’s an added value extra that is not necessary for attracting renters in the high season, but may encourage potential clients to choose your property over other similar, but less fully-featured competitors.
The cost varies and depends on the type of service, connection speeds and contract length. The satellite services are the most expensive, but broadband and wireless hi-speed is becoming more common across many cottage country areas. If it’s available locally in your area, your Chamber of Commerce or library will know about it so it’s worthwhile checking there first.
We pay $44.95 per month for our service. I know we get at least one weekend rental a month in low season that is directly attributed to having it, so that makes it worth the money. Raising the low season rate may help cover the cost be be careful not to price your property out of the market. The additional rentals you may achieve are probably sufficient to cover the costs.
I’d be interested to hear from vacation rental owners who have installed an internet connection and seen an increase in enquiries and bookings.
Topics: Getting Bookings |
August 19th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
It’s something I always think about also.
On one hand most people love to be able to stay connected, on the other my place is in the country & people need to stay away from work and have some great family time…
I probably wouldn’t rent a place without internet myself.
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August 20th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Great article! This can become quiet expensive especially if you have multiple units that need internet access. We definitely provide the service in the Peak Season as many will pass on our rentals if we do not provide the internet service. We’re still investigating putting in a high powered wireless router in one central unit (in condo complex) and then the signal can be picked up by the other units. Downside is that we would have to password protect it etc. but if we could save the $40 to $50 monthly on 8 units we would do it? Just a thought if you are in a high density area with multiple units. Dependent on demand during the off season we find it is just best to turn off the service in several units.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
We have hi-speed internet at our cottage (just the hook up, the renters have to bring their own laptop). I think that it has helped with our 100% occupancy rate this year. There are alot of people who prefer to be connected not only to work but also to family and friends. We have had people tell us that they have filled their digital camera, uploaded the pictures to wal-mart and had the prints waiting for them by the time they return home.
~Amy
August 20th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
@Craig - Like you, I couldn’t be without internet access while on holiday. Sad but true! I can do without TV and even a dishwasher, but would be lost without the connection.
@John - Once you balance the expense against the increase in the potential for rental, I really think it is worthwhile. Here in Ontario in the rural areas most providers offer seasonal connections.
@Amy - That is a great marketing idea - I’m going to add that to some of my listings.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:12 am
Nearly 100% of all inquiries we receive demand hi-speed internet. With frequent travelers taking 3-5 vacations a year, it’s understandable that they need to connect when they are traveling.