10 welcome touches for your holiday let guests

As the saying goes, small details are never really small — especially in a holiday let. Simple, inexpensive gestures can be appealing, useful and highly valued by travellers.

That is why Alehost has put together a list of thoughtful details to help your holiday let’s welcome stand out from competitors. These touches can turn a good stay into a more complete, memorable experience.

Imagine arriving for a weekend break after 5 hours in the car to find a chilled beer, an aromatic espresso or a personal welcome note. The cushions are your favourite colour and the atmosphere feels immediately inviting.

Everyone has different preferences, but details like these can help a stay begin well. So why not start planning a thoughtful welcome?

Guests who enjoy it may mention it in their platform reviews. For ideas on encouraging more and better feedback, see: “Reviews of your holiday let matter: how can you get more and better ones?”

10 welcome touches to delight holiday let guests

1. Water

It may sound basic, but travelling is tiring and water is usually welcome. Leave a couple of bottles per guest in the fridge and they may appreciate the simple gesture.

2. Chocolate

A small chocolate can be a pleasant touch, but it is not for everyone. Choose packaged products with visible ingredients and allergen information, and offer an alternative if you know about a dietary need.

3. Drinks

Personalise the selection where you can. For a family booking, children may prefer juice, milk drinks or soft drinks.

Coffee, tea or a non-alcoholic drink can provide a simple welcome. Do not assume a couple wants alcohol; if you offer it, consider age and any preferences communicated.

4. Snacks

Nuts, organic snacks or local sweets can be enjoyable while planning the next day’s sightseeing. With a drink, those few minutes can become the relaxing moment that signals the holiday has begun.

5. A welcome note

Write a short letter welcoming your guests. Use their names, make it personal, provide your number and emergency contacts, and wish them an enjoyable stay. It takes little time to print but can be greatly appreciated.

6. Fresh flowers

If you have access to a garden and suitable flowers, arrange a few in a vase. It may not be possible all year round, but when practical, flowers can offer a thoughtful, homely touch.

7. Courtesy towels

If you provide a courtesy towel, use clean, dry textiles. Do not leave damp towels waiting indefinitely for an arrival: hygiene and safe storage matter more than copying a hotel gesture.

For self-check-in, prioritise items that keep well until guests arrive and do not require delivery at an exact time.

8. A comfortable temperature

Do not leave guests to heat or cool the property from scratch. In hot or cold weather, consider programming the system an hour before check-in so they arrive to a comfortable environment.

9. Fragrance

Prioritise cleaning and ventilation, avoiding strong perfumes. Some people are sensitive to fragrances; accommodation without added scents may be more comfortable than trying to guess a favourite aroma.

10. Colour

If you enjoy decorating, you may already have different cushions, towels and bed linen that you change according to mood and preference.

Why not consider guests’ tastes too? Asking their favourite colour may surprise them, especially if they arrive to find you have incorporated it thoughtfully.

Check which touches are used and mentioned spontaneously in reviews. Keep those that add value within your budget, without linking them to an obligation to leave positive feedback.

Other details worth considering

1. Avoid the “forbidden fridge” effect

Many of these suggestions involve food or drink. They can distinguish you from competitors and from the hotel-style “forbidden fridge” effect: the sense that nothing in the room can be consumed unless you are willing to pay extra.

Distinguish gifts clearly from paid services. A note such as “These welcome treats are included in your stay” removes uncertainty, without assuming everyone chooses a holiday home for the same reason.

2. Be practical

Some details only suit particular locations or seasons. Freshly roasted chestnuts are more appropriate in a cold mountain setting than at the beach.

Consider your area and respond to its characteristics. Is it rainy? Umbrellas or rain ponchos may be the most useful touch. In a hot destination, fans could be appreciated.

Some ideas only make sense at certain times of year. For seasonal inspiration, read: “7 tips to prepare your holiday let for Valentine’s Day”.

We hope these ideas help you surprise guests with small, thoughtful details.

If you have questions, ask us. The team at Alehost will be happy to help.

To find out what travellers expect from holiday accommodation, read: “What do guests want from holiday accommodation?”

How to choose without complicating operations

Set a budget per stay, use items that are easy to replenish and avoid leaving perishable food without suitable storage controls. Personalise only with information guests have volunteered; you do not need sensitive data to prepare a good welcome.

A short neighbourhood guide, water, clear instructions and an easy way to ask for help may be more useful than a collection of gifts. Review the plan with the cleaning team so it works consistently at every arrival.

Find out how we coordinate the guest experience and property management.