With holiday letting in North Wales growing every year, it’s important that your cottage stands out from the crowd.
In this blog, we list some tips that can help you stand out from the crowd and keep those guests coming back for more!
A Warm Welcome
First impressions are everything, and what better way to leave a first impression than with a welcome gift/pack? Here are just some things that our owners provide for our guests and sourcing these locally adds a nice touch.
- Tea, Coffee, Milk and Biscuits
- Fresh bread
- Flowers
- Wine, Prosecco or Beer
- Welcome hamper
- Cake
There are lots of local cafes, shops and bakeries supplying yummy fresh cakes, handmade toiletries and delicious meals. Some of our favourites include:
If you need further welcome pack ideas, then take a look at our welcome pack blog here
Essential Items
When guests go on holiday they expect to have the same everyday essentials and facilities that they have at home such as:
- Wi-Fi – Every property should have Wi-Fi, it’s one of the first things people look for when they arrive at a cottage. Whether it be to keep on touch with family, research the local area or do some work, Wi-Fi is a must!
- Dishwasher – Well who wants to wash dishes when they are on holiday?
- Parking – Ensure there is plenty of parking available for guests, ensure allocated spaces are clearly marked for guests. If parking is not possible at the property, providing accurate information on nearby parking options and/or paying for a parking permit so guests can park easily.
Targeting the Right Audience
Understanding what your guests want is vitally important! Providing your guests with everything they need will ensure your guests enjoy their stay and will increase your chances of receiving positive feedback. Positive feedback is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
For example, if your cottage is surrounded by great walks then you may want to consider taking dogs. This will open you up to a wider range of potential customers and cottages which take dogs tend to outperform those that don’t earn around 11% more. Also include information on the best walks, pet-friendly attractions or beaches, and what pubs/eateries in the area are dog-friendly.
Likewise, if your cottage is located in a family-friendly area, why not provide cots, stairgates, and high-chairs? You could also include leaflets or ideas for days out for children in the area.
You can also provide games and toys for rainy days! Playing a board game is the perfect way to get the whole family together and enjoy valuable time together. Classics such as Monopoly and Scrabble will keep the kids occupied for hours!
For those summer months, think about adding outdoor toys such as a skipping rope, hoopla, hula hoops, football and Boules!
Regular Maintenance
After a busy season, your property may show signs of wear and tear, this is perfectly normal. However, it’s important you reserve some time in the year to carry out some regular maintenance. A fresh lick of paint always goes a long way, especially on the outside, after all, first impressions are vital.
Remember to regularly check all of your crockery for any chipped or broken items and replenish any items, some owners choose to keep a selection of replacement items in storage at the house so their housekeeper can keep on top of this. Top tip: many people see negative reviews as purely negative, see these as good suggestions on how to improve your cottage and your guests experience.
Invest in Extras
An easy way to stand out from the crowd is to have some eye-catching extras. One of the most searched-for and requested features are hot tubs. Properties with hot tubs generally make 54% more than other properties in the same region. So if you have space, you should definitely consider one, and as a Menai Holidays owner, we can help you gain some exclusive offers from local suppliers.
Another top feature searched for by holidaymakers is a wood-burning fire or open fire. Properties with a fire make 14% more than other properties in the same region. They help to create a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere. If you do have one, providing a starter pack of logs, matches and firelighter is a nice touch. If you’re able to light the fire prior to a guests arrival, then do so, your guests will appreciate it and it will leave a great first impression.
Electric Car Charging
The number of electric vehicles on the road is increasing, so offering EV charging at your holiday property is a great way to entice guests. In light of the UK’s plan to go net-zero emissions by 2050, now might be a good time to prepare your property for electric car guests!
What are the benefits of offering EV charging?
- There will be more EVs on the road after 2030 because of the ban on new petrol and diesel cars
- It is comforting for visitors to be able to charge their electric vehicles – They don’t have to worry about leaving the house to go search for one.
- Customisable tariffs can help you generate additional revenue
- Make your property appealing to new visitors and keep them returning
- Put your destination on the map if you offer EV charging
- You can make EV charging your USP and attract EV drivers to your property
Charges will vary according to your energy supplier’s tariff and the type of vehicle.
You can invest in a charge card charger. Guests can use their own charge card to access the charger, which automatically bills them for the electricity they use, Owners often use charging as a USP rather than charging extra.
We recommend Rolec EV:
‘We are experts in the design and manufacture of outdoor electrical equipment, with over 30 years of experience. As the UK’s largest manufacturer of AC Fast & DC Rapid chargers, we have installed over 290,000 charge points to date. When choosing Rolec’s products, you can benefit from a complete turnkey solution, including end-to-end support; access to a network of electrical contractors; integrated smart solutions and more.’
*Note* all information is correct at the time of publishing (October 2022)