Great – you have received a booking! It is only the beginning of your relationship with your guest, when you receive a booking. In order to keep them happy and feel that everything has gone smooth (and hopefully comes back next holiday), we have outlined some points from before the arrival to the very end of their stay.
1: Directions to the holiday home
There is nothing worse than to arrive to a new country or city and not knowing where you are going. Please, always have full directions ready from any major airports or any nearby highway exits. Also remember, if the holiday home is located in a complex, explain where to go in details, as some guests might not be used to major housing estates, as well as if the holiday home is located in the countryside – always point out landmarks or names that can guide the guests. Let’s try to avoid distress and dissatisfaction even before the holiday has started.
2: Emergency numbers
Most people keeps their guard down when on holiday, but it’s still important to know where to find help when needed. Once your guests have arrived safely, you can provide them with a list of emergency contacts, should they need them during their stay. Details like the nearest emergency room, dentist or hospital, as well as your own contact details, are fundamental for your guests, especially when in a foreign country. Hopefully the guests will not need to use the contact information, but accidents do happen.
3: About the holiday home
Now your guests have arrived and they are looking forward to spend the next week or two in your holiday home. It is always a good idea to have a small booklet about your holiday home. Where is the fusebox located, where do you keep the mop and bucket, how is the hot water heated, any doors/windows to pay attention to ect. You might know your holiday home very well, and have gotten used to all the small things – but keep in mind your guests have never been there before. It is also a good idea to keep in writing what time they have to be out on the day of their departure in order to avoid misunderstandings, as well as agree with them when they will hand in the keys/see you again.
4: Local amenities and attractions
It is also very useful for the guests to have some kind of map or directions to the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, local transportation (bus stop, metro/train, taxi stand), beach etc. Point your guests in the right direction when it comes to things to do in the area. They will be looking for sightseeing, so keep some leaflets about the main attractions, events, local markets and so forth in your holiday home.
5. A warm welcome
The guest’s holiday started when they got into their car or airplane and they are usually happy to finally arrive. Besides a positive attitude and a smile when they arrive it is always a good idea to make them feel at home with a nice detail, such as a local wine, oil, the local produce or whatever product is special for your area or town. It does not have to expensive, but it makes the guest feel like they are expected and cared for.
All the above points are of course suggestions to how you can make your guests satisfied, so they enjoy their holidays. A holiday home is much more than just a place to sleep, it is also the “frame” for the whole holiday including the experiences they have had, and if the guests feel at home, they are more likely to come back or recommend the holiday home to their friends.
