Chef plating gourmet dish

Sabah Drabu

4 mins read

Apr 03, 2025

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Why Vacation Rental Owners Should Offer Private Chef Services

The vacation rental game isn’t for the faint of heart anymore. Back then, slapping on a few beachy prints and throwing in a coffee machine was enough to rake those 5-star reviews. But today? Guests want more. They’re scrolling through listings like they’re swiping on dating apps—if your place doesn’t scream “treat yourself,” it’s getting ghosted.

And it’s not just about the hot tub or the thread count on your sheets. I’m talking about experiences that make guests say, “Okay, this isn’t just a stay. This is a story.” That’s where private chef services slide in like the hero your listing didn’t know it needed.

The Luxury Demand Surge Is Real—and Growing

Travelers today are savvier than ever. They’re not just booking places to sleep—they’re booking vibes. And the vibe they’re after? Personalized, Instagrammable, luxurious. Think curated moments, elevated everything, and “I never want to leave” energy.

Whether it’s couples on a romantic getaway or groups celebrating milestones, people want that extra sparkle in their vacation and are willing to pay for it. Actual data is backing this up. Luxury travel has been booming post-2020, with reports showing travelers prioritize premium experiences over budget trips. They’re actively seeking stays that go above and beyond—so why not give them what they’re already hunting for?

Adding a private chef is a low-effort, high-impact way to meet this need. It checks the boxes for personalization, exclusivity, and “wow factor” without requiring you to remodel your property or stock 300 types of herbal teas.

Stand Out Without Lifting a Finger (Well, Maybe One Finger)

There’s no shortage of vacation rentals. You know it. Your guests know it. But you can still win travelers’ hearts (and wallets) by giving them something they didn’t even know they wanted: a private chef.

People love to be spoiled, but they hate the logistics. Grocery shopping in a new town? Meh. Cooking on vacation? Pass. Going out and waiting in lines? Double pass. But having a chef walk in, whip up global cuisines, clean, and bounce? That’s gold.

Offering a private chef makes your rental more than just a place to sleep—it becomes a full-on destination. And it’s not just about the food; it’s the whole experience. Guests feel special and pampered like they got an upgrade they’ll brag about for months.

What’s wild is that this service isn’t even that hard to offer when you team up with someone like CookinGenie. You don’t have to scout chefs, build menus, or stress over bookings. They’ve already figured that out, and all you have to do is say, “Yep, I want in.”

The Money Part—Because Let’s Not Pretend That Doesn’t Matter

Now for the part that slaps—money. Offering private chef services doesn’t just make your guests happy. It makes your bank account happier, too.

When you provide high-end add-ons like this, you get to charge more per night—because you’re offering more. And guests don’t bat an eye at the price jump when they feel like they’re getting a five-star experience in a homey setting. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

You can even create upsell opportunities: packages for anniversaries, birthdays, or “just because” celebrations. Offer a premium weekend bundle with a private dinner, and watch the bookings roll in from people who’d never consider a “standard” listing.

Bigger groups, high-income travelers, and long-stay guests? These folks live for convenience and novelty. And they’re not shy about spending when they see real value.

Guests looking to hire personal chef services often choose rentals that already offer them, so adding this to your amenities list gives you a head start. And when they see it’s as easy as booking with CookinGenie, game over.

The Guest Experience = Your Review Score Lifeline

You already know this, but it’s worth repeating: happy guests leave glowing reviews. Nothing boosts serotonin levels like a chef preparing an incredible meal right in your Airbnb kitchen while guests sip wine and feel like royalty.

People don’t always remember the thread count, but they do remember how they felt during their stay. A private chef takes an average trip and turns it into a highlight reel moment. Guests leave with full bellies, good stories, and a reason to hit that 5-star button without hesitation.

And let’s not forget the power of social media. One beautifully plated dish, one boomerang of a chef flipping something in a pan, and suddenly your rental is tagged, reposted, and on people’s “dream vacation” Pinterest boards.

A private chef experience opens the door to global cuisine without leaving the rental. Whether it’s Caribbean, Indian, French, or fusion—guests get to indulge in new flavors without calling Uber Eats or driving across town. And if you’ve got foodies booking your place, this is their dream scenario.

The Secret Sauce? CookinGenie Makes It Stupid Easy

Do you know what? You don’t have to go full Gordon Ramsay to offer private chef services. That’s what CookinGenie is for. They’ve taken the stress out of the entire setup—so you can flex a luxury offering without the backend headache.

From the moment a guest shows interest, CookinGenie handles everything: vetting professional chefs, managing bookings, customizing menus, and delivering high-quality service that fits your space and your guests’ tastes. You boost your bookings, your guests feel spoiled, and CookinGenie does the behind-the-scenes magic.

The Cherry on Top: Long-Term Wins

Beyond the short-term cash bump, offering private chef services plants the seed for long-term success. You start building a reputation. You become that place with that experience. People remember, refer, and rebook. It turns your rental into a brand—something that stands out in an oversaturated market.

And it’s not just about vacations. This concept works perfectly for retreats, remote work getaways, and family reunions. All of those scenarios are ripe for in-house dining. It’s one of the few upgrades that simultaneously serve emotional, practical, and business value.

Let’s also give a nod to the aesthetics. If you’ve ever seen a chef carefully plate a dish, you know it’s more than cooking—it’s the art of food presentation. When your guests experience that up close, they feel like they’re part of something special. That’s the kind of detail that transforms an ordinary stay into something unforgettable.

TL; DR? Private Chef Services = Big Mood, Bigger Results

If you’ve made it this far, let’s sum it up without the fluff:

  • Guests want luxury and personalization. Private chefs offer both.
  • You stand out, boost reviews, and charge more.
  • Guests love you. Their taste buds love you. Your revenue loves you.
  • CookinGenie makes it easy. Like, suspiciously easy.

So, if you’re ready to transform your vacation rental from basic to baller, it’s time to hire a personal chef. Give your guests a story worth sharing—and give yourself a rental that books itself.

Ready to ride the vibe? Let CookinGenie this thing.

Sabah Drabu

Co-Founder & CEO

Sabah Drabu is a foodie, engineer, and the Co-founder & CEO of CookinGenie. She created the platform in 2019 to connect local chefs with at-home diners, making hiring personal chefs more accessible. Sabah's idea has evolved into a service people use for parties, vacation rentals, and family gatherings.

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