The hard work of setting up your holiday home for holiday lets is done, but there’s one important thing that shouldn’t be overlooked prior to the first guest arrival and that’s the welcome folder.
We’ve listed some tips and advice of what should be included…
Welcome message
Welcome your guests to your holiday home with a personal message. Guests love to feel like they personally know the owners and are welcome in their home as friends they tend to take more care of it if they do!
Emergencies
Put an emergency contacts section at the front of the book and be sure to include your own mobile number (or that of your property manager) for out of hours emergencies.
Make it clear what guests should do in the event of a fire, where the fire extinguishers are kept, how the smoke alarms work, where the fire exits are and where they can find the first aid kit.
WiFi Password
After having a look around the property one of the first things a guest will look for is the WiFi pass-code, especially those travelling with teenagers, so make it easy for your guests by putting this at the front of the folder.
Appliance Instructions
Take photocopies of the instruction manuals for all appliances guests might use and leave them in a drawer where guests can find them if needed.
If the manuals are long or complicated, write some clear quick user instructions in fool-proof bullet points to avoid guests pushing numerous buttons until something happens or breaks!
Polite reminders
It is important that guests are aware of the dos and don’ts of your holiday property it makes for a better experience all round if these house rules are adhered to.
These can include the security measures they should take and how to lock up the property (& not lock themselves out), making sure they know about your rules for smoking and pets and being considerate about the noise levels so as not to disturb the neighbours.
You should also inform guests of potential hazards such as low ceilings or slippery surfaces.
Don’t call them rules, call them do’s and don’ts and include a copy of your terms and conditions in the guest folder.
It’s important that you clarify that any problems with the accommodation must be reported to you or your representatives as soon as possible so that you have the opportunity to rectify any issues.
Local transport
Holidaymakers on a budget will appreciate it if you give them really clear guidance on how to make the most of the local transport.
Tell your guests how to get to places on local transport such as the location of the bus and train stations, and include timetables (keep these up to date) plus phone numbers for taxis.
Attractions and amenities
Make a list of local amenities such as supermarkets, shops, chemist, post office, banks, ATM, petrol station etc.
List nearby places to visit and pop in some brochures and discount vouchers. Don’t forget to include take away menus for local companies.
Include activities for a wide range of ages, so think local heritage sites and monuments for cultural types, as well as family days out and activities for very young children such as soft play centres.
Local recommendations
With your guest in mind write a list of your favourite places to eat and drink, and say why you recommend them.
What’s the best beach? Best scenic walks? Where can guests rent bikes etc? Tell them!
Check-out instructions
Provide a concise list of what you would like your guests to do when leaving, this will help avoid last minute phone calls and problems.
Tell guests to make sure doors and windows are locked, where to leave the keys, what to do with bed linen and towels and to turn off the lights.
