By Catherine Maybank
In a world where online management companies are obliterating the people factor in vacation rentals, a St. Simons Island vacation rental management company stays strong by providing attention to detail and service like no other.
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals is not your ordinary property management and vacation rental company. Year after year, the readers of Elegant Island Living vote this company their top choice for vacation rentals in the “Best of” readers’ choice survey. But what makes Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals a fan favorite year after year? What sets them apart?
People are part of what makes Hodnett Cooper special. Renting from Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals means you are working with a family-owned business and you are booking your vacation with actual people not some anonymous agent. There is a person behind every transaction. And this person cares about your time on St. Simons Island and can help make your vacation time special.
Property owners who have placed their property in the care of Hodnett Cooper also find that working with the team of 20+ dedicated staff members is a rewarding experience. Their property is in good hands with the team. They’ve learned a few tricks of the trade over the years.
Get to know the Management Team
Kris Maichle, President/General Manager
Years in the business: 19
What do I like most about my position? Our team is by far the best I have ever had the privilege of working with!
Favorite sports team? Philadelphia Eagles. E-A-G-L-E-S!
Favorite activity/thing to do in the Golden Isles? My favorite part of the Golden Isles is all the outdoor activities you can enjoy. I love being able to play golf or tennis, go for a bike ride, anything outside!
Mellette Dobson, Assistant General Manager
Years in the business: 28
What do I like most about my position? It is very gratifying when guests share stories of memories made by experiencing a perfect vacation and we helped make it happen!
Favorite sports team? Atlanta Braves of course!
Favorite activity/thing to do in the Golden Isles? Hands down it is kayaking in the marshes. I have done every trip available around here and my absolute favorite is a full moon kayak. Everyone should try it!
Hodnett Cooper is able to offer variety. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals has the largest selection of vacation homes and condominiums on St. Simons Island. With over 300 residences (75+ homes, 250+ condominiums) throughout the island, including an amazing representation of condominium residences on the beach, they have the largest inventory of vacation homes available.
Ready to dive into vacation with your own personal concierge? Hodnett Cooper Premier has a few select properties in their luxury portfolio of vacation rentals. A personal concierge works with you to plan your trip, making your vacation a smooth and stress-free experience. From stocking your residence with groceries prior to your arrival, planning activities, reserving tee times, arranging a private chef, or planning day-trips, your Premier concierge will to anything to make your stay more enjoyable.
Technology is another area in which Hodnett Cooper excels. Sophisticated technology with global reach is more than what most privately-owned vacation rental management companies can offer, but Hodnett Cooper is able to do just that, and they do it well, boasting a top-ranked website with online booking capability through hodnettcooper.com.
“Property owners and vacationers also appreciate the exposure to other popular third-party booking sites like VRBO, HomeAway, AirBnb, Expedia, and many more,” shares Rachel Crisp, Online Marketing Manager with Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals. “And while Hodnett Cooper maintains a presence with all of the big boys, you can be assured that you will always get the best deal and the best service by shopping direct through the hodnettcooper.com website.”
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Social media and digital marketing have increasingly become an important part of Hodnett Cooper’s marketing strategy to reach potential vacationers, and you’ll see the company has a very active following on social channels, especially Facebook and Instagram. If you’re not following them already, you should. They often post specials on their social channels prior to releasing them via any other method. Not on social? That’s okay too. You can sign up to add your name to the list for their regular email schedule with seasonal specials simply by sending an email to the vacation rental team at vacations@hodnettcooper.com.
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Customers also appreciate that Hodnett Cooper has high standards when it comes to the condition of their properties. Each Hodnett Cooper unit in their vacation rental program has been properly vetted. Unlike hotels, there are typically no industry standards for vacation rentals. Hodnett Cooper, however, has its own set of standards that properties must meet in order to be a part of their rental program. “Not all properties are able to list with us,” shares Kris Maichle. “We consider all of a property’s characteristics before entering it into our rental program. Location, amenities, condition…the list goes on. My staff conducts a thorough site visit and we meet with each owner to outline expectations, goals, and standards.” In addition, each property in their rental program receives regular site inspections to assess property condition.
And if a property needs a little extra attention, they’ll take care of that too. “Being in business for over 30 years has allowed us to establish close relationships with local vendors in order to assist our property owners. We regularly partner with a local maintenance company, Seaside Maintenance, that is able to address anything from a leaking faucet to a full-scale remodel of a property.” Hodnett Cooper also employs an on-call 24/7 maintenance service in order to address any issues that may occur during a guest’s stay.
Lastly, Hodnett Cooper employs a full-time dedicated inspection team that thoroughly examines each property after a guest’s departure and prior to the next guest’s arrival. Property owners appreciate the attention to detail and extra level of care taken for their property. Equally important, however, guests appreciate the attention to cleanliness and customer service that the Hodnett Cooper team provides with each rental.
Change is the only constant in the vacation rental business. Properties may come and go in the program, new booking technologies develop over the years, and a company may welcome new faces to its family of staff. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals is focused on finding the best people, best tools, and best software to do their jobs effectively and efficiently for their property owners and guests. They are currently looking to grow their property inventory and are seeking qualified new properties to welcome to their vacation rental program.
If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, you can check them out online at hodnettcooper.com or follow Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals on Facebook or @hodnettcooper on Instagram. If you want to go old school, pick up the phone to give them a call at 912.638.4750.
