When a guest chooses to stay in a luxury holiday home, they expect all the comforts they’d find at home. Which is why a well thought out and thorough inventory is key to exceeding your guests’ expectations.
A good place to start is by putting yourself in your guests’ shoes and thinking about how they will use the space and what items will add to their holiday experience.
Every home is different, however there are a few essential items that we would expect to see in all our properties. To make things as easy as possible we’ve created a handy checklist that includes all the essential items, plus a few ideas to help turn your guests into loyal bookers.
Living spaces bring people together in complete comfort. Think about how many people can stay in your home and ensure there’s enough comfy seating for all your guests. Guests might be enjoying a cuppa or an evening tipple, so well-placed furniture avoids cups and glasses being placed on the floor. It’s also important to have a dining table and chairs to accommodate the maximum number of guests.
The heart of any home. The room where everyone is sure to gather and where the budding chef can show off their culinary skills. Make everything easily accessible and intuitive.
A good night’s sleep is top of most people’s wish lists so it’s worth paying special attention to the bedrooms. Guests are looking for an inviting sanctuary, a good quality mattress and soft linen go a long way. Think about the placement of mirrors and plug sockets for anyone using hairdryers. Storage is also important so guests don’t have to live out of their suitcases and can feel completely at home during their stay.
Soft fluffy towels are always welcome as well as storage or shelf space to place toiletries.
If your home has outside space it will definitely be used in the warmer months. Think about the sun and how it tracks across your garden to position seating in the best place. Don’t forget some guests will prefer a shady spot so think about how the space can be used at different times of the day.
Outdoor storage is always welcome if there’s space as it keeps anything outdoorsy out of the property, such as bikes, beach gear, wellington boots.
If you cater for specific audiences, the little added touches will help create a memorable experience for your guests.
• A travel cot and highchair to be available in the property
• A selection of children’s cutlery and crockery
• Baby essentials such as: bottle sterilisers, toys, books, bath toys, potty, child’s toilet seat and step – anything that can make parent’s lives a little easier when packing!
• Food and water bowls
• Blankets, towels and dog shampoo
• Treats and toys
• Poo bags and torch
• Outdoor shower for washing off muddy paws
We love where we live and work and are passionate about sharing all the wonderful places, businesses, and attractions here in the South West with your guests.
We know our guests want to immerse themselves in the local community therefore showcasing what’s available in your surrounding area will help your guests’ create more holiday memories. Here are a few ideas…
• If your property is ideally located for walkers, why not provide a few of your favourite routes or maps for walks guests can enjoy straight from the door, or include a copy of the South West Coast Path Passport to encourage guests to get outdoors and explore the local area
• Guests often like to explore lesser-known places so why not leave your top five hidden gems for your guests to visit.
• If you source items for your welcome basket from local delis and shops, it’s nice to share these options with guests so they can buy visit and buy products to take home
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