Vacation Rental Trends

Beachouse

One of the key vacation rental trends that vacation rental owners should be aware of in 2025 is the increased demand for unique stays. Unique stays often command higher nightly rates and attract more bookings.

Travelers are seeking one-of-a-kind experiences, such as remote cabins, tiny homes, treehouses, and luxury glamping.  These types of homes are unique just by their very nature.  But what if you have a vacation rental home that can best be described as “average?”  There are things you can do to turn an average house into a unique vacation rental. This can significantly increase bookings and nightly rates.

Here are some ways to make a property stand out:

  • Give your rental a distinct personality by creating a theme or concept
  • Coastal Retreat (nautical decor, surfboards, beach gear)
  • Mid-Century Modern (vintage furniture, retro appliances)
  • Boho Escape (earthy tones, hanging plants, rattan furniture)
  • Hollywood Glam (bold colors, velvet furniture, gold accents)
  • Name the property accordingly (e.g., “The Boho Hideaway”“The Seaside Retreat”) for branding.
  • Have a custom logo or signage (e.g., a wooden entrance sign)

For lots more revenue-generating ideas, reach out to Jan@MontereyRentals.com!

 

Jan Leasure, Managing Broker
www.MontereyRentals.com 
816 Wave Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-402-1765

Top 5 Things to Know About Renting Property on the Monterey Peninsula

Renting property on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula is an exciting opportunity for both tenants and property owners. With its breathtaking coastline, charming communities, and strong rental demand, the region offers plenty of benefits.

Renting property on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula is an exciting opportunity for both tenants and property owners. With its breathtaking coastline, charming communities, and strong rental demand, the region offers plenty of benefits. However, navigating the rental market here requires an understanding of local trends, regulations, and best practices. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to rent out your property or a tenant searching for the perfect place to call home, here are the top five things you should know:

1. Demand Is High, but So Is Competition

The Monterey Peninsula is a highly desirable place to live, thanks to its stunning scenery, temperate climate, and proximity to world-class attractions. As a result, demand for rentals remains strong year-round. However, competition can be intense, especially for well-maintained properties in prime locations like Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. Renters should be prepared to act quickly when they find a suitable home, while landlords should focus on presenting their properties in the best possible condition to attract quality tenants.

2. Local Rental Regulations Vary by City

Each city within the Monterey Peninsula—Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and others—has its own set of rental laws and regulations. Some areas have strict short-term rental restrictions, while others require permits or specific lease terms. For example, Pacific Grove has a limited number of short-term rental licenses, and Carmel-by-the-Sea prohibits most short-term vacation rentals altogether. If you’re a property owner, understanding these local laws is crucial to avoiding fines and ensuring compliance.

3. Seasonal Rental Trends Impact Pricing and Availability

The rental market on the Monterey Peninsula experiences seasonal fluctuations, particularly in coastal areas where tourism is a major factor. During peak travel months (spring and summer), short-term rental rates can be higher, while long-term leases tend to be more stable year-round. Homeowners looking to maximize rental income should consider these trends when deciding whether to offer short-term or long-term leases. Tenants, on the other hand, may find better deals in the off-season when demand is lower.

4. Property Maintenance and Amenities Matter

Due to the coastal climate, rental properties in the Monterey Peninsula require regular maintenance. Salt air, moisture, and seasonal weather changes can contribute to wear and tear, making upkeep essential for landlords. Properties with modern upgrades, energy-efficient features, and well-maintained outdoor spaces tend to attract higher-quality tenants. Renters often prioritize amenities such as in-unit laundry, updated appliances, and private outdoor areas—features that can set a rental apart from the competition.

5. A Property Management Team Can Make a Big Difference

Whether you’re a homeowner renting out your property or a tenant looking for a reliable landlord, working with a professional property management company can simplify the process. A knowledgeable management team handles everything from tenant screening and lease agreements to maintenance and compliance with local laws. At Monterey Bay Property Management, we specialize in helping property owners maximize their rental investment while ensuring tenants have a seamless rental experience.

Final Thoughts

The Monterey Peninsula offers a unique and dynamic rental market, full of opportunities for both landlords and tenants. By understanding local regulations, market trends, and best practices for property maintenance, you can make informed decisions that benefit your rental experience. If you’re looking to rent out your property or find a rental home in the area, Monterey Bay Property Management is here to help.

Need expert advice on renting in Monterey? Contact us today at www.MontereyRentals.com to learn more!

Jan Leasure, Managing Broker
www.MontereyRentals.com 
816 Wave Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-402-1765

Ocean Harbor 329 – Monterey Vacation Rental

Ocean Harbor 312 - Monterey - Vacation Rental Special $79/night

Monterey Bay Property Management
DRE #01263576 #01936813

#propertymanagement #vacationrentals #corporaterentals #monterey #montereybay #pacificgrove #carmel #pebblebeach.

Ocean Harbor 329

Ocean Harbor freshly furnished 1 bedroom 1 bath – 830 sf. condo sleeps 3 & has peeks of the Monterey bay.

Steps to the beach & coastal recreation trail.

Walk to downtown and the wharfs.

BOOK TODAY!

Monterey Bay Vacation Rental – Hilltop Haven – Seaside

Neighborhood House with Panoramic Ocean Views

BOOK NOW

1160 sq. ft. | 3 Bedroom | 2 Bath | Sleeps 6 (2Q, 2T, 1A)
Max. Occupancy 8

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a residential area of upper Seaside is perfect for a longer stay. The main living areas – with panoramic ocean views – are on the upper level, along with the master bedroom and a full bath. Downstairs, two guestrooms (one Queen and one twin trundle) share a second bath (also with a tub/shower).

 

This home features multiple areas for enjoying the outdoors. A small deck off the living room has a gas barbecue, and on sunny days the ocean view balcony off the master bedroom will be your favorite hangout… unless you’re in the yard, serving wine and cheese on oak wine barrels under a vine-covered arbor… or warming yourself around the fire pit (Duraflame logs only) after the sun goes down.

The living room has bamboo floors, a large TV, and a gas log fireplace. The kitchen has tile countertops, a gas range, a side-by-side refrigerator and a breakfast bar (there’s also a glass-topped dining table with seating for four). But in this location, cooking is optional: take your pick from fast food, delis, diners, and a gamut of international cuisines: Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, German, Italian, and more.

Single car garage. Sleeps 6 in beds: 2 Queens and one twin trundle (plus air mattress for extra guests).

BOOK NOW

Monterey Vacation Rental – Oakwood – New Monterey

Looking for a Quiet Neighborhood & Ocean Views?

Monterey vacation rental

BOOK NOW

865 sq. ft. Condo | 2 Bedroom | 1 ½ Bath | Sleeps 4 (2Q) | Max. Occupancy 5

Make yourself comfortable on the leather sofa or the swivel rocker-recliner facing the large flat screen HDTV (with DVR), or enjoy oak-framed views of Monterey Bay from the deck.

Time to cook? The remodeled kitchen has high-end stainless steel appliances (Fisher-Paykel side-by-side, Bosch dishwasher, and a GE five burner gas range).

Two bedrooms share a hall bath with a tub/shower – and there’s a private half bath in the master. The living areas feature easy care laminate floors; both bedrooms are carpeted.

Part of a three unit complex, this condo has a single car garage below (with room for bikes and storage), and a shared coin op laundry in the basement. It’s just one mile to the Aquarium, and a half-mile to supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Public transportation is a block away, and commuters will enjoy the easy access to Highway 68.

BOOK NOW

Cannery Row Cottage – Pacific Grove Vacation Rental

3 Bedroom Partial Ocean View Cottage


1475 sq. ft. | 3 Bedroom | 2 ½ Bath | Sleeps 6 (1K, 2Q)  Max. Occupancy 6

BOOK NOW

This beautifully-renovated Lighthouse Avenue home is only a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, fantastic restaurants, and sandy beaches.

Spend the day kayaking with the otters or riding a bike along scenic trails. Feel like shopping? Carmel is a short drive away, with fantastic boutiques and amazing restaurants. Like golf? Pebble Beach and the equally famous 17-Mile Drive are minutes away.

If you’re in the mood for a day trip, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk – with fun activities for kids and adults – is less than an hour up the coast. Or take a drive along scenic Highway One to the south, and marvel at the natural beauty of Big Sur.

When you’re ready to unwind after a day of exploring, sip a cup of tea and enjoy the bay views from the front porch, or lounge on the upstairs deck with a glass of one of Monterey County’s award-winning vintages.

The three bedrooms and two and one-half baths are all furnished with comfort and exquisite attention to detail. Two bedrooms and two baths are on the ground floor; one bedroom with a half bath is on the upper level.

Street parking only for two vehicles.

Pacific Grove Transient Use License #164

 

BOOK NOW

Pacific Grove Vacation Rental – Blue Horizons

Blue Horizons

BOOK NOW

2645 sq. ft. | 3 Bedroom | 3 Bath | Sleeps 6 (1K, 1Q, 3T)Max. Occupancy 

You won’t believe the view from this beach house: otters in the kelp beds, fishing trawlers, sailboats, and at night—the moon over Monterey Bay.

You’ll be spending most of your time on the upstairs balcony or in the great room, with a comfortable leather sofa and chairs, a fireplace, and a telescope to check out the sea life. There’s a full bath with shower, a dining table for eight, a sunny kitchen with a professional gas range, and a breakfast nook that seats four.

The master bedroom has a King bed, a large TV, and doors that open to the living room balcony. The en suite bath features a double vanity, soaking tub, walk-in shower and a large closet.

Downstairs, there’s an office area off the entry, a laundry room, a bath with a shower, a den with two sofas and a TV, and two additional guest rooms. One has a Queen bed, the “blue room” has three twins (bunk beds and one separate twin) along with ocean-themed murals on the walls and ceilings.

This home includes a two car garage, a central vac, and a portable propane barbecue (when you’re not enjoying one of Pacific Grove’s amazing restaurants). The coastal path is right across the street; Lover’s Point Beach is a five minute walk; Cannery Row and the Aquarium are just 1.5 miles away.

Pacific Grove Transient Use License #0404

 

BOOK NOW

 

Take Action Now – Enact a moratorium on prosecuting STRs in Monterey County

Enact a moratorium on prosecuting STRs

In the last few weeks the County has been sending warning letters to many STR (short term rental) owners based on unsubstantiated complaints.

Take Action, Click and send an email
to help keep the vacation rental business alive
in Monterey County, CA, while we work together on a new fair regulation.

MCVRAlogo.ColorFor the last year a working group convened by the County, that includes MCVRA members, has been working on a new STR ordinance. MCVRA insists that the County Supervisors enact a moratorium on prosecuting STRs until new STR regulations are approved.

Please read the letter and, if you agree, fill in your personal information. Add a personal message if you wish. Press SEND and we will deliver the email to all the Supervisors and to the Clerk of the Board in order to have it in the public record.

 Make your voice heard!

Take Action, Click and send an email
to help keep the vacation rental business alive
in Monterey County, CA, while we work together on a new fair regulation.

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses host the 2015 Senior PGA Professional National Championship

 2015 Senior PGA Professional National Championship
presented
by Mercedes-Benz, October 15-18.

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses

Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses, a pair of Northern California’s most challenging public venues, have been selected to host the event. The 264-player Senior PGA Professional National Championship offers a total purse of $285,000.

The top 35 finishers earn a berth in the 77th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, to be conducted in May 26-29, 2016, at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Overlooking Monterey Bay, Bayonet and Black Horse were named in honor of two U.S. Army divisions. The courses occupy property that was once part of the former Fort Ord military base near Seaside, California. Bayonet and Black Horse hosted the 2012 PGA Professional National Championship presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA.


 

FEATURED VACATION RENTALS

Carnoustie Manor – Pebble Beach Estates

6 Bedroom Forest Estate

Just a golf cart ride away from Pebble’s legendary courses,  this vintage estate has a pool, a sauna, 6 bedrooms, five full baths and two half baths in over 7,000 square feet.

Harkening back to the grand estates of yesteryear, the Carmoustie Manor (named after Scotland’s historic links) features original art, stained glass, chandeliers, fireplaces in almost every room, and sunset views through the pines.

The layout is perfect for larger groups: at entry level, formal living and dining rooms flank each side of the grand foyer—but there’s also a library with a wet bar, a family room with a large TV, and a great room with a sitting area and a second dining table adjoining the kitchen.

The massive kitchen features a SubZero refrigerator, a gas cooktop, and double convection ovens; the secondary kitchen has ample storage plus a microwave and dishwasher. Just past the kitchen, there’s another private office/study with a fireplace, and a bath with a cedar sauna (and convenient pool access).

This gated estate on nearly one acre is just a short drive to the all the amenities of Pebble Beach—golf, spa, shopping, and restaurants. It’s just a few miles to Carmel, and five miles from all the attractions of Monterey.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Pool is heated upon request (requires 48 hrs. notice)

BOOK IT TODAY!


Ocean Pines #28 – Upper Pebble Beach

2 Bedroom Ocean View Condo

1200 sq. ft. | 2 Bedroom | 2 Bath | Sleeps 4

From the honey-colored bamboo floors to the luxe linens and lovely art, the owners of this oceanview condominium have spared no expense. Sink into the overstuffed sofas and enjoy a fire after a day of golf, or gaze at the panoramic views through walls of glass—this is a home you may never want to leave.

The kitchen has custom cabinetry, granite counters, a breakfast bar, and even a Gaggenau grill with a pop-up vent hood. Other amenities include two TV/DVDs, a jacuzzi-style tub, and a covered outdoor deck: this condo has it all.

Located just off scenic 17-Mile Drive, the Ocean Pines condominiums are tucked away in the enchanted Del Monte Forest, with sweeping views of the Pacific coastline through the Monterey pines. The emerald links of America’s most legendary courses are minutes from your doorstep, along with shops, restaurants and the top-rated Spa at Pebble Beach—and with easy access to Highway One, you’re a short drive from Big Sur, the Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the storybook charms of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Washer/dryer in unit. Carport parking. Elevator in building. Sleeps four

 

Select from a variety of vacation rental locations at www.MontereyRentals.com

Pacific Grove: Stay & Play at Lover’s Point Condos

With captivating views of the Monterey Bay and Lover’s Point, these oceanfront residences are a recipe for a great vacation. Swim, dive or kayak at Lover’s Point cove across the stree (with a white sand beach for sunning, a kiddie pool, beach volleyball court, snack bar, and grassy areas for picnics, this park is a favorite of visitors and locals alike).Lover's Point Condos

And once you’re completely relaxed, Pacific Grove is convenient to an amazing range of activities on the Peninsula. Within minutes you can be touring scenic 17-Mile Drive, hiking to secluded Big Sur beaches, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing or whale watching. Play golf at the oceanside Pacific Grove Golf Course, affectionately known as a “budget-minded alternative” to Pebble Beach. Or stroll down the coastal recreation trail just outside your front door and commune with seals and sea otters. The shops and restaurants of downtown Pacific Grove are just three-blocks away.

For an even more varied dining experience, a longer walk or a short drive will take you to Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, downtown Monterey or Carmel.

Check a few of our Lover’s Point Condos.

For more info visit www.MontereyRentals.com