10 ways to improve your holiday rental in winter
Prepare your holiday home for winter
November 2024
It’s easy to fill your holiday rental during the summer months, but how can you stop it from standing empty in winter? Even if you’re not in a traditional winter destination, you can still attract guests on a holiday rental website, but it may take a bit more work. We look at the best ways to make your holiday rental successful, even in the coldest months of the year.
1) Improve your heating
When it comes to preparing rentals for winter, heating has to be at the top of the list. Guests want to feel warm and cosy. If your property doesn’t do the trick, they’re unlikely to come back.
Underfloor heating for your bathrooms is one of the best upgrades. Bathrooms can be particularly chilly in winter, and nobody likes stepping out of a nice hot shower onto cold tiles. You can install underfloor heating without having to rip up your floors, and it’s an easy way to add a touch of luxury to your holiday rental.
2) Install a smart thermostat
While we’re on the subject of heating, here’s another great way to upgrade your holiday rental for winter. There are two major advantages of a smart thermostat. Firstly, it’s extremely user-friendly. Traditional heating systems can sometimes be puzzling, which can lead to guests calling you in the middle of the night in a state of confusion. A smart thermostat is nice and simple, and guests will love the touch of modernity it brings.
Secondly, smart thermostats are really handy for times of low occupancy. You can control them remotely, so even if you’re far away, you can keep your property running at a consistent temperature — a great way to save on utility bills and prevent damage like damp walls.
3) Add a hot tub
A swimming pool is great in summer, but if you want people to rent your house in winter, it’s all about the jacuzzi! Hot tubs are one of the most popular amenities for holiday rentals in the low season. If you have enough space in your property, hunt around for the best location for installation. A hot tub that offers dramatic views of the surrounding landscapes will be particularly popular — and the photos will look great on a holiday rental portal.
Don’t have space for a hot tub? Consider upgrading the bathtub instead. Adding jets gives your bathroom a bit of luxury and makes soaking in the tub on a cold day even more appealing.
4) Embrace the concept of hygge
What do people want from winter holiday rentals? Cosiness, of course. Consider changing your property’s decor to fit with the winter theme. Provide thick, snugly blankets and lots of cushions. Make sure there are extra blankets, too, as guests may need them.
To add to the atmosphere, you could stock the kitchen with winter treats. These don’t need to be particularly fancy. A tub of hot chocolate powder will be enough to make your guests happy.
5) Give guests plenty to do when they’re out and about…
You’re probably already familiar with attractions in the local area, but are they all open in winter? Do your research and provide your guests with a list of things to do. Forget water parks and beaches. Instead, focus on winter-specific attractions like Christmas markets, concerts, Christmas light shows, and restaurants with special seasonal menus.
In areas where winter tends to be wet, leave a couple of umbrellas by the door for guests who rent your holiday flat. This will encourage them to get out and about and enjoy themselves, no matter what the weather is like.
6) …and when they’re staying in
Many people want to just relax when they rent a house in winter. Guests will probably spend more time indoors than they would in the peak season, so why not give them some entertainment options?
Board games and a well-stocked bookshelf are great ways to keep guests happy. Off-peak holiday rentals can also really benefit from a subscription to a streaming service. Think about your target audience when you choose these items. If you’re targeting adults, a Netflix, or HBO subscription will be very welcome. On the other hand, if you want families to rent your house for holidays, make sure you have kid-friendly board games and books, and add a subscription to Disney+.
7) Decorate for Christmas
Preparing a house for winter is all about those special little touches. Many guests will be looking for somewhere for a Christmas break, so make your holiday rental nice and festive. Go for a small Christmas tree that you can keep in a pot, and decorate it tastefully. Add a few extras like a wreath on the door or a Christmas centrepiece on the table. It doesn’t take much to transform a property into a festive wonderland.
You could even welcome your guests with a Christmas-themed hamper containing a selection box, Christmas crackers, a box of mince pies, and other festive treats.
8) Provide winter sports equipment
This won’t be possible for every property, but if it often snows where you’re based, make the most of it. Holiday rentals in the snow are truly special, and providing some handy equipment will make your guests’ holidays even more magical.
You don’t need to buy snowboards and skis. Simple snow shoes, walking poles and toboggans are all wonderful ways to let your guests enjoy winter adventures.
9) Install a fireplace
If you really want to attract a winter crowd, this is an excellent way to create a cosy atmosphere. There’s nothing like curling up in front of a fire with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day.
Keep in mind that a fireplace can be a costly investment, and it will require ongoing maintenance. If you want the atmosphere without the headache, an electronic fireplace that projects the image of a roaring log fire is a fun, high-tech alternative.
10) Advertise your holiday home for winter
Finally, if you’re taking steps to attract guests in winter, make sure they know about it! Update your photos on your holiday rental portals to show your winter amenities. If your area gets snow, take some outdoor pics with the white stuff prominently displayed, and you’ll appeal to guests who want a specific winter break.
Your first season of trying something new can be rough. As such, you might want to offer some deals and discounts during winter to get guests through the doors. Once they see how magical your winter holiday rental is, they’ll be sure to keep coming back for more.