Classic Cottages helpful tips on managing your holiday let!

With a wealth of knowledge and vast experience in the world of self-catering holiday lets, our team of Area Managers cover every corner of the UK, from Cape Cornwall to Cape Wrath in the Highlands of Scotland. We’ve gathered together their helpful tips on the best practices for managing your holiday let, from kitchen staples to batteries!

• Personalise your welcome tray. A hand written note, local treats, or freshly baked cake will make your guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.

• When choosing pots and pans for your kitchen, stainless steel will last longer and look better for longer. While this may cost more initially, savings will be made in the long term as they won’t need replacing as often. Also, consider pot friendly utensils such as silicone spoons to avoid unnecessary damage when cooking!

• To help with bedlinen changeovers, we recommend you have three sets of bedlinens per bed: one set on the bed, one set in laundry, and one set stored. If guests are staying for longer than a week, spare bedding for each bed should be available for each additional week. 

• If you choose coloured bedlinens, it can be difficult to match up colours at a later date if you need to replenish. Ideally white is best, easier to replace and interchangeable. 

• If you use feather pillows and duvets on beds, always have a spare synthetic set for guests with allergies. 

• For properties with outside space that allow young children, provide plastic cups and plates for use in the garden to save on breakages.

• When purchasing easy chairs and sofas, opt for removable covers and consider an extra set at the time of purchase, as it will save money in the long term. Many furniture producers offer easy clean fabrics, so do ask about these before you buy.

• Families with small babies would appreciate an initial supply of disposable nappy bags. 

• If you have oil heating, check the app on your phone regularly to check level alerts and make sure you don’t run out. Alternatively, ensure levels are checked at each changeover. 

• If no one is able to greet your guests, double check that the keys are in the key safe or in their stated hiding place. Having a spare set of keys inside the house is advisable, especially for larger groups.

• Check and update the contents of your cottage information folder regularly, replacing old leaflets and adding new ones so guests can easily find information about the local area - maps are a great help too! A copy of all up-to-date compliance certificates should be available too, as well as a list of local services.

• Replace chopping boards, wooden spoons, and plastic kitchenware when necessary, as these items can look tired and stained over time.

• If your property accepts dogs, it's a nice gesture to have dog towels along with our “doggy do’s” information cards and a dog welcome pack with treats and poo bags.

• Keep a small supply of batteries for remote controls and smoke detectors.

• Provide recycling boxes or bags and clear guidance on how and when the recycling is collected.

• Keep three sets of towels per person: bath towel and hand towel for each guest, plus a hand towel for each sink or basin. This ensures you have a clean set for change-over day, a set being laundered, and a spare set. If guests are booked for longer than a week, a spare set for each person should be available each week. 

• When purchasing crockery, plain white is the most cost effective as it is easy to replace and match.

• If possible, have a portable heater available, just in case there are any heating issues. 

If you would like to speak to our owner support team please call 01326 555500 or email owner.support@classic.co.uk