Holiday cottage - what is important

Gossipgirl2017

A bath, no pets and sky package. I like to watch movies at night.

esuhl

Comfortable beds and chairs
Wi-fi
Dishwasher
A way to make coffee -- e.g. a cafetière.
A CD player
TV
Indoor activities for kids -- DVDs, board games, pack of cards.
Maybe a football or beach tennis set if you have a garden.

But location is everything.

Gloomendoom

OneYorkshireLass wrote: »

wardrobes - can't believe how many I see nowadays with just some hangers on hooks behind the door,

I'd second this. The place we stayed in last week had no wardrobes. We like to unpack properly.

ERICS_MUM

I can't stand places that have obviously furnished with cast-offs from the owner's own home or ''sourced' from friends, charity shops etc !

Mojisola

theonlywayisup wrote: »

My number two rule is TELL your guests what is going to be there.

I wish this rule was universal!

We always end up with a box of stuff that isn't needed but that we take because it's been missing from previous rentals - different stuff every time!

We rented one place who supplied all sorts of unnecessary bits and pieces but no toilet rolls! When we commented on the lack of such an essential item, she said "Well, it is self-catering, you know!"

p00hsticks

theonlywayisup wrote: »

Welcome pack to eat - milk, bread, butter, juice, fruit, tea, coffee, wine and anything local to you - cookies, cream tea etc. Anything that helps them make a cuppa or have a glass of something nice when they arrive. It must, absolutely must all be new, not leftovers!

I'd suggest providing a list of basic groceries (with prices) and asking your visitors to indicate in advance what if anything they would like you to get in for them.

It's a personal bugbear of mine to find things that I don't want and haven't asked for but I know I've effectively paid through the nose for when arriving at a holiday home - main culprits being wine (we don't drink it), flowers, expensive cake/biscuits and stong smelling posh soaps etc.

I do expect the basics though - toilet rolls, washing up liquid. plain, soap, kitchen roll and cleaning equipment

comeandgo

Ensuite or two shower rooms, coal fire with plenty coal. Comfortable beds without plastic mattress covers, wardrobe with normal hangers, some paperbacks, feather duvet and pillows. I know the feathers will not go with your anti allergy house but I love em.

esuhl

Mojisola wrote: »

We rented one place who supplied all sorts of unnecessary bits and pieces but no toilet rolls! When we commented on the lack of such an essential item, she said "Well, it is self-catering, you know!"

No toilet rolls?! Now I'd consider those a necessity! I'd never think to bring my own.

I'd also like soap, shower gel and shampoo. Most holiday homes I've been to have them. I tend to bring my own, but occasionally I've forgotten something, and it's handy to have the basics.

A bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit get lots of extra brownie points!

esuhl

p00hsticks wrote: »

It's a personal bugbear of mine to find things that I don't want and haven't asked for but I know I've effectively paid through the nose for when arriving at a holiday home - main culprits being wine (we don't drink it), flowers, expensive cake/biscuits and stong smelling posh soaps etc.

Oh, I love all that stuff. I rented a place in Amsterdam recently, and they provided red and white wine, 6 bottles of beer, stroopwaffels, good quality coffee, fresh milk, cereals, croissants, etc. And there was expensive liquid soap and shower gel.

A few well-chosen items all add to the "luxury boutique" experience. It feels welcoming.

But I can see where you're coming from... :-/

warehouse

My perfect location would be/have:

Wifi
TV with good range of channels and clear picture
Very clean
Quiet location, no main road outside
Parking
Private
Good heating
Good shower

For me if those basics are met then I'm going to be happy. As you've seen from the thread already then everyone is different, but get the basics right and you'll please nearly everyone.