9 Tips on Creating the Ultimate Holiday Rental
The best holiday rentals combine tasteful decor with handy amenities and thoughtful extras. Guests want accommodation that looks inviting and comfortable. Somewhere they can unwind after a day of sightseeing, whip up a light breakfast before exploring the local area, or laze the days away with a good book.
Here’s how to create a welcoming new space or refresh an existing one that guests will want to rebook.
Stylish decor
A holiday rental should feel homely and thoughtfully designed. Create a cohesive, considered look and select soft furnishings like throws, cushions, and rugs that add interest and make a space feel cosy. Instead of generic, bland decor, add personal touches with unique art prints, coffee table books, candles, and plants that make a space eye-catching and memorable.
Keep clutter at bay with a TV unit to keep wires and tech out of sight and a sideboard if you need more living or dining room storage.
Layers of lighting
Lighting can dramatically affect the mood of a space. Aim to create layers of lighting with ceiling lights, floor lamps, and bedside lamps rather than just harsh overhead lights. Dimmer switches and warm-toned bulbs create an ambient atmosphere ideal for guests who want to wind down in the evenings.
Comfort is key
While a stylish space sets the tone, comfort transforms a stay into a great experience. A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Invest in high-quality mattresses and bed frames that won’t creak or leave your guests with a sore back. If you have an existing mattress with plenty of life left in it but needs a comfort boost, a mattress topper is a cost-effective way to upgrade it.
Bedding itself is as important: pillows without lumps are a must, and soft, breathable bed linen will add a luxurious feel. Everyone has their sleeping preferences, so having extra pillows and blankets available allows guests to layer up when needed. Blackout curtains or blinds are worth considering in bedrooms that get a lot of external light to ensure guests can lie in if they want.
Add a hotel-style feel in the bathroom with thick, fluffy towels so guests can linger a while longer after a refreshing shower or restful bath.
Avoid musical chairs
Make sure there is plenty of space for the maximum number of guests you accommodate to sit together. For example, if your rental sleeps up to eight people, furnish your dining area with a large dining table and enough seating for everyone to share a meal or drink without feeling cramped.
A modular sofa can be the perfect option for big groups. Alternatively, you can arrange sofas and armchairs around a central coffee table or ottoman, making it easy for people to talk or watch TV together. Choose a sofa that’s both stylish and supportive, so it’s a comfortable spot for guests to relax.
Give the people what they want: amenities
Equipping your holiday rental with useful appliances and furniture will offer clear benefits to travellers who want more than a hotel room can offer. Convenient amenities simplify travel and make guests feel like they have a home away from home.
Make life easy with an iron for clothes crumpled in transit, a hair dryer, easy-to-reach plug sockets for guests to charge their own devices, and a cooling and heating system – basic fans in each bedroom and the living area work well if you don’t have a built-in system. A washing machine and drying rack or dryer can be a big plus, especially for families with young children or long-term stays.
If you want to attract families with babies or young children, you can do a few things to be accommodating. Provide a travel cot, high-chair, changing mat, child-friendly tableware, stair safety gate where necessary, baby-proofing, and a selection of books and toys for entertainment.
A full kitchen
A functional kitchen can make all the difference to a guest’s stay. Include essential appliances like a kettle, toaster, microwave, and stovetop (portable electric hobs are available if you don’t have one fitted). If space allows, a full oven and dishwasher are a game changer for stress-free self-catering.
A set of pots and pans, an oven-proof dish, sharp knives, a chopping board, wooden spoons and other commonly used utensils like a corkscrew and grater will help make cooking enjoyable rather than a chore. Provide ample cutlery, crockery, and glassware for all your guests and embrace design – pretty glasses and stoneware are an affordable way to add some personality. Ensure everything is in good condition and properly washed before guests arrive.
Stock up on staples such as tea, coffee, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, and bread. Even simple extras, like a coffee maker and containers for leftovers or packed lunches, go a long way in making guests feel cared for.
Cleanliness
Even the most beautifully designed holiday rental can be overshadowed by poor cleanliness. Remember to clean the areas people often miss: under beds, inside drawers, corners of the shower, and behind doors. Keep linens and towels fresh and well-laundered, and ensure all surfaces and high-touch areas are wiped down between stays. If you can’t do it yourself, hire a professional cleaner to take care of it for you.
Build a strong (Wi-Fi) connection
Unless your holiday rental is specifically marketed as an off-grid retreat, fast, reliable internet is a necessity. Whether guests are streaming films, working remotely, or planning a day trip, they’ll appreciate strong Wi-Fi. If your property is large with patchy signal, a Wi-Fi booster might help provide full coverage throughout the space.
It’s all in the details
Guests notice when a space feels carefully curated to anticipate their needs, and small gestures can have a big impact.
A welcome pack with a few local snacks and a bottle of wine or juice, and little details like a vase of fresh flowers, premium toiletries, reusable shopping bags, and a selection of board games are a great way to elevate the experience.
