With the demand for holiday lets growing every year, especially glamping holidays, it’s essential to make your lodge, pod or shepherd’s hut stand out from your competitors.
Many of our guests are looking for that extra bit of luxury and will choose one of our ‘prestige’ lodges above another because it gives them that extra feeling of pampering and treating themselves. The most popular properties are those that have ensuite bedrooms, outdoor space, a hot tub, off-street parking, and a dishwasher!
However, other extra touches can also add some luxury, see below our helpful suggestions on what to do to make your holiday let 5 star.
Interior design and decoration
Keep it simple.. no clutter. Guests expect stylish, modern luxury, with space to relax whilst they are on holiday. If you can provide something with the ‘wow-factor’ or perhaps a little bit glamorous this is appreciated for immediately lifting that holiday mood.
Although we can’t usually have open fires in our lodges, a ‘living flame’ fire gives the room character and a centrepiece of cosiness.
Also, getting the lighting right is another item that can get missed. Providing extra quality lamps in each room, add to that luxury feel.
Hollytree Lodge, Limefitt Park nr Windermere Ref. 1120662
Quality exterior
The outdoor space is very important when renting a lodge – after all, it is really an extra outdoor room. Your guests will spend many a happy hour here, with a morning coffee, eating together and taking in the view, birdsong, and the stars. The decking and outdoor space needs to be in good repair and kept clean and tidy. We also recommend you purchase excellent-quality lounging and dining furniture, that is weatherproof and hard-wearing, along with an umbrella for shade. Softening the outdoor furniture with cushions or throws is a nice touch. We recommend keeping these inside the lodge, but leave a note for your guests where they can be found.
Jinnyspinner Lodge, Limefitt Park nr Windermere Ref. 1068912
Hot Tubs
If your Park allows it, consider adding a hot tub for the ultimate pampering. Alongside searches for dog-friendly lodges, hot-tub searches come a close second. If you do have a hot tub, we recommend you purchase some nice quality plastic ‘glasses’ for beer and prosecco, to avoid possible breakages of your glassware. We also work with local hot-tub maintenance businesses to keep yours in tip-top condition between each guest visit.
Low Longlands, Cartmel Ref. 1107291
We know that 65% of guests will be traveling with a dog! If you can add this factor in to your lodge you are sure to drive more bookings. Why not provide some dog treats, bowls for water and food, and poop bags. (We always respectfully ask guests to keep pets off the furniture, and to bring their own dog towels and blankets with them.)
Perhaps your lodge has an outdoor tap and hose pipe for use in washing down muddy paws, and muddy boots? Even better if the hallway has space for boot storage and drying.
High-quality furnishings, bed linen, and towels.
Hotel quality crisp sheets and fluffy towels really make a difference, presented professionally in each bedroom. You may need to consider updating them each year if your lodge is very popular with many changeovers.
Elderflower Lodge, Allithwaite nr Cartmel Ref. 1165892
Add little extras
Coffee machines, nice wine glasses, and classic crockery sets are all very much appreciated by guests. Bonus points if you can include chargers for phones and iPads. Bluetooth speakers, DAB radio and also WIFI all make for happy guests and their children!
How about a welcome hamper?
Tea, coffee, sugar, S&P, local produce – biscuits, jam, cake etc are a lovely welcome for your guests, even a bottle of wine or fizz is a lovely gesture. These always go down well with our guests. If your lodge welcomes pets, why not consider dog treats in your hamper?
Here’s a local supplier: Lakeland Hampers who provide a range of hampers to suit your requirements.
Luxury toiletries
Why not provide some locally sourced toiletries for the kitchen and bathroom? Businesses like Bath House made in Sedbergh, Pure Lakes in Far Sawrey and Little Lakeland Soap Co can supply a variety of toiletries to choose from.
Provide a secure place for bikes and kayaks
Many guests will bring bikes or water sports equipment with them. Depending on external space if you do have the room outside to provide a large plastic, waterproof storage box, perhaps with a secure bike lock at the side of the lodge this would be appreciated by many guests.
Once you’ve kitted out your lodge and had some new photos taken, let us know and we can then start to promote it on our portfolio.
Just including some of the above, your guests will really feel they have had an extra special luxury break indulging and relaxing in the beautiful scenery the Lakes has to offer.
Why not contact us for an informal chat about how we can help with any of the above or ways to improve your lodge. Email us at newowners@lakedistrictlodgeholidays.co.uk.
If you’re thinking about holiday letting your lodge in the Lake District complete our form online here and a member of the team will be in touch with more information about joining Lake District Lodge Holidays.
