If you want to ensure your holiday let meets the requirements of your ideal guest, it makes sense to know who your target audience is. This is easier to do if you take the time to visit your property at several points during the year. It may attract a different clientele during the winter as opposed to the summer, so make sure you’re ready for everyone.
Take clues from the property itself
Your holiday let, its location and the number of beds it has will help you to work out who your target audience will be. For example, a one bedroom apartment in the middle of a city appeals to a very different audience to a three bedroom cottage in the middle of the countryside. Use this knowledge to narrow down your audience.
Avoid the standard hotel appearance
This can be done when you decorate your holiday rental and buy the furniture for it. You”ll likely have a budget, but always make sure you get the best for your cash. Go for a different look and make it memorable in the best possible way. It’s also wise to get more expensive furniture if you can – or at least the best you can. It will last a lot longer and be of a higher quality, and therefore be more appreciated by your clients as well. The same applies to any appliances you buy, as well as other items such as bedding and luxury items.
Focus on the maximum number of people you can have staying in your holiday let
If your property is designed to accommodate two people, make sure you have at least two of everything when it comes to kitchen items. Always keep the maximum number of guests in mind; don’t buy a four piece dinner set if your property can accommodate six, for example. Think of everything including the cutlery and glasses as well.
Make sure you also supply enough in the way of linens and towels. Make it clear these are included in your property details (if applicable), as some people don’t want to risk arriving without towels so may bring them along only to discover yours on arrival.
Think children
Some holiday rentals cater for kids while others are strictly adults only. Make sure you know which area your property falls into so you can provide the right things accordingly.
Think of other suitable items as well
If your holiday let has a BBQ, make sure you provide everything needed to get it going. If it has an outdoor area, provide chairs and an umbrella for shade. If it’s good for walkers, perhaps a storage area for wet and muddy boots might be an idea.
Finally make sure you have a proper inventory with sections for each room so you know exactly what there is. This also makes it easy to spot when things have been broken or need replacing so you can do so promptly, making life easier for you and ensures your guests are never without everything they need.
Very useful! Definitely something that a lot of holiday home owners and managers don’t spend enough time considering.
Absolutely Damian, and even if it is thought about upfront, it also needs to be re-addressed on a regular basis. Items can get broken, go missing, get updated, local amenities and activities can change, etc. So whilst this is a necessity when preparing your holiday rental, it’s also a good one to refer to annually.