Pre-arrival communication

Your “welcome” actually starts before the guests even arrive. Make sure you can be easily contacted in case they have any questions. You might consider a dedicated email or mobile number that is only for guest contact. This is also the time when you can tell guests about your own or local produce and make recommendations for the area, which can help get them excited for the trip.

The journey

Make sure the directions and signage to your space are clear and lead your guests right to the doorstep! Imagine they are arriving late at night or in bad weather... will they easily be able to find the space? If they have to walk a little way from the parking space, is the route clear and is it easy for them to get luggage there? You could provide an umbrella at the parking area and a wheelbarrow.

First impressions

See if you can find a way to make a guest’s first sight of your space truly magical. They could take a route that arrives through a woodland clearing or via a stunning viewpoint, or perhaps you could set the place up with beautiful lighting. Also make sure your space and the surrounding area are clean and tidy. Guests are very reactive to that initial impression of the standard of a space.

Sensing the needs of your guests

Give people the option for an in person welcome, with a full tour of the space and estate, or just being left alone to settle in. Be mindful of their arrival time, how long they may have been travelling for and the conditions. They may not be in a chatty mood and might just want to relax in private. You may also be able to gauge what their preference on this will be over email. If minimal contact is preferred we would recommend a welcome text or call on their arrival to open the door for communication and ensure that the guests feel comfortable about getting in touch with you if they have any questions or issues.

Dropping in

If you live on site, it is always good if you are able to meet the guests at some point during the stay to introduce yourself in person. This may be the next morning, but be mindful of people having a lie in or wanting an early start for a planned hike. Some guests might prefer a visit an hour or so after arrival. Again, it’s worth checking with them over text first.

Giving local tips

Many of our guests (but not all) love to speak to owners and find more about them, their space and the local area, getting personal recommendations from the horse’s mouth. We have a fantastic collection of spaces but often guests will be singing the praises of the owners just as much as the space itself! Personal contact during stay and giving local advice are also balancing acts, as many guests will already have plans for their stay and prefer solitude. It’s worth also leaving written material to give them ideas of what’s around if they need it, but you can read more about that in our welcome pack article.

The little touches

Small, thoughtful gestures make a huge difference! Handmade welcome cards, a nod to a special occasion, warming up the hot tub for late arrivals, laying the fire for them, offering a tour or taking children off for an hour or so, noting dietary requirements in any welcome hamper, setting mood lighting at night for the space for guests and doggie welcome packs are just a few ideas, but this is a great chance to get creative.

A taste of something local

Using local produce in any welcome hamper is a great way to give guests a taste of your special part of the world from the moment they arrive. Guests often cite exploring somewhere new as a reason for their destination choice, and a jar of honey or a bottle of beer from round the corner instantly makes them feel like they’re doing so. On top of that you’re celebrating and promoting local businesses, so it’s a win win! Alternatively baking or any handmade gifts are also a great way to make the guest feel like you have really made an effort.