hotelvak.be
EN
Platform on hotel management, interior design and design in Flanders
Holidays by the sea are popular all year round
A weekend by the sea is a good idea at any time of year. The Belgian coast has become a year-round destination. With an online holiday rental platform, Rentus Holiday Homes is tapping into this trend. Owners of holiday homes can rely on professional management, while renters enjoy a hotel experience by the sea. “We want our clients to be able to rent out and enjoy their property without any worries,” says founder Jean-Pierre Lebon. “Rentus takes care of everything down to the last detail.”
Jean-Pierre Lebon and Annelies Pylyser launched Rentus Holiday Homes three years ago, drawing on their experience in property management and with the support of a manager experienced in the hotel sector. “We saw how big the gap was between private holiday rentals and the hospitality standards of hotels,” they explain. “With Rentus, we want to bring those two worlds together: those who book a short seaside holiday will enjoy the comfort of a holiday home with the service of a hotel.”
Cheap flights to foreign destinations drain money and taxes from the Belgian economy. Rentus aims to counter this with a quality offering of serviced holiday homes on the Belgian Coast.
The timing was good. Since the Covid period, Belgians have rediscovered their own coast. “We see that people are booking more often and for shorter periods,” says Lebon. “The summer remains a top season for the coast, but extended weekends are also gaining importance, as are short breaks with family or friends, or an extra holiday outside the traditional periods... This presents new opportunities for owners of apartments or holiday homes by the sea. And that's what we're capitalising on.”
The coastal towns themselves are also focusing heavily on experiences outside the peak season. “Look at the evolution of Oostende, Middelkerke, Nieuwpoort and Koksijde. These local authorities are investing in infrastructure and a year-round programme of activities. Thanks to the coastal tram and electric bikes, everything is easily accessible. The coast is also an ideal base today for discovering, for example, the polders or exploring the wartime history of the Westhoek.”
Owners looking to tap into the demand for holiday rentals will find a results-driven partner in Rentus Holiday Homes. To achieve this, the company has invested in its own software platform for owners and close monitoring. “Through an online platform, owners can make their apartment or property available. They can then track in real time when bookings are made and what the return is. It is also completely transparent. We apply dynamic pricing, just like hotels and airlines: rates change with demand, allowing owners to achieve a higher yield than with traditional holiday rentals,” explains Lebon.
Rentus's approach offers complete peace of mind: in addition to booking management, it also handles cleaning, linen services, and guest communication. “Owners don't have to worry about a thing. We act as the hotel manager for their apartment or villa by the sea.” Furthermore, the company guides its clients through administrative obligations. “Anyone renting out must comply with a range of rules, from fire safety and maintenance logs to insurance and legal advice. We check that all legislation is being adhered to, so the owner can rent with complete confidence.”
Guests can then look forward to a care-free holiday. Before their arrival, they will receive a message with the access code and a link to the guest app, which contains the holiday home’s inventory and provides information about parking and what the neighbourhood has to offer. “On site, a welcome package with coffee pods, tea, and basic cleaning supplies will be ready. The beds will be made, towels will be laid out, and in the bathroom there will be soap and shampoo. These are the details that make the difference. We want our guests to feel welcome from minute one.”
During your stay, there is a permanent service available by phone or chat. Lebon: “You can compare it to a hotel reception. Anyone who wishes can also book extra linen or a late check-out.”
The rental market on the coast is under pressure due to discussions about affordable housing and spatial planning. Nevertheless, Rentus Holiday Homes sees opportunities. “Holiday accommodations are, after all, part of coastal tourism. They bring people together, support the local economy, and generate taxes. Our team is ready for both the owner and the guest. Of course, the quality of life must be respected. We therefore act immediately in cases of nuisance or complaints. Everyone should feel good: the tenant, the owner, and the local resident.”
