Services for holiday apartments: choosing suppliers

If you manage your own holiday apartment or look after several, you will know how many different services are involved. Offering additional services can also raise the standard of your business and improve the guest experience.

If you need to add a professional service or delegate a task you currently handle yourself, this article is for you. We look at services available for your holiday apartment.

Services for your holiday apartment

1. Preparing and improving the holiday apartment

Before letting your holiday apartment, it needs to be in excellent condition. It may need refurbishment or interior design to make it more appealing, as well as licences, certificates and insurance. These businesses may be able to help.

Ammplio

The original selection included Ammplio as an architectural practice working with accommodation. Before commissioning refurbishment or a change of use, ask for a scope of work, quotation, timetable and feasibility assessment. Neither a licence nor the success of an investment can be guaranteed in every case.

Check which procedures, fees and documents the commission covers. CIVUT certification, a declaración responsable (responsible declaration), building works and municipal feasibility are different matters; the quotation should identify the actions required in your particular case.

Multihelpers

If you need a shelf fitted, a tap replaced or furniture assembled, Multihelpers may be able to help. Its professionals specialise in home maintenance and small jobs.

For minor repairs, confirm local coverage, call-out charges, materials, timescales and the work guarantee. Do not assume an issue will be resolved within 24 hours unless the supplier commits to that for the particular job.

Attis

Attis has a division specialising in insurance for holiday apartments. These properties have different needs from an ordinary home, and their insurance should reflect that.

The business assesses each client’s needs individually and develops an insurance programme tailored to the case. It is based in Barcelona and specialises in the sector.

2. Making holiday accommodation easier to manage

Several essential management tasks can take up a great deal of your time. They include check-in, handing over keys and making sure guests do not create excessive noise. These services help with those tasks and aim to improve efficiency.

Vayoo

Vayoo is an app designed to help improve your property’s performance on Airbnb. It helps you assess listing visibility, identify important dates for price increases, avoid gaps between bookings and set prices according to demand.

When assessing a pricing or distribution tool, ask about integrations, costs and the basis for its recommendations. Do not apply a claimed percentage improvement to your own property without comparable data and an allowance for costs.

Padword

Padword provides digital solutions for remote management and communication in tourism. Its tools are adapted to different types of business to simplify tasks and keep digital records.

They include devices and software for digital information and services, task management, satisfaction surveys and opening doors with a mobile phone.

Chekin

Chekin is an app for managing guest check-in legally, simply and securely. Its advertised features included check-in in 2 minutes, ID card and passport scanning, automatic creation of registration forms and contracts, and submission to the authorities.

A tool can help collect and submit information, but it does not remove the responsibilities of the person or business legally required to provide it. Check compatibility with the official system, permissions, data handling and submission confirmations.

Stay my way (Lockup)

The locks from  Stay my way are smart locks for holiday apartments that avoid the need to hand over keys in person. The door cylinder is replaced to support the new access method. This allows entry using a phone, card, remote access or a security key.

The business also offers tools for automated check-in, a device to reduce energy use, noise monitoring and apps for managers and guests — a range of services designed to simplify apartment management.

Raixer

Raixer is a smart-lock service that lets you open doors without replacing the cylinder. The doors connect to the internet through an installation involving the entryphone and an electric door release.

You can manage door access through the app, a missed call from an authorised number, automatic opening or codes. These provide different secure access options. The lock includes a noise sensor that records activity in the app.

Roomonitor

Roomonitor was presented as a comprehensive solution for monitoring noise in holiday apartments. A device alerts guests and the owner when the permitted noise level is exceeded.

It offers a managed service that monitors the device and calls guests if an alarm is triggered, or attends in person if necessary. Neighbours receive a number to call about noise. The service also includes a guest assistance line available 24/7.

Doinn

Doinn is a platform connecting holiday accommodation managers with cleaning, laundry and check-in providers. Registration through its website allows users to arrange services simply.

These can be tailored to your needs, including your preferred schedule, helping take holiday-home cleaning off your hands.

Lavanapp

Lavanapp is an app offering laundry and dry-cleaning services, suitable for washing household linen from a holiday let. It advertises collection and delivery free of charge at the location you specify. You can also indicate your requirements and preferred times.

For laundry services, request details of coverage, turnaround times, textile care, the full price and terms for lost items. Environmental claims should be supported by verifiable information from the provider.

Bnbsitter

Bnbsitter is a platform connecting hosts with reception and maintenance professionals. They can manage an apartment fully when its owner is unable to do so.

Check the country, cities covered and current terms before booking: Bnbsitter’s offering has changed since the service described in this original selection.

3. Offering additional services to guests

Beyond the services you provide directly, guests may benefit from knowing about other useful options. You can help by leaving information about these services for them.

Lock & Be Free

Lock & Be Free has been listed in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada and Valencia. Its main service is short- and long-term luggage storage. This lets you leave your bags while exploring the city.

In Madrid, it advertised an electric scooter service called “Scoot & Be Free” for getting around the city conveniently, claiming high-quality scooters at competitive prices. Other advertised services included printing boarding passes, storing a backpack free of charge and selling suitcases.

Visitor information for Madrid

To prepare recommendations for sights, transport and activities for your guests, consult the official Madrid tourism website. Check the organiser’s information before recommending or booking an activity.

Cohosting

Cohosting is a platform where guests can book services recommended by their host. It has been offered in Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga and Seville.

Services range from transfers to and from the airport to car hire and babysitting. There are also activities offering a different way to discover the area, including flamenco shows, excursions to nearby natural attractions and city tours.

Travellerspoint

Travellerspoint is a community of travellers where you can organise a trip from start to finish. You can plan a route on a map, book accommodation, read other travellers’ reviews and share your own story.

It brings together a wide range of first-hand opinions to consult while planning a trip. Advice from people who have already done something similar can be particularly useful.

Managing a holiday apartment can be easier when you have the right resources. Choose those that best suit your circumstances and make your life easier.

If you would rather leave all the management to experienced professionals, the team at Alehost can manage your holiday apartment in Madrid. Leaving you free to enjoy the benefits.

What should be agreed in writing?

• The work included, exclusions, geographical coverage and service hours.
• The price, call-out charges, materials, taxes and authorisation for extras.
• Who is responsible for an issue and who will cover if the supplier cannot attend.
• Insurance, key custody and data handling where relevant.
• How completion of the work will be documented.

The old ATTIS link no longer leads to the listing cited here; do not use it to arrange a service. The Staymyway link leads to an application, so locate the relevant commercial information first.

Find out which tasks Alehost can coordinate through full property management.