Welcoming Guests
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 and Dining Rooms
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.
Inventory Essentials
- Flatscreen Smart TV wall-mounted or on a stand, DVD / Blu-Ray player with a selection of films, music system (Bluetooth), books and games
- Soft seating and dining room chairs for the maximum number of guests
- Reading lamps, coffee and side tables
- Wi-Fi
- Window coverings
- Starter supply of wood (if applicable)
- High chair
The LC Difference
- A set of binoculars or telescope to admire the views
- A selection of boardgames and book
- Artwork from local artists with details of where to purchase them
Kitchen and Utility Room
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.
Inventory Essentials
- Oven and hob with four cooking rings, washing machine, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, tumble-dryer
- Kettle, toaster, coffee machine/cafetiere, bread bin, teapot, egg cups, toast rack, butter dish, salt and pepper pots, butter dish, tea, coffee and sugar containers
- Crockery, cutlery for the maximum number of guests and a selection of glassware for the maximum number of guests
- Cooking pots and pans including roasting dishes, measuring jug, water jug, milk jug, glass vase
- Kitchen utensils including serving spoons, bottle opener and corkscrew, tin opener, wooden spoon, sieve, ice tray, masher, whisk, ladle, spatula, scissors, peeler, colander and grater, kitchen knives and sharpener, two chopping boards, trivet
- Mixing bowls, serving dishes (casserole dishes with lid, salad bowl and vegetable dishes), fruit bowl, microwaveable dishes
- Cutlery tray/drawer divider, drainer rack, kitchen roll, foil and cling-film
- Tablecloth and placemats with matching coasters, oven gloves, tea-towels, dish cloths, dusters
- Iron, ironing board, clothes drying rack, clothes pegs, kitchen bin with lid and liner including recycling provisions, washing-up bowl, cleaning products, mop and bucket, dustpan and brush, broom, vacuum cleaner, window coverings, spare light-bulbs, spare batteries
The LC Difference
- A selection of recipe books from your favourite local restaurants
- A stocked store cupboard with cooking essentials
- Cocktail glasses, a shaker and recipe book
Bedrooms
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.
Inventory Essentials
- Full size beds with headboards, mattress, duvet and pillow protectors
- Linen (preferably cotton of Egyptian cotton)
- Two pillows (suggested anti-allergy option, two per person)
- Duvets, both summer and winter weights, including anti-allergy options
- Dressings for the bed such as throws and cushions
- Wardrobe, dressing table with mirror, bedside table with light for each guest (or share if in twin room), TV and DVD player, clock with alarm option
- Coat hangers,
- Lined curtains or blackout blinds
- Hairdryer, waste-bin (non-flammable)
- Travel cot
The LC Difference
- A choice of pillows including hypoallergenic options
- Night-time relaxation teas or lavender pillow mist
Bathroom
Soft fluffy towels are always welcome as well as storage or shelf space to place toiletries.
Inventory Essentials
- Wash basin and hand soap, mirror above wash basin with light above or included, shaver point or adapter
- Waste bin with lid, toilet roll holder and two rolls per bathroom, toilet brush (ideally with lid), rubber non-slip bath mat, lock/bolt on door
- Storage option in shower cubicle
- One hand towel and one bath towel per person
- Window covering
The LC Difference
- Toiletries from a local supplier
- Bathrobes and slippers for that luxury hotel experience
Outside
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.
Inventory Essentials
- Garden furniture with seating for all guests
- Lighting
- Bin store or a tidy place to store bins
The LC Difference
- A basket of throws to use outside on cooler nights
- Plates and plastic glasses for outdoor use and picnics
- BBQ or Pizza Oven to elevate your outdoor dining credentials
Exceeding Expectations
If you cater for specific audiences, the little added touches will help create a memorable experience for your guests.
Family friendly
• 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!
Paws Welcome
• Food and water bowls
• Blankets, towels and dog shampoo
• Treats and toys
• Poo bags and torch
• Outdoor shower for washing off muddy paws
LC Loves Local
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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