Top Features to Look for in a Serviced Accommodation Management Company

Finding the Right Serviced Accommodation Management Company

If you own a short-term rental property, choosing the right serviced accommodation management company can make or break your investment. A quality management partner not only boosts your occupancy and revenue but also ensures guests leave happy and come back.

Here are the top features to look for when hiring a serviced accommodation management company.

1. Local Market Expertise

A management company that understands your local area and target guests will optimise pricing, availability, and listings better than a generalist. They’ll know the peak seasons, local regulations, and the types of guests most likely to book.

2. End-to-End Guest Management

From booking to check-out, a great company handles:

Instant booking confirmations
24/7 guest communication
Key exchange or smart lock access
Cleaning and restocking
Emergency support

This ensures high guest satisfaction and 5-star reviews, which boost your rankings on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.

3. Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Optimization

Good managers don’t just list your property—they price it smartly. Look for companies that use:

Dynamic pricing tools
Competitor rate tracking
Seasonal strategy updates

This ensures your property earns more, even during slow seasons.

4. High-Quality Listings and Marketing

Photos, descriptions, and SEO matter. A professional company will:

Use high-res images and drone shots
Write keyword-rich listings
Post on multiple OTAs (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com)
Manage reviews and social proof

This increases visibility, conversion rates, and trust with potential guests.

5. Legal Compliance & Safety

With short-term rental rules constantly changing, your manager should stay ahead of:

Local authority regulations
Health & safety standards
Insurance and licensing requirements

They should also advise on fire safety, carbon monoxide detection, and guest ID checks.

6. Owner Transparency and Reporting

Trust comes from clarity. Look for:

Online dashboards with bookings and earnings
Monthly reports
Clear breakdowns of fees and maintenance costs

A great company is open, not opaque.

Last but not least we are focused on our direct booking…..

Understanding the Basics of Direct Bookings

Direct bookings are when guests book accommodation directly through your website, phone, or email, rather than using third-party platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.

This approach offers many benefits to property owners:

No Commission Fees
You keep more of your revenue because you avoid OTA (Online Travel Agent) commissions, which can be 15%–20% per booking.
Stronger Brand Loyalty
Direct contact helps build trust and encourages repeat stays. Guests feel more connected to your brand compared to a generic platform.
Full Control Over Policies and Pricing
You can set your own cancellation policies, discounts, and special offers without platform restrictions.
Better Data Collection
Direct bookings let you collect guest email addresses and preferences. This is invaluable for marketing, such as sending offers and newsletters.

How a Management Company Can Help Drive Direct Bookings

A professional serviced accommodation management company will set up and maintain your direct booking channels by:

Creating a user-friendly website with online payment
Running targeted Google Ads and social media campaigns
Optimizing your site for SEO keywords like “serviced accommodation in [your city]”
Using a booking engine with automated confirmations and reminders
Offering incentives such as discounted rates or free upgrades for booking direct

Direct bookings not only increase your profits but also give you a competitive edge in a crowded short-term rental market.

Conclusion: Your Property Deserves the Best

Choosing a skilled and proactive serviced accommodation management company is one of the best decisions you can make as a property owner. From higher revenue to better guest experiences and full compliance, it’s worth taking the time to find the right fit.

Looking for a trusted partner in Scotland? At Aurora Stay UK, we offer fully managed solutions for serviced accommodation—from professional listings to full guest services.