I bought an apartment in Dubai: how holiday letting works
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5 must-have comforts in a holiday let
Hotel or holiday apartment? Here are the holiday-let comforts that will make your guests choose your property
Leticia Heres · · 4 min read
The basic comforts of a holiday let should allow guests to cook, get online, sleep well with proper bed linen, keep the place clean during their stay and enjoy something that sets it apart. The equipment should match the property's capacity, the usual length of bookings and the type of traveller.
Basic equipment and services to offer a comfortable, practical stay suited to your guests.
At beBalmy we are experts in managing holiday-let homes and we can advise you and help you make the changes needed to turn your flat into a dream place to stay. If you would like us to assess your property, you can contact us through this form.
Either way, if you are not yet sure you want to take the plunge and what you need is a general idea of what you should offer in your property, here are the 5 comforts you can't do without:
1. The chance to cook
The main difference between staying in a hotel and in a holiday let is usually that the second option tends to offer access to a kitchen. Surprisingly, many owners forget that a kitchen without cookware and utensils is no use, as guests are fairly unlikely to travel with a frying pan or to buy one during their holiday. So remember to invest in a few pieces of cookware such as a frying pan and a saucepan, an oven dish and the basic utensils for cooking, as well as plates, glasses and cutlery for as many guests as you can accommodate. If you want to go the extra mile, your guests will appreciate having salt, pepper, oil and coffee.
2. Internet access and entertainment
This point matters to any guest who stays in your home. Those travelling for work, as we explain in our article on digital nomads, will appreciate good wifi. And both they and the travellers who stay in your home on holiday will value having access to a smart TV on which they can watch content on any of the most popular streaming platforms.
3. Bed linen, towels and fragrances
Who doesn't enjoy the soft feel of a clean towel? Who doesn't like the smell of clean sheets? Remember to appeal to all your guests' senses so that they remember their stay at your property. Investing in good sheets and towels can make a difference both for your guests and for you. It's important that they look nice (white ones give a feeling of cleanliness) and feel pleasant to whoever uses them, but also that they can stand up to use and to the constant washing you will put them through. Invest, too, in air fresheners that give your property a pleasant smell and make your guests feel at home.
4. Basic cleaning products
Travellers staying for one or two nights may not notice the difference, but those who decide to stay at your property for longer will be glad to have basic cleaning products. They may need to sweep or mop the floor during their stay, or even want to be able to clean the bathroom, so it never hurts to leave these products available. And if you provide a washing machine, it would be a good idea to provide detergent, fabric softener and even stain remover too. Don't forget that it's the little details that make the difference.
5. Something unique that makes your property special
Finally, try to go further and give your property something that makes it special. Do you have an outdoor patio or a terrace? Make it comfortable and pleasant so your guests can enjoy it. Do you have a large bathroom? Perhaps a bathtub and a bath bomb are what will make your guest fall in love with your property. If your home is small and has no outdoor space, that's fine. There is always a way to make your property special. Here are some cheap improvements to increase the returns on your flat. You can offer a small collection of board games, connect a games console to the TV or even arrange discounts at nearby businesses, exclusively for your guests.
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Are you ready to start welcoming guests?
If your property has fluffy towels and fresh sheets, a kitchen equipped with what's needed for cooking, wifi and entertainment, cleaning products and something that makes it unique, you are on the right track to making a difference to many travellers' holidays. If you just need one last push to start running your holiday-let home, don't hesitate to contact us so we can help you and start managing your business so that all you have to worry about is enjoying it.
Frequently asked questions
Which amenities are a must in a holiday home?
Five: a kitchen with kitchenware so guests can cook, internet and a smart TV, good bed linen and towels, basic cleaning products and something unique that makes the property special. The equipment should be suited to the home's capacity, the usual length of bookings and the type of traveller.
What kitchenware should a holiday flat have?
A kitchen without utensils is no use, because guests do not travel with a frying pan. At a minimum, a frying pan and a saucepan, an oven dish and the basic cooking utensils, plus plates, glasses and cutlery for everyone the home can accommodate. Guests also appreciate finding salt, pepper, oil and coffee.
What should the sheets and towels in a holiday property be like?
Attractive, pleasant to the touch and able to withstand use and constant washing; if they are white, they convey a sense of cleanliness. Investing in good bed linen and good towels makes a difference for the guest and for the owner, and a pleasant air freshener helps the guest feel at home.
Should you leave cleaning products for guests?
It is a good idea, especially for long stays. Someone staying one or two nights may not notice the difference, but someone staying longer may need to sweep, mop the floor or clean the bathroom. If the home has a washing machine, it is a good idea to leave detergent, fabric softener and even stain remover too.
How do you make a small holiday flat special?
There is always a way, even without outdoor space. For example, a small collection of board games, a games console connected to the TV or exclusive discounts at nearby businesses. If there is a terrace or patio, make it comfortable; if the bathroom is large, a bathtub with bath salts may be the detail people remember.
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