How do you make your accommodation stand out from the crowd in the holiday let market?

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020 the demand for UK staycations has grown dramatically.  With existing accommodation choices along with the influx of new to market properties over the past couple of years, making a great impression in order to gain bookings has become even more difficult.

Whether you are diversifying with a new build project, a renovation or need to upgrade your existing holiday lets, below are some design considerations to help you position your property in the best possible light for your prospective guests.

1.       Who is your accommodation for?  

Designing for groups, families, couples, romantic breaks, dogs all bring different requirements.  It is key to identify early on, the particular guests you hope to host and what design features will appeal to them.  For families, flexible spaces to get together and relax, play games will be important, with room for entertaining and fun features, a bar perhaps.   When getting into the design of a holiday let, having considered the market you are aiming at, you can then take into account the wear and tear, for a couples retreat vs a large family property.

2.       Are you aiming at a budget or a luxury market?

If designing a budget space, how can you create maximum impact with low maintenance and design input.  Using paint in clever ways over fabrics and wallpaper is a good example. If aiming at the luxury market, what special details will make the difference to your potential guests. Can you stand out by offering a luxury experience with a design led space.    Are these features different and unique compared to other accommodation in your area.  What is it about a space for couples that would make it feel luxurious?  You can make a space feel as though it is designed just for two with side-by-side baths for example or double showers and sinks in the bathroom.

3.       Why will guests be visiting your accommodation?

Whether it be for a special occasion, family occasions, birthdays, consider how can you make these experiences the best they can be.  By providing ample cooking equipment, oven space, fridge space, it makes for easy entertaining.  Designing a space which is flexible and comfortable for different ages of guests would be essential.  If the area has great country walks, a practical and welcoming boot room would be a great feature. 

4.       How can you tell your unique story through décor?

Creating a unique space through design is a key way to make your mark in the holiday let market.  Particularly important if you are in an emerging area or have little in the way of local attractions.  Perhaps you have views over a wildflower meadow, have a woodland setting or unique wildlife on your land.  If the buildings have been converted, what were their former uses.  Consider how this could be incorporated to make for a scheme which gives a personal, authentic touch to your accommodation and forms part of your wider marketing story.  It may seem matter of fact to you but to guests it will be unique and interesting and form part of the story of their stay with you, a talking point amongst friends.  For example, if you are on a farm surrounded by woodland, consider the colours, textures and views which can be front and centre in the design to create a space that is harmonious with its setting rather than jarring.  Working with nature and your surroundings is often the best way to create something to stand the test of time, rather than choosing the latest colours or trends which have no link to your story or setting.

5.       Next how would you like your guests to feel in the space?

Once you have these elements in place, your guest, the market, your unique elements, you can begin to create a design.  Should the space be light, bright and open or cosy and intimate.  This will form the initial design concept and go on to influence colours, materials, texture and pattern.  Importantly, as a commercial enterprise rather than a private home, creating a beautiful design which is both durable and easy to maintain is key.  It should be straight forward to clean and make any repairs or maintenance on an ongoing basis.  It should also have a timeless element.  Whilst holiday lets will no doubt need refreshing and updating, key elements requiring the most investment should be designed to last.

The above five questions are a great place to start in order to create a beautiful space which will stand out, perform and delight guests.  If you require help to tell your unique story through design, do get in touch, I would be delighted to help.