Families, couples and groups are all looking to holiday in the UK and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.
When hosting guests, it is important to think about small touches you can make that will greatly improve the guests experience. This could result in better reviews and more return bookings!
Think, what will your guests be doing?
The amazing fells and mountains surrounding the Lakes offers plenty of hiking opportunities. The unique coastline is ideal for beach days and there are plenty of villages to explore. Your lodge should reflect what activities your guests will be partaking in, read on to discover ways you can accommodate this.
A boot room or shoe rack:
- Give guests the space to kick off muddy walking boots and hang up their wet coats to dry.
- A shoe rack allows footwear to be stored at the entrance of the lodge – and should keep the lodge cleaner!
- If you can provide a dedicated space for guests visiting the lodge to leave muddy boots and coats, it shows that the lodge is well suited to the location.
The Badgers Shack
Bike storage:
- If you have any external space at your lodge, such as decking, then you could offer a bike rack and bike locks. This could lead to more bookings from cycling enthusiasts and is a stand out feature of your lodge.
Family equipment:
- As the Lakes has a coastline, you could store some beach equipment in the lodge for families to use.
- Board games, a pack of cards or play equipment such as tennis racquets will be appreciated by the guests.
- Small touches like this make the guests feel very welcomed into the property.
Local knowledge:
- A personalised guidebook will be received well by guests and shows ‘the personal touch’.
- You can include maps of the local area, activity guides and brochures and any personal recommendations for local food and drink.
- You could also leave some Lake District books on a bookshelf for guests to use.
- If on a lodge park with facilities, be sure to list these in the book so guests can make the most of what’s available.
Dunfell Shepherds Hut
Technology:
- Investing in a good WiFi connection will improve the guests stay and can lead to better reviews. Having good internet connection is very important to guests now.
- Smart TVs offer guests the ability to maintain their regular TV viewing if they desire. They can include streaming apps so guests can log in to their own accounts.
- Bluetooth speakers or Sonos through the home appeals to friend groups and couples when booking.
- An EV charging point will also give the property an edge for bookings for those with electric cars as they will need somewhere to charge their vehicle.
Hot tubs:
- Hot tubs have become very popular with UK holidays and they add a sense of luxury to the getaway.
- You can increase bookings and generate more income by an extra 35% in Winter and an extra 25% in Summer*.
- If you decide to install a hot tub in your lodge some small touches can make a large difference. Towel hooks close to the hot tub, a drinks shelf for glasses, a safe pathway to and from the hot tub, lighting and also a step if the hot tub is not lowered.
- Garden seating is also a nice feature with the hot tub.
High Rigg Shepherds Sunrise
Pet friendly:
- We strongly suggest that your lodge is pet friendly to make it more bookable for guests.
- If your lodge is pet friendly, consider installing an outdoor tap or hose so owners can hose their dogs off outside after a day out walking.
- There should be a space for a dog bed to be easily placed as it is important that guests can easily find somewhere for their four legged friend to sleep.
- A container of dog treats is also a nice touch. These must be kept in the original packet so dog owners can be aware of the ingredients in case the dog has allergies.
Some of these property changes require an investment to implement however some are small changes that would have a big impact.
Lots of small changes can show the lodge is ideally suited for the Lakes and that the owners have considered what features to include. This will lead to improved guest satisfaction.
Join the local lodge experts:
Request your FREE owner pack which will provide you with more information and guide you in the right direction. Call us on 015397 61514 or drop us an email on newowners@lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk if you’d like to join hundreds of other happy lodge owners.
*All data is from our parent company Sykes Holiday Cottages.
