Prepare your holiday home for peak season. Focus on cleanliness, comfort, and inviting décor. Consider Bachcare for stress-free property management.
As the peak season approaches, it’s time to ensure your holiday home is in top shape to attract guests and maximise your rental income. A well-set-up property not only attracts more bookings but also enhances guest experiences, leading to positive reviews and repeat customers.
Before we dive into some of the best practices to set your property up for success, it’s important to understand a bit more about the peak season.
In New Zealand, the peak season typically falls between December and February – this period coincides with warm weather, school holidays, long weekends, and an influx of both domestic and international tourists.
The demand for accommodation surges during this time, so it’s crucial for property owners to prepare early.
Below is a quick guide on what you can do.
Check for any maintenance issues, such as leaks, faulty fixtures, or faulty wiring. It’s also important to address any safety hazards or damages to prevent issues from affecting guest stays and reviews.
A clean property is essential for guest comfort. Go beyond surface-level cleaning wherever possible and tackle deep cleaning tasks to ensure your property is sparkling clean and free of allergens.
During the peak season, guests often book longer stays to spend Christmas/New Year’s with friends and family. Creating a welcoming space by adding seasonal touches and thoughtful details can go a long way to make your guests feel at home. Think summer-friendly décor (lighter bedding, brighter cushions or even a welcome basket with local goodies or a guidebook with recommendations.
It’s important to keep the outdoors just as tidy and inviting as the indoors. Mowing lawns and ensuring outdoor seating and amenities such as a BBQ or pool are clean and safe to use will help create a memorable experience for your guests.
Make sure your property is equipped with basic necessities, such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and kitchen staples (tea, coffee, cooking oil). These small comforts are always appreciated by guests.
Investing in high-quality linens and pillows can make a significant different to your guest’s stay. If your property can cater to bigger groups, ensure there are enough blankets and pillows.
It’s always advisable to double-check safety equipment and provide clear instructions. Wherever applicable, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms should be functional.
Guests often appreciate modern amenities and entertainment options, such as a smart TV and high-speed internet. Offering a selection of board games, puzzles, and books or access to streaming services will ensure you’re catering to different guest preferences.
Whenever possible, you can cater to guests travelling with kids or pets. Families with children would appreciate high chairs; similarly, pet-friendly amenities such as bowls and toys can help attract more bookings.
Showcase your property's best features with professional photography. Offering a good selection of interior and exterior shots helps guests give a good idea of the property and if it suits their needs and preferences.
An engaging and informative description highlighting your property's unique qualities can help your property stand out. It’s also always helpful to include special amenities that you can offer as well as info on local attractions.
Clearly outlining your house rules, check-in/out times, cancellation policy, and any additional fees will help reduce ambiguity for potential guests.
For owners seeking a hands-off approach, Bachcare offers a premium service where our experienced team handles everything from cleaning and linen to pricing as well as managing listings and bookings.
Alternatively, for those who want more involvement, Bachcare’s Host Service provides local support for cleaning and linen while you manage other aspects.
By leaving the details to us, you can relax knowing your property is in good hands. Our experienced team can help improve your property’s visibility and maximise your rental income.
Preparing your holiday home for peak season requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips and considering the services offered by Bachcare, you can ensure that your property is ready to welcome guests and provide them with a memorable stay.
