Does a holiday home need a washing machine?

[Teenyliving]

I’m fortunate to have inherited a tiny flat in an increasingly popular holiday place. Short/medium plan is to use it myself and then holidayboetnit when I’m not there.

Just looking at works that need to be done - does anyone have a view on whether a holiday let MUST have a washing machine? It’s the kind of place most people will come for the weekend - a week at most.

Im reconfiguring it from a studio with separate kitchen to a separate bedroom with kitchen/living together. It’s is teeenny! And wouLd be a real stretch to get washing machine in the new configuration!

thank you

This is the opposite of my experience: cups and glasses get worn quickly using a dishwasher. Hand washing keeps things looking newer for longer.

I wouldn't be looking for a washing machine in self-catering these days. I would much prefer a separate kitchen though.

Going against the grain here, but I have never booked self-catering accommodation without a washing machine. Just got back from Italy with two suitcases full of clean washing. Admittedly I CBA to iron it, but since most of the clothing is holiday stuff it will go away creased now until next year.

"There will be plenty of people who can manage without one for a weekend"

I agree. I stayed in a flat recently and eat out for every meal, only thing to wash was mugs. My friend eats breakfast and washed up their own plate. If there are restaurants people will be eating out a lot and with just one or two people washing mugs and breakfast things is not a big deal.

Two suitcases is presumable for a whole family though. This flat is for one or two people staying a short time.

Pre-kids I wouldn't have cared at all so think you'll be fine!

If you're aiming it at londoners, bear in mind that a lot of londoners don't have a car. For that reason, I would need one as it's impossible to carry enough clothes on the train.

Who are these people who can't manage without a washing machine for a week (I'm talking about couples, not families)? Don't they own enough clothes?

@Teenyliving Even if you put in a washing machine how will the clothes get dried? You don't want damp issues in the flat.

I'm surprised at the number of posters who can't cope without a dishwasher either.

I've just come back from a week away with the kids and the air bnb had a washing machine I didn't use, I don't want to be doing laundry on holiday! However my kids are not so little, for babies and toddlers I'd say it probably makes sense but if it's not kitted out for families with little kids then it's not an essential.

For that reason, I would need one as it's impossible to carry enough clothes on the train

Of course it's possible. I have managed to pack for a week to stay under the 15 kilo weight limit for flying many times to somewhere with no washing machine, and so have countless mumsnetters. How many changes of clothes per day do you anticipate doing?

I’d rather have a washing machine in a self catering property than a dishwasher.

Same here, but we could last a week.

"town with restaurants" is all very well, but it's bloody expensive eating out every night.

You could always consider a Leisurewize Twin Tub. The reviews for use in caravans, small flats, etc seem ok.

For a week's stay, I probably wouldn't book somewhere without a washing machine. I'd prefer to travel light and wash clothes halfway through the week. I'd probably get a combined washer/dryer.
But if there really isn't enough room, then there isn't!
(Ive stayed somewhere with the washer in the bathroom, is that an option?)

Eh? I've travelled on a train with a full size suitcase a number of times.

OP we're probably your target market for 'couple without DC having a short break' and I couldn't care less about a washing machine or a dishwasher. I'd be booking an apartment for the location, price or availability, not to do laundry or cook.

I’d rather a dishwasher than washing machine, preferably both.

I'd try and fit one in, they'll always be the day when someone is sick or something and needs to be able to wash the bedding as much as anything.

Also if you decide in a couple of years it's not worth it, it will be easier to sell on if it can be used as a permanent home for someone and that means washing machine.

Yeah and also if a couple intends to eat out all the time, they will probably book a hotel instead. I think you should assume that most people will cook at least once and set up the place accordingly

I'd be booking an apartment for the location, price or availability, not to do laundry or cook.

Same here.

I bloody love having a washing machine when on holiday, especially with kids, helps take the pressure off when heading home if i can wash some things beforehand and dry in the sun.

When I book an apartment instead of a hotel, it's in order to have the ability to do laundry and cook.

We have a mix of food allergies and dietary preferences in our household which make eating out all the time tricky. And we don't have a car so prefer to travel light and do a wash (yes you can take a suitcase on a train but if we have the option to take less and do a wash we do)

Why on earth would you want to wash clothes on a holiday? Beats me.
For the same reason I don’t want to wash dishes either.
So a dishwasher is far more important than a washing machine.

Tbh I wouldn't stay anywhere where there wasn't both but if I had to make a choice then a washing machine is more important.

There’s a shortage of hotels in the area tbh - and in fact holiday accommodation in general - so to be honest I don’t think it will have that big an impact on bookings - but did want to see how annoyed guests might be as obviously want them to be happy.

i think if it’s clear in the listing then people should be forewarned!

good point someone made about where it could be dried anyway!

Have you looked into a half sized dishwasher? Would be perfect for a London couple coming for a long weekend, they could use it for cups, glasses and breakfast bowls & plates etc. Much more useful for that market than a washing machine.

Yes. I would not book for longer than a weekend if no washing machine. You could have a combined washer,/ dryer if space is an issue.