How to Attract Couples to Your Short-Term Rental

As more couples seek unique, memorable getaways, the demand for romantic, cosy, and private short-term rentals has grown. Couples aren’t just looking for a place to sleep — they want an experience that helps them relax, reconnect, and celebrate their time together. Here's how to make your short-term rental irresistible to couples.

Create a Romantic Atmosphere

Why it matters

Couples are drawn to spaces that feel special, intimate, and thoughtfully cared for. A romantic environment instantly sets the mood, helping guests to unwind, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories. It allows them to step out of their daily routine and enjoy quality time together in a setting that feels a world away from home, deepening their bond and making their stay truly meaningful.

Feeling enveloped by romance can transform an ordinary weekend into a treasured memory, making your rental part of their story. Creating the right atmosphere not only helps couples reconnect with each other, but also encourages a sense of joy, wonder, and escapism that is often missing from day-to-day life.

What to do

Invest in warm, ambient lighting using table lamps, string lights, and candles instead of relying solely on harsh overhead lights. Soft lighting creates an inviting atmosphere where couples can instantly feel relaxed and connected. Use tactile furnishings like velvet cushions, plush throws, and high-thread-count bedding to enhance the sense of comfort and luxury throughout your space.

Create special "moments" around your property — for example, a breakfast nook perfect for slow mornings, a fireside sitting area ideal for evening conversations, or a private balcony with two cosy chairs for sunset watching. Prepare a welcome basket featuring a bottle of wine, artisan chocolates, and a handwritten note to add a personal, thoughtful touch. Set up a Bluetooth speaker with a curated romantic playlist, so guests can easily set the perfect mood as soon as they arrive.

Emphasise Privacy and Seclusion

Why it matters

Privacy is one of the top priorities for couples, especially those celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic escape. A sense of seclusion enhances the feeling of exclusivity and intimacy, making your property a perfect haven.

Knowing they can enjoy their time together without outside interruptions allows couples to truly let their guards down and savour each other’s company, making their stay more restorative and magical. A peaceful and private environment fosters deeper connection, relaxation, and often makes moments feel even more special and profound.

What to do

Install blackout curtains or blinds to block out external noise and light, creating a peaceful sleeping environment. Add fencing, hedging, or privacy screens around outdoor areas to offer complete seclusion for relaxing moments.

Position seating areas or hot tubs thoughtfully so they are out of sight from neighbours. Highlight "no shared spaces" in your listing if applicable, and mention if your property is tucked away from busy streets.

Highlight Experiences Tailored for Two

Why it matters

Couples value shared experiences that create lasting memories. Special activities designed for two offer a chance to bond, explore, and celebrate their relationship. Experiences add emotional depth to a trip and turn it from a simple getaway into a meaningful adventure they’ll reminisce about for years to come. Having tailored experiences available can make guests feel that every detail has been thought of with them in mind, enhancing their emotional attachment to their stay.

What to do

Create a digital or printed guide listing local experiences ideal for couples, such as romantic restaurants, scenic walking trails, nearby wineries, or spa centres. Offer an optional "Romantic Experience" add-on that includes things like booking a private chef, arranging a couples’ massage, or packing a picnic basket for an afternoon in the countryside.

If you have outdoor space, leave a cosy blanket and a picnic basket ready for impromptu star-gazing evenings. Partner with local tour providers to offer exclusive experiences at a discounted rate, and leave information readily available for guests to plan their adventures with ease.

Highlight Luxurious Amenities

Why it matters

A few indulgent amenities can turn a simple stay into something unforgettable. Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive — it’s about creating comfort, beauty, and a sense of being pampered. Offering a touch of luxury allows couples to feel cared for and spoiled, helping them fully immerse themselves in a relaxing and romantic experience. Well-chosen luxuries encourage guests to slow down, enjoy life's pleasures, and celebrate their relationship.

What to do

Upgrade bedding to high-quality sheets and provide multiple pillow options so guests can customise their comfort. Install a rain shower or a deep soaking tub with bath salts, candles, and spa-like accessories nearby to create a relaxing bath ritual.

Include fluffy robes and quality slippers for lounging around the rental. Stock the bathroom with luxury toiletries such as organic soaps, body lotions, and bath bombs. Surprise guests with complimentary treats like a bottle of bubbly on ice, a breakfast hamper filled with pastries and fruit, or even a late checkout option to encourage lazy mornings together.

Craft a Sensory-Rich Listing Description

Why it matters

Couples often make booking decisions based on how a place feels. A beautifully written, sensory-driven description helps potential guests imagine themselves in your space and builds an emotional connection even before they arrive.

Stirring the senses with vivid imagery evokes emotions and creates excitement, helping couples picture their ideal escape unfolding at your rental. This emotional connection is often what turns a casual interest into a firm booking, as guests already feel personally invested in the experience you’re offering.

What to do

Instead of listing features mechanically, describe how your space makes guests feel. Write phrases like "enjoy lazy mornings sipping coffee on the sun-dappled patio" or "curl up together by the crackling fire with a glass of red wine" to help couples visualise those intimate moments.

Use emotive, action-driven language and pair it with high-quality, atmospheric photos that match your descriptions. Capture the glow of fairy lights, the steam rising from a hot tub at sunset, and the cosy textures inside your home. The goal is to evoke anticipation and emotion before they even book.

Encourage Special Occasion Bookings

Why it matters

Many couples book getaways to celebrate important milestones — engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, or even just a spontaneous romantic weekend. Helping guests mark these moments creates memories that are deeply meaningful and ensures their time together feels even more significant. A well-celebrated special occasion can leave a lasting emotional imprint, making couples far more likely to return.

What to do

Offer a "Celebration Package" add-on with options like rose petals scattered on the bed, a bottle of chilled bubbly, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or a special dessert plate ready for their arrival.

Allow guests to request a "Surprise Setup" when booking, where you arrange flowers, candles, or a thoughtful card. Mention in your listing that you can assist with marriage proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, or babymoons. After booking, send a friendly message asking if they're celebrating something special and offer a few upgrade options to make their stay unforgettable.

Collect and Share Romantic Reviews

Why it matters

When couples read reviews that capture the emotional highlights of other guests' experiences, it helps them envision their own special moments unfolding in your space.

Romantic, heartfelt testimonials build excitement and trust, making them more confident that your rental will deliver the memorable escape they are seeking. Authentic, emotion-driven reviews allow future guests to connect on a deeper level with your offering and can serve as a powerful influence in their decision-making process.

What to do

After checkout, send a polite and personalised thank-you message encouraging guests to share what made their trip special in a review. Gently prompt them to describe their favourite moments together, such as a sunset dinner, a cosy evening by the fire, or a surprise celebration.

Highlight past romantic reviews on your listing by quoting a few sentences and creating dedicated sections like "Guest Love Stories" or "Memorable Moments." If you have a guestbook at the property, invite couples to leave handwritten notes, and (with permission) use some of these heartfelt entries to add a more personal, emotional touch to your online listing.

Conclusion

With more couples seeking memorable escapes, creating a romantic, thoughtful, and private space is a wonderful opportunity to attract this growing market. By offering small luxuries, special experiences, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you can turn your short-term rental into a dream destination for couples. With the right touches, your guests will not only fall in love with each other all over again — they’ll fall in love with your property too.