Useful letting tips

Throughout the year we speak to literally thousands of guests and enquirers looking for their perfect holiday getaway. We try our best to offer our guests the most suitable property to meet their requirements. Requests can range from “Does it have WiFi?” to “Can I bring my Ducks?”!

Below is a list of the most common requests we receive from our guests before choosing a holiday cottage.

1. WiFi

Whilst many of us would relish the opportunity to be cut off from our emails and social media updates for a few days, many of our guests do require uninterrupted access to their digital lives. As many of our bookings are family groups, there are also plenty of teenagers demanding Wifi for tablets and smartphones.
As both mobile and 4G signal on the Isle of Wight can be a tad unreliable in many areas, we would strongly encourage all owners, who have not already done so, to install and offer WiFi to their guests as we firmly believe it is fast becoming standard practice in our industry.

For those owners with a broadband connection already in place, we all know the huge inconsistencies in rural broadband performance (as Ofcom will attest to). We are starting to see a demand for 'Fast broadband' for those guests who want to download (within the bounds of fair use) and not simply browse the web or pick up their mail. It is worth looking at the recent introduction of 'fibre' to parts of the Island & the costs of upgrading your current service. We would naturally advertise the fact that the property had fibre or high speed broadband and perhaps enhance the appeal of your cottage.

2. Cots & High Chairs

It’s not the most glamorous of features that most owners would shout about, but having these 2 items in your property can make a huge difference to a young family. As families with pre-school children make up a large proportion of 'out of season' bookings, this can make a real difference to the appeal of your property.
We do offer the option for guests to hire these items (from a local supplier) where not already supplied, however more are looking for these facilities to be included when choosing their holiday cottage. Wight locations would be happy to assist in sourcing, ordering or arranging deliveries of these items if required. Please remember your housekeeper will need to clean these items as part of the changeover and also regularly check them for signs of wear & tear or damage

3. Cleaning Products & Equipment

In order for guests to look after your property whilst on holiday and to leave it in a reasonable condition on departure, you need to leave appropriate cleaning products, working Hoovers, cloths and dusters for their use. Please be careful with powerful cleaning solutions and make sure they are well out of reach from youngsters. We also expect bin bags, kitchen roll and toilet rolls to be provided for guests.
Such items, including spare lightbulbs & spare batteries for remotes, should be topped up during changeovers. If you are using your own housekeeper, it’s worth reminding them to keep an eye on supplies in your property to avoid complaints.

4. Linen & Towels

It is now the accepted standard among guests that all holiday cottages throughout the UK provide linen and towels in the rental. It is recommended owners check bed linen and towels each season to make sure it is in a good state. In addition make sure you have an ample stock of tea towels that can be washed by your housekeeper through the season.
If you require any assistance with such arrangements or have any questions about costs, please call our Owner Support Department, who will be happy to assist.

5. Gardens

Obviously not properties have gardens, but for those that do, a well maintained garden with quality garden furniture is a real bonus for guests. As many owners are away from the property for large periods of time, it’s important to make sure that gardens are kept tidy, maintained and safe to use. In addition, where outside seating, barbecues, trampolines or children's climbing frames are offered for use, these need to be clean and safe. Should a gas barbecue be provided, gas cylinders should be regularly checked and topped up. For charcoal barbecues, it is a nice touch to leave charcoal for each let but not essential. If you require any help arranging any gardening or maintenance work, Wight Locations would be happy to assist.

6. Welcome Trays

To welcome a guest into a property a welcome tray should be ready and waiting. As a minimum this should include tea and coffee (so guests can make a hot drink for themselves on arrival), milk in the fridge and something to eat. This can be as little as a packet of biscuits or more elaborate such as a homemade cake. Some owners also leave fresh flowers, the more welcoming the better!