As a holiday home owner, you’ll agree there’s nothing better than receiving a steady stream of sterling guest reviews. And on the flip side, nothing worse than the odd one that’s a little less complimentary.
The reality is that there will always be situations and scenarios that are beyond your control like weather, building works in the area, or just plain bad luck. However, making sure your home is on top of the following points is the secret to helping you secure those coveted 5-star reviews on a regular basis.

Provide detailed pre-arrival information

A good percentage of guests will travel after work and arrive when it’s dark so if your property’s road access is tricky or if the parking you provide isn’t straightforward, they’ll appreciate the heads up. Any insider info on the best way to find your property, or access once there, is always much appreciated and gives a personal touch in making arrival as smooth as possible.

We’ll provide guests with the property’s full address, What3Words location pin and written directions to help with the final part of the journey as well as property signs to help guests find their way when they are close by.

Feel welcoming

A welcome pack with locally sourced produce is always a big hit with guests – whether it’s a basket of eggs from a local farm shop or a homemade cake or cream tea, it’s the best way to exceed expectations right away.

As important is the welcome folder which should be up-to-date and easy to understand, covering everything about your home that guests will need to ensure they have a comfortable break. This could be Wi-Fi passwords, instructions for rubbish and recycling, heating/cooling instructions, and emergency contacts. Make it even better by offering information on local attractions, restaurants, and activities.

We cover a lot more of this topic in our blog on how to make a great first impression. Read the blog here>>

Offer impeccable cleanliness

A clean and tidy space is top of the list. First impressions really do count and if cleanliness isn’t up to scratch it can spark further complaints from guests.

While regular cleaning and maintenance is a given, the odd deep clean post-season is also an excellent idea. Pay special attention to bathrooms, kitchens, and all living areas. Spotless surfaces, clean upholstery and fresh linen set the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Create comfort

Apart from cleanliness, few things are more crucial than a good night’s sleep. Invest in high-quality, comfortable mattresses with washable covers or toppers. And if you’d like to go the extra mile consider providing a variety of pillows to suit different preferences like feather and non-hypoallergenic.

Equally important is having comfortable seating and enough of it. If the sofas you invest in are of high quality, a selection of elasticated, removable covers is a good way to preserve and keep them clean.

Provide extras

We’ve all stayed somewhere that’s felt just that extra bit special and most of these places have something in common – they make it personal. Unexpected extras have the ability to transform a stay from good to truly special.

Items like bathrobes and a selection of high-quality toiletries offer a touch of luxury, and if your property is dog-friendly, then treats, doggy towels, poo bags and food bowls are a great idea.

You can read more tips on making your home paws-friendly in our blog here>>

Be easily contactable

There’s no getting away from it – things won’t always run 100% smoothly. But when something does go wrong, having someone on hand for guests to speak to is vital. Very often it’s a lack of communication that gives rise to complaints, and conversely, the way in which an issue is dealt with that leads to rave reviews.

Stay well-maintained

In good weather your guests will most likely want to spend more time outdoors than in. So, if one of your home’s key selling points is a garden, terrace or balcony they’ll be looking forward to a clean, weed-free space to relax in.

If you offer a BBQ, your cleaning team could also check that it’s in an acceptable state for that day’s arrival. A regular check of your home’s appliances is also advisable.

Be your own guest

Our last tip is your secret weapon and it’s a goodie. Consider the places you’ve stayed in before and what you loved (or didn’t love) about them. What were your expectations? Were they simply met, or were they exceeded?

If you’d like to chat to us about any changes you’d like to make, or if we can support you in any way, our friendly team are here to help.

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@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

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