Laguna Beach, California, with its pristine beaches, vibrant art scene, and Mediterranean climate, is a magnet for tourists and seasonal renters. For property managers, the high season—typically spanning late spring through early fall—brings a surge in demand for vacation rentals and short-term stays. Managing this influx effectively requires strategic planning, local expertise, and a proactive approach to guest satisfaction. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for Laguna Beach property managers to navigate the high season successfully, ensuring both profitability and guest delight.
Understanding the High Season in Laguna Beach
The high season in Laguna Beach aligns with peak tourism months, generally from May to September, with July and August being the busiest. During this period, the city hosts major events like the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, and Sawdust Art Festival, drawing thousands of visitors. Families, couples, and art enthusiasts flock to the area, seeking beachfront rentals, luxury homes, or cozy cottages. This demand spike presents opportunities for property managers but also challenges, such as increased competition, higher guest expectations, and operational strain.
To thrive, property managers must anticipate these dynamics and prepare for the unique needs of high-season guests. From optimizing pricing to streamlining operations, the following tips will help you manage the rush while maintaining a stellar reputation.
1. Optimize Your Pricing Strategy
Dynamic pricing is critical during the high season. With demand at its peak, property managers can maximize revenue by adjusting rates based on market trends, local events, and booking patterns. Here’s how to do it:
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Monitor Market Trends: Use tools like AirDNA or Beyond Pricing to analyze occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR) for comparable properties in Laguna Beach. Adjust your pricing weekly to stay competitive without undercutting your value.
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Leverage Event-Driven Pricing: Major events like the Pageant of the Masters (July–August) drive demand. Increase rates during these periods, but ensure they reflect the premium experience your property offers, such as proximity to event venues or beach access.
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Offer Incentives for Longer Stays: Encourage week-long or monthly bookings by offering slight discounts. This reduces turnover and cleaning costs while securing revenue.
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Set Minimum Stay Requirements: To avoid frequent turnovers, consider a 3–7 night minimum during peak weeks. This is especially effective for high-demand properties near Main Beach or Heisler Park.
By fine-tuning your pricing, you can balance occupancy and profitability while attracting the right guests.
2. Enhance Property Appeal with Seasonal Upgrades
High-season guests expect properties that feel fresh, comfortable, and tailored to Laguna Beach’s coastal vibe. Small upgrades can make your rental stand out in a crowded market. Consider these enhancements:
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Outdoor Spaces: Laguna Beach’s sunny weather makes outdoor areas a priority. Refresh patios with new furniture, add string lights for ambiance, or install a fire pit for evening gatherings. Ensure ocean-view decks are spotless and equipped with comfortable seating.
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Beach-Friendly Amenities: Provide beach towels, umbrellas, and coolers to elevate the guest experience. A basket of sunscreen or reusable water bottles branded with your property’s logo adds a thoughtful touch.
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Smart Home Features: Install smart thermostats, keyless entry systems, or Wi-Fi boosters to cater to tech-savvy travelers. Reliable high-speed internet is non-negotiable, as many guests work remotely or stream media.
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Local Art Accents: Reflect Laguna Beach’s artistic heritage by incorporating works from local artists or Sawdust Art Festival vendors. A vibrant painting or sculpture can make your property memorable.
Before the season begins, conduct a thorough walkthrough to address maintenance issues like leaky faucets, worn linens, or faded exterior paint. A well-maintained property not only attracts bookings but also earns glowing reviews.
3. Streamline Operations for Efficiency
The high season’s fast pace demands efficient operations to handle quick turnovers, guest inquiries, and maintenance requests. Here’s how to stay organized:
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Hire Reliable Cleaning Crews: Partner with a trusted cleaning service that can handle frequent turnovers. Create detailed checklists to ensure consistency, covering essentials like restocking toiletries, checking appliances, and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.
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Automate Communication: Use property management software like Guesty or Hostaway to automate guest messaging. Send pre-arrival instructions, check-in details, and post-stay follow-ups to save time and enhance the guest experience.
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Build a Local Network: Establish relationships with local vendors for maintenance, landscaping, and emergency repairs. Having a go-to plumber or electrician on speed dial prevents delays during peak season.
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Stock Up on Supplies: Maintain an inventory of essentials like light bulbs, batteries, and cleaning products to avoid last-minute scrambles. Consider bulk purchasing to reduce costs.
Efficiency allows you to focus on guest satisfaction rather than getting bogged down by logistics.
4. Prioritize Guest Experience
High-season guests often have high expectations, especially in a premium destination like Laguna Beach. Delivering exceptional experiences can lead to repeat bookings and positive reviews. Try these strategies:
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Personalized Welcome Packages: Greet guests with a basket of local goodies, such as Laguna Beach Coffee Company blends, artisan chocolates, or a bottle of California wine. Include a handwritten note to add a personal touch.
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Curated Local Guides: Provide a digital or printed guide with insider tips on dining, hiking, and attractions. Recommend lesser-known gems like Top of the World for panoramic views or Crystal Cove State Park for tidepool exploration.
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Responsive Communication: Be available to address guest needs promptly, whether it’s a question about parking or a request for extra towels. Use a 24/7 messaging platform to ensure no inquiry goes unanswered.
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Encourage Reviews: After checkout, politely request feedback and reviews on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Google. Positive reviews boost your property’s visibility and credibility.
A memorable guest experience sets your property apart in a competitive market.
5. Navigate Local Regulations
Laguna Beach has strict regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), and compliance is critical during the high season when enforcement is heightened. Stay informed to avoid fines or permit issues:
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Understand STR Permits: Laguna Beach requires a permit for rentals under 30 days. Ensure your permit is active and displayed as required. Check the city’s website for updates on caps or zoning restrictions.
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Comply with Occupancy Limits: Adhere to maximum occupancy rules (typically two people per bedroom plus two additional guests). Overcrowding can lead to neighbor complaints or permit revocation.
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Collect and Remit TOT: Laguna Beach imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals. Use a platform like Airbnb to automate collection, or work with an accountant to ensure accurate remittance.
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Respect Quiet Hours: Enforce quiet hours (typically 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to maintain good neighbor relations. Include these rules in your guest welcome packet.
Staying compliant protects your business and fosters goodwill with the community.
6. Market Your Property Effectively
With hundreds of rentals vying for attention, strategic marketing is essential to fill your calendar. Here’s how to boost visibility:
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Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality photos that showcase your property’s best features, like ocean views or modern kitchens. Hire a photographer familiar with Laguna Beach’s aesthetic.
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Optimize Listings: Write compelling descriptions that highlight unique selling points, such as proximity to Victoria Beach or pet-friendly amenities. Use keywords like “luxury,” “beachfront,” or “art-inspired” to improve search rankings.
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Leverage Social Media: Share stunning visuals of your property on Instagram or Pinterest, tagging Laguna Beach tourism accounts. Create short videos showcasing the guest experience, from sunrise walks to art festival visits.
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Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with restaurants or activity providers to offer guest discounts. For example, a voucher for Selanne Steak Tavern or a surf lesson with a local school can entice bookings.
A strong marketing strategy ensures your property stands out in search results and social feeds.
7. Prepare for Unexpected Challenges
The high season can bring unforeseen issues, from power outages to guest emergencies. Being prepared minimizes disruptions:
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Create a Contingency Plan: Have backup options for power outages (e.g., portable chargers) or water issues (e.g., bottled water reserves). Share emergency contacts with guests, including your 24/7 number.
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Screen Guests Thoroughly: Review guest profiles and past reviews to avoid problematic bookings. Platforms like Airbnb allow you to set booking criteria, such as requiring verified IDs.
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Monitor Weather Risks: While Laguna Beach enjoys mild weather, summer heatwaves or rare storms can occur. Ensure air conditioning units are serviced and provide fans for guest comfort.
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Insurance Coverage: Confirm your property insurance covers short-term rentals and high-season risks like property damage or liability. Consider additional coverage through providers like CBIZ or Proper Insurance.
Proactive planning keeps your operation running smoothly, even when challenges arise.
Conclusion
Managing a rental property in Laguna Beach during the high season is both rewarding and demanding. By optimizing pricing, enhancing your property, streamlining operations, and prioritizing guest satisfaction, you can capitalize on the influx of visitors while building a loyal clientele. Staying compliant with local regulations and marketing strategically will further solidify your success. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the high-season rush, turning peak demand into a profitable and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.
Ready to elevate your Laguna Beach property management game? Start implementing these strategies today and watch your bookings soar!
