By Robert Maceachern | President of RealtorDR
If you own a villa or condo in the Dominican Republic and want to transform it into a five-star Airbnb that guests rave about—while enjoying higher nightly rates and occupancy—this guide is for you.
With pristine beaches, year-round sunshine, and a booming tourism sector, the Dominican Republic is one of the top destinations for Airbnb investment. At RealtorDR, we’ve helped countless clients turn their homes into profitable retreats. Here’s how you can do it too.
Stage for Success
Staging isn’t just about furniture placement—it’s about creating an atmosphere.
- Use tropical décor and locally sourced art.
- Design cozy lounge areas for relaxation.
- Invest in quality finishes that elevate the space.
- Include lifestyle photos (friends laughing by the pool, someone reading on the patio).
👉 Professional staging signals to guests that your property is a carefully curated slice of paradise in the Dominican Republic.
Invest in Professional Photography
Your listing photos are your storefront—make them marketing gold.
- Shoot during golden hour for dreamy lighting.
- Capture night shots with warm outdoor lighting.
- Lead with your best amenities in the first three photos (pool, terrace, dining area).
High-quality photos not only attract more clicks, but also set guest expectations and increase booking confidence.
Stock Amenities That Wow Guests
Families and groups love rentals that go beyond the basics.
- Outdoor fun: cornhole, giant Jenga, pool floats.
- Indoor options: board games, cards, streaming services.
- Digital guidebook with:
- Day trips
- Emergency contacts
- Local restaurant picks
These extras encourage longer stays and glowing reviews.
Offer Premium Experiences
Premium services transform a stay into a memory:
- Private chef for a welcome dinner
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- On-site massage
- Curated tours to hidden waterfalls or cultural landmarks
💡 Pro tip: List prices and booking instructions clearly. Guests love convenience—and you increase revenue.
Focus on Quality & Details
Small touches set your property apart:
- High-quality toiletries
- Locally roasted Dominican coffee & teas
- Custom beach towels & plenty of linens
- Stocked kitchen with pantry basics & spices
- High-speed Wi-Fi + Netflix
✨ Remember: you attract the standard you set.
Maintain Cleanliness & Consistency
Cleanliness is non-negotiable in the tropics.
- Hire professional cleaners for turnover.
- Schedule routine fumigation, pool, and garden care.
- Offer mid-stay cleanings for longer bookings.
- Respond to inquiries within minutes.
Consistency and transparency are the hallmarks of Airbnb Superhosts.
Optimize Your Pricing Strategy
Smart pricing keeps you competitive year-round.
- Use dynamic pricing tools to adjust rates.
- Charge extra for:
- Early check-ins / late check-outs
- Private services (chef, tours, classes)
💰 Top-notch listings command higher nightly rates because they deliver exceptional value.
Create a House Manual That Protects You
A clear house manual sets expectations and prevents issues.
- Step-by-step check-in / check-out (with photos or video)
- Noise, smoking, and visitor policies
- Maximum occupancy rules
- Tailored amenities:
- Families → high chairs, safety gates
- Couples → mood lighting, hot tubs
Transparency deters problem guests and attracts your ideal audience.
Leverage SEO to Get More Bookings
Airbnb is competitive—make sure your listing stands out:
- Use keywords like “villa in Cabarete with pool” or “beachfront condo near Punta Cana”.
- Mention nearby attractions and beaches.
- Lead with your strongest photos (pool, ocean views, lifestyle shots).
And don’t stop there—build your own client database for repeat direct bookings. Offer discounts, and remember: your guests might also be your future real estate clients.
By combining staging, professional photography, premium amenities, and responsive hosting, you’ll not only achieve Superhost status and “Guest Favorite” recognition, but also maximize returns on your Dominican Republic investment property.
And when you’re ready to expand your portfolio, RealtorDR is here to help. We specialize in Dominican Republic real estate and can help turn your property into the hottest Airbnb listing on the island.