9 ideas for additional services at holiday lets

In the competitive holiday let market, maximising income and offering exceptional guest experiences are important ways to stand out and build a successful business.

One useful strategy is upselling, which goes beyond simply increasing the price of a booking.

In this article, we explore some innovative and less conventional ways to offer upgrades and additional services at holiday properties.

What is upselling?

Upselling offers an improvement to the original purchase; cross-selling adds another service. A free gift or loyalty discount is not, by itself, an additional sale. Distinguishing these actions helps you measure their costs and income.

It involves offering guests additional options and services that enhance their stay while generating extra income for the owner.

This approach is used across industries, from hospitality and tourism to retail, automotive sales and telecommunications.

For holiday lets, upselling has become a useful strategy for owners seeking to maximise their earnings and improve the guest experience.

9 ways to offer upgrades and extras at holiday lets

At Alehost, we have put together 9 ideas for applying this approach to your holiday let.

Personalised experiences

Every guest is different, and personalised experiences can make a difference.

Ask about guests’ interests and preferences before arrival and surprise them with activities and services that suit their tastes and offer something out of the ordinary.

From a food tour to a relaxing in-room massage, personalised experiences can increase interest and encourage guests to spend more during their stay.

Luggage storage

When departing guests need somewhere to leave their luggage temporarily, they may have to find a nearby storage facility, which can be inconvenient. In the worst case, they end up carrying their bags around all day.

One way to solve this problem is to offer luggage storage for a small fee.

Guests can then enjoy the final hours of their visit without worrying, knowing that their belongings are safe with you.

If providing luggage storage does not suit your circumstances or preferences, consider partnering with a specialist company. Referring customers could earn you a commission for each service provided, offering a convenient solution for both guests and you.

Themed packages

Create themed packages that appeal to different types of guest.

For example, offer a romantic package with champagne and chocolates for couples, or an adventure package featuring outdoor activities and exciting excursions.

Themed packages add value to the stay and may increase bookings for particular dates or special events.

Luxury services

Before investing in premium facilities or services, check demand, maintenance, safety, permissions and who will deliver them. For an urban flat, offering confirmed late check-out may be more realistic than installing a hot tub.

These exclusive services can appeal to guests seeking a luxury experience who are willing to pay more for it.

Loyalty programmes

Create a loyalty programme for returning guests, offering exclusive discounts or additional benefits on future bookings.

A guest who enjoys their stay is more likely to return and recommend your property to others.

Surprise upgrades

A complimentary upgrade is a gesture of goodwill and should be recorded as a cost, not additional income. If you manage several accommodation categories, you can offer a paid upgrade when available, with a clear price and explicit acceptance. Never change a booking unilaterally.

In a holiday let, a surprise upgrade means offering guests an improvement to their accommodation or to the additional services they receive during their stay.

For example, an owner might provide a larger suite or extra amenities such as a panoramic view, a whirlpool bath, a complimentary bottle of wine or an exclusive experience at the destination.

This can create positive feelings and gratitude, which may make guests more willing to spend on other services and activities.

You may also like: 12 welcome touches to surprise your holiday let guests

Concierge services

Offer a concierge service through which guests can book activities, tours or restaurants directly from your property.

These services provide convenience and tailored solutions to guests’ particular needs and wishes.

As well as offering comfort and convenience, you may earn commission on bookings made through your concierge service.

Offers for longer stays

For guests staying longer, consider offering special rates and discounts for extended stays. This may encourage them to lengthen their visit and enjoy more time at your property.

Partnerships with local businesses

Build partnerships with local restaurants, spas, souvenir shops and other businesses, and offer guests discounts or special promotions at these venues.

In return, local businesses can promote your property to their customers, creating mutual benefits.

Upselling can be an effective way to increase holiday let income. The key is to understand your guests and offer options that match their interests and preferences, making their stay memorable and distinctive.

Start with a few options you can deliver reliably, and track requests, margins and incidents. Not every extra improves the results of every property.

If you need help with these approaches, contact us. We can manage your holiday apartment to help it reach its income potential.

Calculate the margin and explain the charge

Hypothetical example: an extra sold for €30 with a direct cost of €18 leaves €12 before tax, commissions and management time. The amount charged is not the same as profit.

• Explain what is included, the price, the provider and the conditions before acceptance.
• Do not charge separately for something already included, and use payment methods permitted by the booking channel.
• Check availability before selling early check-in or late check-out.
• Review your obligations before combining accommodation with other services or packages.

Providing hotel-style services can change the tax treatment. Consult the Spanish Tax Agency’s VAT guidance and consider the precise scope of your activity.