Whether you’re setting up in a small town or a bigger city, our staff knows how to help you navigate local codes, zoning, permits, and everything in between. We’ve done this before, and we’ll guide you through each step to make sure your MDU community checks every box.
For a stunning guest experience, take a look at our Essentials List, including the six key areas to invest in so your accommodations don’t melt your reputation.
#1 High-Quality Accommodation Structures
Why It Matters: Your structures are your brand. Guests expect comfort, style, and a touch of the unexpected—and if you deliver, they’ll rave about it—and if not?
Check out a real story about a Resort outside of Dallas, Texas:
A host outside Dallas launched a getaway site with trendy dome structures. They looked cool and booked fast. But come Texas summer? Guests were sweating and walking out mid-stay. No insulation. A/C couldn’t keep up. Bad reviews followed. Fast.
The host quickly pivoted—adding our all-season units built for year-round comfort. Now? He still uses the domes as eye-catchers but only rents our insulated units for actual bookings. Problem solved. Reputation recovered.
Pro Tip: Don’t Cut Corners on Comfort: Cool looks are great—but comfort is king. Choose structures that perform in every season. Your guests (and your reviews) will thank you!
#2 Bathrooms & Sanitation
Why It Matters: Clean, private, and well-designed bathroom facilities are non-negotiable—especially for guests paying for a luxury outdoor experience.
Check out this real story about a owner of a glamping site who tried to save a few extra dollars on a septic system:
An owner launched a beautiful glamping site with six cabins in a high-traffic destination. Bookings took off. But soon, guests started commenting on an unpleasant smell.
Turns out, the owner had installed a septic system that was too small—trying to cut costs. The result? Complaints, canceled stays, and negative reviews.
The takeaway? Guests may tolerate rustic surroundings—but never poor sanitation.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re off-grid or in the heart of a hotspot, your bathrooms must meet upscale expectations. Go beyond functional—think fresh, private, and polished. Your reputation depends on it.
#3 Infrastructure – Utilities, Access & Zoning
| Why It Matters: Your entire guest experience is built on what they can’t see—power, water, internet, and access. If those fail, everything else does too. |
Check out what happens with you overpromise services instead of embracing what you have available:
We’ve seen sites where guests couldn’t use basic amenities like a coffee maker or hair dryer because the electrical service wasn’t set up to handle the load. Another common mistake? Advertising Wi-Fi when it only works in one corner of the property. That frustrates guests and leads to poor reviews.
The fix? If your Wi-Fi isn’t reliable, don’t promote it. Instead, embrace the experience—position your site as a place to disconnect. Or create a dedicated lounge with solid service so expectations are clear and controlled.
Pro Tip: A strong infrastructure supports great reviews. Plan ahead for the utilities and zoning your site needs—then build your experience on top of that solid foundation.
#4: Outdoor Amenities & Guest Experience Enhancers
Why It Matters: The little extras are what guests remember—and what gets them talking, returning, and recommending.
Thoughtfully planned outdoor amenities don’t have to break the bank. In fact, spending wisely in this area can yield the biggest return. Can’t afford a luxury pool yet? No problem. A well-placed hot tub or cozy fire pit can be just as impactful for creating a relaxing, memorable vibe.
It’s about ambiance, not extravagance.
Pro Tip: Sell the experience, not just the stay. The right outdoor touches turn a simple overnight into an unforgettable escape.
Check out this article about the best affordable amenities if a pool is out of your reach.
#5: Marketing & Branding
Why It Matters: You could have the most stunning glamping site in the world—but if no one knows it exists, it doesn’t matter. Marketing isn’t optional; it’s foundational.
We’ve seen incredible properties sit empty simply because they lacked strategy. Their photos were grainy, their listings didn’t reflect the vibe, and their social presence was inconsistent. Meanwhile, smaller, less-developed properties with strong visuals and storytelling booked up consistently.
Pro Tip: When you partner with MDU, you get more than just high-end units—you gain access to an established, trusted brand. Our marketing team actively promotes your community through curated content, custom blog features, and direct traffic from our platforms. You don’t have to build your brand from scratch—we’ll help you amplify it from day one.
Check out our Instagram page to catch the MDU Homes’ vibe!
#6: Drive-Up Appeal
Why It Matters: The guest experience begins long before they reach their bed. The approach to your site sets the tone—guests are arriving with expectations of comfort, beauty, and intentional design. If their first impression is a muddy driveway, scattered clutter, or hard-to-read signage, that magic disappears before it ever begins.
A clean, well-marked entrance with thoughtful landscaping and aesthetic touches communicates professionalism, safety, and care. It doesn’t have to be expensive—but it does have to feel curated.
Pro Tip: When you work with us, our team can help guide you through every step of this journey—from unit placement to site layout and signage suggestions—so your entrance makes the right impact. Your property benefits from our design expertise and branding consistency, ensuring guests feel that “wow” factor from the moment they arrive.
Now that you have learned the six key areas to invest in, let’s get started on creating a stunning guest experience at your resort! From getting the green light on your site plans to staying compliant with inspections and regulations, we’re here to make the process smooth, not stressful.