As a Muskoka cottage owner, tailoring your rental to suit different types of guests can help you maximize bookings and increase revenue. Whether your property is ideal for families looking for a peaceful getaway or groups of friends seeking a more social or adventurous retreat, differentiating your cottage based on guest needs can set you apart in the competitive Muskoka market.

In this post, we’ll explore how to tailor your cottage for families versus groups of friends, the advantages of each, and why targeting groups of friends can sometimes be more profitable.

1. Designing for Families: Safe, Relaxing, and Practical

Advantages of Targeting Families:

• Longer Stays: Families tend to book longer stays, especially during school vacations. A week or more gives them time to settle in, explore the area, and enjoy quality time together.
• Loyalty and Repeat Visits: Families often return to destinations they enjoyed, turning your cottage into their go-to vacation spot year after year.
• Preference for Peaceful Locations: Families usually prefer quiet, relaxing environments, which can mean fewer disturbances and more responsible use of your property.

How to Tailor Your Cottage for Families:

• Child-Friendly Features: Offering items like cribs, high chairs, and baby gates can make your cottage a more attractive option for families with young children. Outdoor play areas, swings, or space for games can also be a big draw.
• Safety Measures: Families prioritize safety, so ensure your cottage is equipped with childproofing features, such as secure railings, fenced-in yards, and safe access to the water if you're on a lake.
• Multiple Sleeping Arrangements: Having a mix of beds, bunk beds, or pull-out couches allows families with different numbers of children to comfortably stay in your cottage.
• Local Family Activities: In your listing, highlight family-friendly activities nearby, such as nature hikes, wildlife tours, local museums, and parks. Let families know that Muskoka offers a wide variety of things to do for all ages.

2. Catering to Groups of Friends: Social and Active Experiences

Advantages of Targeting Groups of Friends:

• Higher Occupancy Rates: Groups of friends may book your cottage at maximum capacity, bringing in more revenue per night.
• Weekend Getaways and Short Stays: While families typically book longer vacations, groups of friends often seek out shorter, more frequent getaways. This allows you to fill up weekends, which are high-demand periods.
• Higher Profit Margins: Non-family groups may be willing to spend more on experiences, such as renting equipment for outdoor adventures or upgrading to premium amenities like a hot tub, fire pit, or outdoor BBQ area.

How to Tailor Your Cottage for Groups of Friends:

• Open and Social Layout: Create communal spaces where groups can gather, whether it’s a large dining area, an open-plan living room, or a spacious outdoor deck. Having ample seating around a fire pit or BBQ area can enhance the group experience.
• Recreational Activities: If your property is near hiking trails, water sports areas, or ski resorts, make sure to mention these attractions in your listing. Providing equipment like kayaks, bikes, or paddleboards can be a strong selling point for active groups.
• Technology and Entertainment: Groups of friends often value entertainment options, so consider offering high-speed Wi-Fi, a game room, or a large TV with streaming services. Having a sound system or outdoor speakers can also enhance their stay, allowing them to enjoy music during BBQs or social gatherings.
• Unique Local Experiences: Highlight nearby activities that groups of friends might enjoy, such as guided nature tours, craft breweries, local wineries, or evening events. These experiences can appeal to groups looking to explore and make memories together.

3. Balancing Profitability: Families vs. Groups of Friends

While families often book longer stays, groups of friends can offer higher profit margins, especially if they’re booking your cottage at maximum capacity. Groups also tend to have more disposable income for upgrading their experience, booking during peak weekends, and seeking out activities that are more expensive or exclusive.

On the other hand, families are often more likely to become repeat guests, ensuring steady bookings during key vacation periods like summer and school breaks. Offering flexibility for both types of guests—by tailoring certain seasons or weekends to groups of friends and others to families—can help you maximize your cottage’s profitability year-round.

By tailoring your Muskoka cottage to suit either families or groups of friends, you can increase your rental’s appeal and attract the types of guests that best fit your property. Whether you focus on creating a family-friendly haven with safety features and kid-focused amenities, or a lively social retreat for groups of friends, adjusting your amenities and marketing to meet your audience’s needs is the key to year-round bookings.

At Sora Stays, we help Muskoka cottage owners optimize their properties for different guest types. Whether you're catering to families, groups of friends, or both, we provide the expertise to ensure your rental remains in high demand. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you differentiate your cottage and increase your revenue.