Designing Inclusive Vacation Rentals That Make Everyone Feel at Home

Suzanne
Jun 26
2 min read

At Welcoming Wow, our design branch—Welcoming All—was born from a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to feel at home when they travel.

We’re not just designing pretty spaces. We’re helping vacation rental hosts and property owners create environments that are inclusive, calming, and comfortable for every guest, regardless of age, ability, or neurotype.

Because hospitality isn’t just about thread counts and five-star reviews—it’s about people.

Why We Care So Deeply

Imagine a parent traveling with a child on the autism spectrum. Or a grandparent who needs a step-free entry. Or a guest who simply craves quiet after a chaotic travel day.

Travel should never be a source of stress or exclusion.

With Welcoming All design, we’ve seen how just a few thoughtful changes—like a clear layout or blackout curtains—can turn a “nice rental” into a restorative retreat. And that’s what drives us.

Design with empathy isn’t extra. It’s essential.

What “Welcoming All” Really Means

We approach every design project with these key pillars:

Inclusive Design

From wide pathways to simple furniture arrangements, we focus on ease of use for every body and every brain. Step-free entries and intuitive layouts aren't just functional—they’re welcoming.

Sensory-Friendly Environments

For guests with sensory sensitivities, we aim to reduce overwhelm through soft lighting, calming colors, and clutter-free zones. We prioritize materials and arrangements that promote peace and relaxation.

Safety & Comfort

Details matter. Night lights, quiet neighborhoods, extra locks, and fenced yards offer reassurance to guests who may feel anxious in unfamiliar places.

Clear Communication

We help hosts go beyond listing basics—offering transparent descriptions, labeled photos, and detailed amenity breakdowns. It’s about setting clear expectations and building trust.

Little Touches, Big Impact

Some of the most impactful features we recommend include:

White noise or sound machines
Adjustable lighting (dimmer switches, warm-toned bulbs)
Child-proofing for doors, cabinets, and sharp edges
Fenced outdoor spaces
Cozy “calm corners” with sensory bins or soft textures
Flexible furniture (bean bags, non-fragile décor, rocking chairs)
Open layouts for movement and ease

These are the touches that make guests feel like you thought of them—because you did.

A Vision for the Future of Travel

We imagine a world where every vacation rental feels accessible, thoughtful, and welcoming by default—not because a guest had to make a special request.

A world where hosts are proud to say, “Yes, our space is ready for you. Just as you are.”

At Welcoming Wow, our Welcoming All design services are here to guide, support, and celebrate the hosts who are ready to create more than just a place to sleep. You're creating a place to belong.

And the beautiful thing? Guests notice. They remember. And they come back—because true hospitality stays with you.