Insights from a December 9, 2025 interview with Gregg Loney, Cascadia Getaways
In today’s vacation rental market, standing still is the fastest way to fall behind. Guest expectations continue to rise, competition grows stronger each year, and properties that fail to reinvest often see declining revenue and long-term value. At Cascadia Getaways, we regularly see how thoughtful renovation directly impacts performance. A recent conversation between property owner Gregg Loney and Cascadia Getaways Co-Founder, Gerard Lester, offers a clear, real-world example of why ongoing reinvestment is essential.
Seeing the Property Through the Guest’s Eyes
When Gregg Loney first walked into his newly purchased unit at The Sand & Sea Condominiums, he evaluated it the same way Cascadia Getaways encourages all owners to do: through the eyes of a guest. The answer was immediate—the unit needed work to become a viable, competitive vacation rental.
The flooring in particular stood out. Made from an inexpensive product that hadn’t aged well, it created a poor first impression. As Gregg noted, floors are one of the first things guests notice, and worn or outdated materials can subconsciously signal neglect—even if the rest of the unit is clean.
High-Impact Improvements That Drive Returns
The renovation began with replacing the flooring with high-quality Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), selected for its durability, appearance, and ability to withstand constant guest traffic. This single upgrade dramatically changed the feel of the unit and set a higher baseline for everything that followed.
Additional improvements included interior painting to address normal wear and tear, and unplanned but impactful bathroom upgrades. Small vanities with limited storage were replaced with larger, more functional options—an upgrade that improved both usability and guest perception. Each decision balanced aesthetics, durability, and long-term return rather than simply choosing the lowest-cost option.
Renovation as a Long-Term Strategy
Gregg approached the project with a mindset common in commercial real estate: properties must be refreshed every seven to ten years to remain competitive. In the vacation rental world, where properties experience heavier use and guests continually raise the bar, that timeline can be even shorter.
While the final investment exceeded the original budget, Gregg viewed it as necessary and strategic. From Cascadia Getaways’ experience managing coastal vacation rentals, this approach consistently leads to stronger booking performance, higher nightly rates, and better guest reviews.
The Power of the Right Team
Successful renovations depend on coordination and expertise. Gregg worked with a general contractor recommended through trusted channels, ensuring the work was completed efficiently and to a high standard. Just as important was the hands-on support from the Cascadia Getaways team.
From coordinating deliveries and contractor access to offering amenity recommendations based on real guest behavior, the staff played a critical role in keeping the project smooth. Practical insights—such as installing wall-mounted hair dryers to prevent loss—came directly from day-to-day operational experience.
Creating a Space Guests Want to Return To
The ultimate goal of the renovation wasn’t just higher revenue—it was creating a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and well cared for. Gregg hopes guests walk in and feel that the unit exceeds expectations and truly feels like a home away from home.
That philosophy closely aligns with Cascadia Getaways’ approach to property management: well-designed, well-maintained spaces create better guest experiences, which in turn drive repeat bookings and long-term success.
A Message for Vacation Rental Owners
Gregg’s advice to fellow owners is simple and candid: be honest about your unit. If something creates a negative first impression, address it. Failing to reinvest doesn’t just impact one property—it can affect the perceived value of neighboring units and the community as a whole.
At The Sand & Sea Condominiums, and across the Cascadia Getaways portfolio, properties that commit to ongoing improvement consistently outperform those that don’t. In a competitive vacation rental market, renovation isn’t an expense—it’s a strategy.