Common phrases mentioned in Vacationer Pet Peeves
It’s essential to understand what makes a guest’s stay in your vacation rental a great experience—one that leads to 5-star guest reviews, repeat bookings, and positive word of mouth. Equally important is knowing the most common vacation rental guest complaints so you can prevent issues before they impact your reviews.
As part of our ongoing research into who today’s vacationers are and what they expect, we regularly analyze feedback from thousands of travelers to understand what they don’t like when renting a vacation home. Their responses reveal clear, consistent patterns that every vacation rental owner should know.
Below are the top vacation rental pet peeves, according to real guests—along with practical ways to avoid them.
1. Cleanliness Issues in Vacation Rentals
Cleanliness was the number one complaint, mentioned by more than 40% of respondents. Nothing dampens the excitement of arrival faster than walking into a vacation rental that feels dirty or poorly maintained.
Common cleanliness-related issues include:
- Dust, sand, or hair left behind
- Dirty bathrooms or kitchens
- Unwashed linens or leftover trash
How owners can prevent this:
Simple reassurance goes a long way. Consider texting guests when cleaning has been completed or asking cleaners to leave a note or business card. These small signals show guests that the home was thoughtfully prepared for their arrival.
2. Vacation Rental Property Condition & Missing Essentials
Beyond cleanliness, guests frequently mentioned frustrations with the overall condition of the rental and a lack of basic supplies.
“We traveled over 1,000 miles to get to Cape Cod and found it disappointing that we had to pay extra for sheets and towels—and then immediately had to go to the grocery store just to buy toilet paper.”
Top complaints included:
3. Inaccurate or Misleading Vacation Rental Listings
A lack of transparency in vacation rental advertising is a major trust-breaker for guests.
“I’ve seen listings that say pet-friendly in one section, but the description says otherwise.”
Common listing issues include:
SEO tip for owners: Accurate listings don’t just reduce complaints—they also improve engagement and conversion rates.
4. Poor Vacation Rental Management & Communication
Communication issues ranked high among guest complaints and often resulted in negative reviews.
“The homeowner was flaky and inconsistent with communication.”
Guests cited problems such as:
5. Other Common Vacation Rental Guest Complaints
Additional issues guests frequently mentioned include:
- Poor-quality mattresses or uncomfortable, broken furniture
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Excessive owner clutter
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Why clutter is a problem in vacation rentals
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Inadequate furniture for the stated occupancy (e.g., dining table seats fewer people than the home sleeps)
Final Thoughts: Turn Guest Complaints Into Better Reviews
Understanding and addressing these vacation rental guest pet peeves can dramatically improve guest satisfaction, reduce negative reviews, and increase repeat bookings. Many of the most common complaints are preventable with better communication, accurate listings, and thoughtful preparation.
By proactively addressing these issues, vacation rental owners can create smoother stays—and happier guests.