Holiday Let Welcome Pack Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Guests in holiday cottages today have high expectations, and they anticipate a level of service that rivals the luxurious hotel stays they’ve had in the past. If you think about it, one of the best parts of a holiday is the first time you enter where you will be staying, anticipating how it will be laid out, the décor, and the type of greeting you will receive.

Suppose you’ve ever received an unexpected extra touch on arrival at a hotel, such as a glass of Prosecco when you check-in, a platter of fresh fruit in your room, some cold drinks in the fridge, and a handwritten letter from the management. If you have, you know how happy it makes you.

When they arrive, your guests will most likely be exhausted, stressed, and hungry after a long trip to get to your holiday cottage. So, one of the kindest things you can do is send them a thoughtfully put-together welcome hamper with unexpected additions and a customised handwritten card welcoming them.

Your imagination might run wild when it comes to the definition of “thoughtfully put together.” The clever property owner will transform this seemingly insignificant gesture into a huge “wow” factor for guests, making them feel welcomed and appreciated from the get-go.

What should you put in your welcome basket?

Most visitors will want to settle down with a cup of coffee and a snack as soon as they arrive!

Ask visitors if they have any special dietary needs or allergies (vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, non-dairy, etc.) before they arrive so you may customise the welcome basket to their preferences. Nobody enjoys wasting food, and it demonstrates consideration.

If you manage a high-end and lavish rental with a high price tag, your welcome box and gifts should be part of your marketing strategy and reflected in your pricing. Think luxury touches like a chilled beverage on arrival, Haagen Dazs in the fridge, a selection of expensive chocolates, fudge, or cheeses and chutneys for such properties. Prioritise high-quality above quantity.

You might wish to customise your welcome basket depending on when your guests arrive: Arriving late at night, they would welcome something easy to make for supper, as well as herbal teas or hot chocolate to help them sleep. Evening arrivals may appreciate having their first morning meal prepared, so they don’t have to get up and run out looking for food on an empty stomach.

Depending on the type of visitors you’ll be hosting, the contents of your food hamper should vary. It’s unnecessary to go all out if you’re renting out a one-bedroom flat to a couple. Tea/coffee/milk, bottled water, fresh bread and butter, eggs, biscuits, cheese, or jam may be plenty.

The smell and taste of a cake or fresh pastries from a local bakery are always appreciated, regardless of the arrival time!

Fresh eggs and local artisan products are a nice trend in UK farm cottage rentals to highlight the area and what makes it unique. A traditional local cheese or Devon cream tea with strawberry jam and clotted cream, for example.

Many visitors prefer to shop their groceries online. Include the contact information for a local grocery that offers home delivery so that guests can have their groceries delivered to your vacation property when they arrive. Perhaps go the additional mile and ask your guests if they’d like you to prepare any particular materials ahead of time.

Even better, set up a pre-arrival guest grocery delivery service with your local village shop to show your support. In exchange for marketing their product, such as honey, jams, olive oil, or wine, ask local suppliers for free samples that you may present to your guests.

Whether or whether your visitors are aware of the importance of sustainable tourism, they will enjoy learning more about your place. Tell them a little about the ingredients and encourage them to buy more from the source for extra sustainability brownie points. Prepare a “essentials” list with directions to the local grocery, delicatessens, and a nice bakery so they can quickly fill up on supplies and settle in for a peaceful visit.

Do you want to advertise your rental as dog-friendly? Then don’t forget to give your canine visitors some snacks.

It’s a good idea to let your guests know what will be waiting for them when they arrive, so they don’t waste time packing unneeded items.

What about non-food items?

This is an opportunity to be innovative and surprise your guests. Consider who will be attending the holiday gathering – if there will be children, what would truly delight them when they arrive? Enthralling the kids is the quickest way to impress parents, so what will make them happy? Perhaps a pair of cool sunglasses, a magical colouring mat, a board game, a toy, or a bedtime storey. As a gift for each youngster, provide a soft toy ready to meet them when they arrive at your cottage.

Leave a handwritten letter with your logo and contact information on a compliment slip, along with a unique offer for their future visit.

What about a well picked present they may take home as a memento of their vacation? Essential oil candles, sensual bath oils, chocolates, a beer can cooler, or some cosy socks are all good ideas.

Make some unique postcards for guests to give to their family and friends (with a discount). Include a logo, a snapshot of your property/view, and contact information (social media, website, telephone).

Do you live near a cheese or wine producer? Work with local suppliers to include their free samples and gifts in exchange for promoting their products. Is there a nearby theme park or spa where you may acquire some discounted tickets? Do some thinking, and you’ll be sure to come up with some original ideas.

Earplugs and eye masks can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Leave a ‘covid care kit’ containing face masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser, and disinfecting wipes for guests to use during their stay.

We’ve all been driving to our lodging and realised (when it’s too late) that you forgot anything vital. Include a few necessities, such as travel-size toothpaste and extra toothbrushes, in your welcome package.

You may learn via your correspondence with guests that they are celebrating a special occasion – birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, and so on. To commemorate their important event, leave a card, balloons, fresh flowers, or a bottle of wine. It’s the small details like this that will make their stay special.

Don’t forget to get a hand-woven basket lined with fresh straw to present the snacks whenever you have new visitors.

A little goes a long way

Making a small effort with your welcome hamper can pay off big time by leaving a lasting impression on your guests, resulting in favourable reviews, repeat bookings, and referrals.