Here at Lake District Lodge Holidays, good or bad reviews really do matter to us and our owners. The guest reviews that your property receives will shape the opinions of potential guests. So it’s important to do all that you can to make sure that your lodge is receiving positive feedback.
In this guide, we give you some top tips on how to improve your holiday home reviews to encourage future bookings. Read more below.
Stick to the Basics
Making sure that your property has got the basics covered is extremely important in running a successful holiday let. There are three core themes to consider when evaluating your property, this includes:
- Is your property clean?
- Is it safe and well-maintained?
- Will your guests find it comfortable?
If you are not confident that your lodge meets these requirements, consider spending time to improve these areas. For example, cleanliness will always be very important to any guest. If you are struggling to keep up with the demand on changeover days to clean the lodge or are unable to find a suitable (and experienced) cleaner, we do have a managed services team that can help.
First Impressions Matter
As guests come to stay at your property, it makes sense to try and make a good first impression. Whether this be a friendly phone call before they arrive or a meet & greet with a short tour around the property, each of these will display your commitment and will let your guests know that if needed, you are there for them.
If you are unable to add that personal touch, you could provide some straightforward instructions on how to use the home’s utilities and provide information on the best pubs and restaurants that are nearby.
Welcome Pack
Every good holiday lodge has its own Welcome Pack.
It is a great way to introduce your guests to your property and the surrounding area. Consider this an opportunity to share your insight and wish your guests a pleasant stay. Alongside common welcome pack items such as tea, coffee and possibly a cheeky biscuit or two, add something local such as a Kendal Mint Cake or some Grasmere Gingerbread – little touches like this will greatly impact future reviews.
Bluebell Cabin, Hutton John nr Ullswater Ref. 1137285
Think Quality Not Quantity
Many of the guests that will be visiting your lodge will be seeking time away from their hectic lives. Usually, this means that they want to stay somewhere clean, fresh, and uncluttered. Investing your time, energy, and money into quality furniture is a good way to improve the perception of your holiday home without it becoming filled with unnecessary items.
Purchasing high-end furniture in the short term could be more expensive but it should last longer and reduce the need to change it as frequently. Furthermore, with comfort being of such importance to many holidaymakers, make sure that the items that you have got promote comfort – from the sofa to the mattress.
Watch Tree Lodge, Allithwaite nr Cartmel, Ref: 1132139
Read and Learn
Although receiving a negative review is never nice, you could take it as an opportunity to grow and develop. Understanding why the review was written and what steps can be taken to amend the issue, could help you to improve the experience that you provide.
Ask your guests to leave honest reviews upon their departure, as this will give you a good indication of what went well and what could be done better. Moreover, for those guests that enjoyed their stay (and I’m sure that it is the majority), they may just need a reminder to share their positive feedback with others.
Tip* If the review is negative, do add a reply, it shows potential guests you listen, care and have taken on board constructive criticism to improve or address areas of concern
Hot Tubs Standards
If you have a hot tub at your property, this can be a key selling point for many people and can help you to increase your rental rates. However, if you have made the commitment to have a hot tub at your lodge, then it’s important to maintain its standard of cleanliness. Make sure that you or someone that you trust is checking your hot tub regularly and if any issues are found, that they are resolved as soon as possible. (There are local hot tub maintenance companies who can provide this service).
Many guests may book their holiday with your property purely for the hot tub, if they arrive and it is not working or clean, you may receive some not-so-positive feedback.
High Rigg Shepherd’s Sunset, Brampton Ref. 1083212
Want to know more? Get in touch!
Please contact the local team to have a chat and discuss other options to help increase your bookings, by phoning 015397 61514 . Alternatively, you can email us at: newowners@lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk or request your free Owner Pack today.
