No matter what type of holiday property you own or where it is, you should definitely provide a welcome pack for your guests. Actually two welcome packs! One will be sent electronically or via post (depending on the preference of your guest) once the booking has been confirmed and paid for, and the second remains in your holiday rental home.
Your tasks are, first and foremost to ensure your guests find your property safely and easily, and secondly to have thorough information waiting when they arrive.
This begins with an initial welcome pack which outlines the essential information your guests will need pre-arrival, including directions to your holiday rental and any access information e.g. security gate entry code, or alarms, etc. Regarding travel make sure you cover all the options; it’s easy to assume everyone will drive but this may not be the case. How will they reach your holiday let if they are coming by train or bus, for example? Make sure you include directions from all parts of the country as well, literally from north, south, east and west. You should also include directions from the nearest airport, train station, bus station or port to cover all the bases. GPS co-ordinates and the post code of the property for those with sat-nav will also be helpful.
Now for the welcome pack that remains in your holiday let.
Tips for looking after your welcome pack and what to include in it
Your welcome pack should include all the pertinent details about your property, such as how to use the air conditioning, heating and internet connection for example. You should also let them know what day to put their rubbish out, as well as any security information on locking doors and windows (and possibly skylights too). Make sure you leave a selection of emergency contact details as well, such as for a doctor and dentist. You should also leave your own details or those of a local property manager in case there are any issues during their stay.
In addition your welcome pack should cover information on the local area and amenities. It’s a good idea to get up to date brochures and leaflets on all the local attractions, restaurants and bars so your guests can easily find out what’s on offer during their stay. If you want to add the personal touch, why not write a few comments on each place? For example, if you have had a few good meals at a local restaurant, recommend one or two dishes or give some advice on the best days to go to take advantage of the specials! Take your time over this to make sure you provide a personal welcome instead of just a selection of leaflets.
As for protecting your welcome pack, it’s a good idea to laminate sheets of paper or put everything into plastic wallets and then pop them into a ring binder. This is the best way to ensure they last and look good for as many guests as possible.
Don’t forget the welcome hamper!
This is a really nice touch that will get every stay in your holiday let off to the best start. It also increases the chances of recommendations and repeat bookings. What you choose to provide in your welcome hamper really depends on your target market. Think tea, coffee, sugar and a pint of milk in the fridge. Some owners bake a cake to leave as a welcome gift, while others provide a selection of local produce. Depending on the time of day your guests will arrive, perhaps include a bottle of wine, bread and cheese. By providing some food and drink your guests don’t have to run out to the nearest supermarket as soon as they arrive, or go hungry until the following morning when the shops re-open!
For more tips on what to include in your welcome hamper see – Tips to Make Your Guests Feel Special
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