Introduction

When it comes to designing a vacation rental, the two most popular approaches are luxury and minimalist design styles. Both aesthetics have their own advantages and attract different types of guests. While luxury vacation rentals offer an indulgent, high-end experience with plush furnishings and premium amenities, minimalist rentals focus on simplicity, decluttered spaces, and a calming atmosphere.

So which one is better for increasing bookings and guest satisfaction? At Sabi Haus Design Labs, we help vacation rental owners navigate the best design choices for their target market. Below are the pros and cons of luxury vs. minimalist vacation rentals, which guests they attract, and how to determine the best fit for your property.

1. What Defines a Luxury Vacation Rental?

Luxury vacation rentals prioritize comfort, high-end aesthetics, and premium experiences. These spaces mimic the feel of a five-star hotel, with upscale furnishings, top-quality bedding, and carefully curated décor.

Key Features of a Luxury Vacation Rental:

• High-end furniture and decor (e.g., designer sofas, statement chandeliers, marble countertops).
• Smart home technology (automated lighting, climate control, voice-activated assistants).
• Premium bedding and spa-like bathrooms (rainfall showers, plush towels, luxury toiletries).
• Custom design touches (bespoke artwork, elegant accent walls, sculptural elements).
• Exclusive amenities (hot tubs, private pools, home theaters, gourmet kitchens).

Luxury rentals appeal to affluent travelers, honeymooners, and business executives looking for a high-end experience.

2. What Defines a Minimalist Vacation Rental?

Minimalist vacation rentals focus on simplicity, functionality, and a clutter-free aesthetic. This style emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and neutral color palettes, creating a calming retreat.

Key Features of a Minimalist Vacation Rental:

• Neutral tones and a simple color palette (whites, beiges, grays, soft earth tones).
• Clean lines and uncluttered decor (limited furniture, no excessive wall art or knick-knacks).
• Multi-functional furniture (storage ottomans, convertible sofas, wall-mounted desks).
• Open-concept layouts (fewer partitions, maximizing natural light and flow).
• Natural materials (wood, linen, organic textiles, stone, and metal accents).

Minimalist rentals appeal to budget-conscious travelers, remote workers, digital nomads, and eco-conscious guests looking for a serene, uncomplicated stay.

3. Which Style Attracts More Guests?

Both luxury and minimalist vacation rentals have strong appeal, but the best style depends on your target audience and location.

Luxury Vacation Rentals Are Ideal For:

• Guests seeking an exclusive, high-end stay (honeymooners, business travelers, celebrities, executives).
• Properties in popular tourist destinations where competition is high and guests expect premium amenities (e.g., Aspen, Beverly Hills, Paris, Santorini).
• Short-term stays, where guests want to splurge for a brief, extravagant experience.

Minimalist Vacation Rentals Are Ideal For:

• Longer-term stays (digital nomads, work-from-anywhere professionals, students, retreat seekers).
• Travelers who prefer simple, clean aesthetics over ornate, highly stylized spaces.
• Guests looking for affordable stays with practical, no-fuss designs.
• Properties in urban settings or eco-retreat locations where guests prioritize function and sustainability over luxury.

The best way to determine which style works for your rental is to research your market, understand your competition, and define your ideal guest profile.

4. Pros and Cons of Luxury Vacation Rentals

Pros:

✔ Higher nightly rates due to upscale amenities and exclusive features. ✔ More social media appeal—guests are more likely to share their experiences in a luxury setting. ✔ Attracts high-end clientele willing to pay a premium for comfort and exclusivity. ✔ Premium design leads to better guest reviews and a competitive edge.

Cons:

✖ Higher upfront investment—luxury furnishings, high-tech features, and premium materials are costly. ✖ Higher maintenance costs—delicate fabrics, sophisticated appliances, and high-end decor require more upkeep. ✖ Not all locations justify luxury pricing—a high-end design in a budget-friendly city may struggle to generate bookings.

5. Pros and Cons of Minimalist Vacation Rentals

Pros:

✔ Lower setup and maintenance costs—fewer furnishings, simple decor, and easy-to-clean surfaces. ✔ Universally appealing aesthetic—minimalism is timeless and attracts a wide range of guests. ✔ Encourages relaxation—guests feel at peace in uncluttered, open spaces. ✔ Ideal for eco-conscious travelers—less waste, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient designs.

Cons:

✖ Lower price point—minimalist rentals typically don’t command high nightly rates. ✖ Can feel too sterile or impersonal if not designed thoughtfully. ✖ Not suitable for guests expecting indulgence and luxury.

6. Finding the Right Balance: Minimalist Luxury

Many successful vacation rentals combine elements of both styles to create a “Minimalist Luxury” aesthetic. This approach blends the clean, simple feel of minimalism with the high-end finishes of a luxury rental, striking the perfect balance between affordability and elegance.

How to Achieve a Minimalist Luxury Look:

• Use a neutral color palette, but add luxurious textures like velvet cushions, silk drapes, and plush rugs.
• Invest in a few statement pieces, such as a high-quality sofa or designer lighting, instead of overloading the space with decor.
• Keep the layout open and uncluttered, but incorporate small indulgences like a spa-style bathroom or a premium coffee bar.
• Choose multi-functional high-end furniture, such as a sleek sofa bed with premium upholstery.
• Focus on quality over quantity—a minimalist approach with luxury details creates a refined yet accessible space.

This hybrid approach works well for modern travelers who value both sophistication and simplicity.

7. Conclusion: Which Style is Best for Your Rental?

At the end of the day, the best design style depends on your property type, location, and ideal guest demographic. Luxury vacation rentals command higher prices but require significant investment, while minimalist rentals are more affordable to set up and attract long-term guests.

If you want to attract high-end travelers and maximize revenue, investing in a luxury aesthetic may be worth it. However, if you want to appeal to budget-conscious travelers, remote workers, or eco-friendly guests, a minimalist design may be the smarter choice.

At Sabi Haus Design Labs, we specialize in creating tailored interior designs that enhance your rental’s marketability. Whether you’re aiming for a lavish luxury retreat or a sleek minimalist escape, we can help you craft the perfect space to maximize bookings and guest satisfaction.

Looking to upgrade your vacation rental? Contact us today and let’s create a design that works for you!