Guest experience packages

April 2024

Meeting and exceeding guest expectations is the golden rule in the hospitality sector. In this article, we explore how holiday rental hosts can differentiate their services by offering improvements in accommodation and attractive experience packages for your guests. 

Simple actions to enhance the guest experience

Many hosts constantly worry about their clients’ accommodation experience; they always want to please them, and of course, expectations soar. How can you always meet customer expectations? That’s the question.

To ensure you exceed your guests’ expectations, it’s worth continuously evaluating and improving the property’s amenities and the service you provide. Typically, you’ll seek inspiration from the feedback your property receives, whether written or online. It’s quite likely that guests will suggest refreshing towels and bedding, redecorating rooms, or changing some elements or accessories. These are not straightforward actions, but you may inevitably need to take them.

Prepare a proper welcome for your guests

First impressions are important in the holiday rental business, and preparing a welcome package for your guests can make a difference in their experience at your property by creating a lasting first impression. In addition to contacting them before their arrival, this initiative allows you to offer a warm and personalised welcome that reflects your attention to detail and commitment to their comfort and satisfaction.

This initial step can add significant value to your guests’ experience by providing some additional benefits alongside the accommodation:

• Personalisation: Tailoring the package according to guests’ tastes and preferences shows attention to detail and creates an emotional connection from the start.
• Useful information: Providing information about local activities, recommended restaurants, and nearby events allows guests to make the most of their time in the area.
• Perceived value: A personalised welcome package not only enhances the guest experience but also adds perceived value to your property, which can result in positive feedback and repeat bookings.

In addition to creating a memorable experience, this gesture can also contribute to improving the perception of your property and encouraging the desired positive reviews. By demonstrating your attention and consideration from the outset, you can establish a stronger connection with your guests and foster a trusting relationship that can translate into repeat bookings in the future.

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Offer an experience based on the events calendar

Want to know how to enhance your holiday rental guests’ experience? A great way to make your holiday home more appealing is to take advantage of local events and offer them a unique and personalised experience. Whether it’s festivals, markets, sports events, or cultural celebrations, these events can enhance the appeal of your holiday home and increase your income. Is there a major football match in your city? Offer, for example, accommodation with tickets.

If you’re considering how to enhance your guests’ experience in your holiday rental, keeping up with the local events calendar is invaluable for holiday home rentals. By selecting the right events and informing guests in a timely manner, you’ll increase the appeal of your holiday home.

Special offers and packages for guests

You might wonder what experiences to offer your guests. In that regard, proposing experience packages in your holiday rental related to local events can be key to increasing the appeal of your holiday property. It’s essential that these offers are interesting and creative and that they match the character of the event and/or the interests of your target audience.

For example, consider a package called “Festival Getaway” with tickets and transportation to a nearby music festival (including a bus), or another one dubbed “Green Party” for a picnic in a park. Offer them an excursion around the area.

Additional service ideas for holiday rentals

Partnering with local businesses, such as restaurants, tourist companies, or vineyards, to offer exclusive discounts or experience packages is a strategy that has been proven effective many times.

Remember to communicate rates and conditions clearly, focusing your marketing efforts on highlighting the advantages of these experience packages. Furthermore, guest satisfaction is crucial, as it promotes repeat bookings and positive feedback, ultimately making your holiday home even more attractive to potential guests.

And if you’re an adventurous host, you can also propose more surprising plans to guests, such as:

• Conducting city tours as a “free tour”.
• Receiving culinary classes adapted to the region’s cuisine.
• Participating in outdoor activities in natural settings.
• Organising a themed day with local activities.

It all depends on your imagination, your ability to partner with other entrepreneurs, your budget, and the possibilities in the surrounding area. Advertising your holiday home by offering an experience package can be a distinguishing factor and add value to the stay.

Share your local knowledge

Sharing your knowledge of the geographical area with guests is essential to providing an exceptional stay experience when renting out your holiday flat. Without being pushy, start with a personal approach by welcoming your guests with information about events, festivals, restaurants, and hidden gems in the area.

Offer your advice on upcoming events and festivals, including the possibility of getting tickets, and explain what they can expect at the celebration. You can describe your experience at places you’ve visited. Restaurant recommendations, tips on making reservations, and information about leisure areas will add value to your guests’ trip.

Optimise your holiday rental rates

Adjusting rates on the holiday rental website during peak local events can significantly increase your holiday rental income. To do this, it’s essential to adopt a strategic approach. Start by identifying which events generate the most demand for accommodation, such as annual cultural festivals, concerts, or well-known local celebrations. Ultimately, you need to know which experiences are most appealing to propose.

Review the rates on the holiday rental portal and make good offers well in advance to attract both early and last-minute bookers. Communicate rate adjustments transparently and highlight the additional benefits they’ll enjoy during the event.

Surprise your guests with themed decoration

Adapting your holiday home to the theme of local events could endear your guests to you. It helps create a sense of immersion in the local culture and is sure to remain in your guests’ memory for a long time.

For example, as the carnival approaches, you can add colourful masks, bright garlands, or decorative accessories to create a festive atmosphere. It’s important to consider your accommodation style and ensure the theme blends seamlessly with the existing decor. Interactive elements, such as games and activities, can increase guest participation. Themed decoration contributes to positive reviews and word-of-mouth, making your holiday home even more attractive to future guests.

With this guide, you now roughly know how to enhance your holiday rental guests’ experience. Now it’s your turn to make a move. Make your holiday home more attractive and encourage your guests to renew their trust.

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