Holiday Rental Essentials - A Smooth 'Check-In' (and Welcome Drinks!)

We have recently returned from two weeks in Greece. On this trip we stayed in five different places and overall we were really impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone we encountered at the various hotels. A full trip report will be coming soon, today I just briefly wanted to talk about one aspect of our experience and how it can relate to a holiday rental.

We arrived at one hotel by taxi, laden down with luggage and groceries (as this place had a full kitchen) and went to the reception to check in. After the usual check in procedure with passports etc, the owner then pulled out a map of the island and proceeded to show us all the best beaches, things to do and tavernas to try. This took about twenty minutes and was interrupted at one point when he needed to answer a phone call. The information that we were given was really appreciated - we tried two of the recommended restaurants and had a great experience at both of them. However, it was the timing of the information that wasn't the best. I found that I was going to need to peel myself off the sofa by the end of the talk. When I arrive somewhere, I like to be shown to our room as quickly as possible. It is always nice to unload all of your luggage and freshen up before having a look around the hotel.

By contrast, at our final hotel we used their transfer service and were greeted at the port with a bottle of water and then at the hotel with a glass of Champagne. We were shown quickly to our room, given a brief tour of the room and then left to our own devices. The staff throughout the hotel were then always available throughout our stay to offer advice on sightseeing and restaurants.

So, this week's holiday rental essential is to ensure that your guests have a quick and easy 'check in'. If you are meeting them in person to hand over the keys to the property, make sure that it is fast and simple. Have all of your additional tips and information typed up for them to consult at their leisure and perhaps offer to pop back in after they have settled in if they want more information on things to do and see in the area. A welcome drink - whether it is cold water, a glass of homemade lemonade, beer, wine or a cocktail is also a very nice touch!

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