Do you rent out a house or flat by the week to holiday-makers? - what do people expect to have provided?

[Shitemum]

Bedding
Towels
soap
loo roll
washing up liquid
internet connection
etc.....

???

We may be returning to the UK from Spain next year and would try to rent our recently renovated house out by the week/weekend through an agency.

What should be provided and what not?

What other supplies, equipment or amenities do people expect?

My mum lets properties in the west country, and it depends on who you are letting to IYSWIM.

Most people happy with the "normal" amenities - stuff to cook with and clean with, bedding and towels, a TV/radio, books and mags. However some visitors have higher expectations (or maybe are just not easily pleased!) ie she once got a stinky note complaining that the wine glasses didn't make a full matching set and that there weren't salad tossers.

Also different nationalities expect different things I gather - she was letting frequently to German visitors at one point and the agency they booked through gave her quite a specific list. I have no recollection of what was on it tho!

Thanks, I will put a suggestions box for the stinky notes and a guest book for the gushing comments!

I love the guest books - I always read them - some are hilarious !

I hate it when you are only given 2 or 3 tablets for the dishwasher. I always take a few with me now just in case !

Reminds me of the time DH put washing up liquid in the dishwasher .... and he'll never do that again, it was like a comedy scene with bubbles flowing all over the kitchen out into the corridor.

Seriously, I think if your cottage is well stocked with all the essentials people are more likely to take good care of it.

We are currently staying in a lovely house, with one gripe being that no soap was provided in the bathroom/at the sinks. Bedding and towels essentials IMO - one of the bonuses of renting these places is the suitcase room saved by not having to bring towels etc. Where there is a washing machine, powder/liquid should be provided (doesn't have to be an expensive brand).

This place is actually a lot nicer inside than the photos made it look (unusual I suppose - tis often the other way round).

I run a gite in France and supply all things that you might need on arrival:

2 toilet rolls per bathroom
towels
sheets
bags already in all bins
washing up liquid
washing up pad thingy
tea towels
liquid hand soap in bathrooms
dishwasher tablets

we also happen to have well stocked kitchens as well as Tvs and DVD players, you will be amazed how many people want to watch English TV when they are abroad

I also leave basics like tea bags, suger, coffee and milk in the fridge, it makes a difference as people often comment on how all they want after traveling is a cup of tea/coffee

Good luck

Inventory

Thank you

I have a holiday cottage in west wales. I leave toilet paper, milk, bin bags, washing up liquid and tea towels. I supply towels (1 hand, 1 bath) per guest, the beds are made on arrival and there is a change of bedding in the cupboards. I also put throws on the beds in case it is chilly.

For extras, DH does a lot of travelling so he brings home all the nice soaps and bits and pieces from his hotel room. I leave them in a pretty basket in each room for guests.

On my changeover day, if I have people coming in on the same day, I like to leave some flowers.

You could think about some extras which make the life of the holiday maker a little easier, I've left a variety of books and there are board games and some videos and DVDs for the kids (unfortunately it rains in Wales ... ). There is a BBQ, sun loungers, deck chairs (that can go to the local beaches), buckets and spades, 2 scooters (I don't tell my kids I've loaned them out )

The book from the tourist board is very helpful listing what is expect for each star rating.

Oh yes, almost forgot. Inventory. I have a full inventory in the back of our Welcome folder, that way I know if anything has been taken, sadly that does happen.

Jelly, your place sounds lovely
I don't know if there is another thread where i could post this, please let me know if there is, but i am looking for a flat to rent in the Marylebone area of London, we just want it for a week in July or August.....anyone got one!!!???

TY Blossom, it took alot of hard work renovating to get it to an up-to-date standard, but we are finally there.

I have a picture in my profile.

jellyshoes - what else do you have in your welcome folder?

I would end up writing a book I think, with detailed instructions on how the dishwasher works and what people are not allowed to do! As well as suggestions for eating places, local shops etc. of course!

Jelly, ha a look at the pic in your profile, the cottage looks beautiful From the sounds of it anyone staying there would have a lovely time, with all the hard work and care you have put into it.....if only i was having a holiday this year!
By the way i also have Westies!

Ah, thanks for that blossom. This is our first full season and we are nearly all booked up, I've only got two or three weeks spare from now until the end of September!

Dealing with guests and doing the changeover is my new job, so I'm really pleased with the way it has gone.

I don't want to hijack this thread ........ but aren't westies fab?! They are very popular too, I saw six westies out on our walk this morning

So you haven't got to worry about getting bookings then, Jelly!? Thats good[smile}

You are soooo right about Westies being popular right now! Mine are 5yrs old now and until i got them i hardly ever saw them about...........nowadays they are EVERYWHERE!!! I think thats great though[wink}