How to encourage repeat bookings

Repeat bookings at your holiday home are the sign of a happy guest. It's not just the weather, facilities and access that will encourage guests to book your holiday home again, but also the thoughtfulness and attention to detail shown by you, the owner.

There's a good chance that if a guest wants to return, they'll be likely to tell all their friends and family about your property too; helping you out with your marketing as well.

Finishing touches and going the extra mile may well be enough to seal the deal - let your guest know that their booking matters:

Pick up the phone. First impressions count, so be prompt when responding to an enquiry, phoning the potential guest if they provide a phone number.
Be on call. Be as helpful as possible when dealing with any problems or queries in the run up to their stay as well as during it. Make sure they have your contact details and those of a local contact if you won't be nearby. It's important to have their contact details too - ask for these in your booking contract.
Warm welcome. Provide a welcome pack for when your guests arrive. Leaving some basic supplies, so your guests can make a cup of tea, for example, shouldn't prove costly. Some flowers and a bottle of wine will always go down well too. Factor any expensive items into your rental rates and always state in your advert and booking contract if you charge for a welcome pack.
Hit the shops. A really nice touch is to offer to stock the property with the goods your guests want from the supermarket. Again, make clear in your advert and contract how much you charge for this service to avoid any misunderstandings.
Tourist information. Leave plenty of information about local attractions in a folder and ask guests to add to it if they come across a hidden gem. A 'how to' for the house is also a good idea.
Stock check. Make sure your holiday home is equipped with everything your guests need. Have a look at our suggestions on how to turn your property into a home from home for your guests as well as the little extras.
Follow up. Leave a guestbook for feedback and get back in touch with guests when they arrive back at their home; address any problems they may have had, ask if there is anything that they felt was missing from the home and find out what worked for them at your holiday home. Let them know that all comments have been taken on board, act upon them and you'll show that you're a conscientious owner worth dealing with again.
Keep in touch. Leave some business cards in the property - guests may take them and think of you when organising their next holiday. Keep a record of your guests and their contact details, and keep them updated with news of the property. If you have a last minute cancellation, why not contact a past guest with a special offer?
Cost cutter. Think about offering past guests a discount if they book again with you in the future.