Managing the Christmas Season as a Holiday Let Owner

The festive season is a magical and busy time for holiday lets, with guests eager to escape, celebrate, and create cherished memories. But for property owners, Christmas can also bring some challenges—from increased bookings to heightened expectations for festive cheer. At Signature Concierge Housekeeping, we understand the demands of managing holiday lets during this busy period. Here are our top tips to help you navigate the Christmas season with ease.

1. Create a Festive Atmosphere

Guests do expect a little holiday magic when they book a stay during Christmas. Simple and thoughtful touches can go a long way:

• Decorations: Add a Christmas tree, fairy lights, or festive wreaths to make the space feel cosy and welcoming.
• Extra Touches: Consider leaving a complimentary treat, like mince pies or hot chocolate sachets, to delight your guests.
• Local recommendations: Provide a list of nearby Christmas markets, events, places to eat and drink or winter walks to help guests make the most of their holiday.

2. Be Ready for Winter Challenges

The colder months bring unique challenges, so being prepared is key:

• Heating and hot water: Ensure your systems are in top condition to keep your guests warm and comfortable. We always recommend to our owners that they have a boiler service in the Autumn.
• Snow and ice: Provide grit or salt for icy paths and ensure driveways are accessible. If you have a steep or tricky access route, let guests know and manage their expectations.
• Emergency contacts: Have reliable tradespeople on hand for any last-minute issues, from plumbing to electrical repairs. We have a bank of people we can rely on and if you are one of our managed properties we can deal with those things on your behalf.

3. Manage Guest Expectations

Holiday let guests during the festive season often have higher expectations, so clear communication is essential:

• House rules: Be upfront about check-in/check-out times, pet policies, and noise restrictions. If you do not allow single sex groups or parties, you must be clear about this. Properties with hot tubs are particularly susceptible to noise complaints from neighbours.
• Local amenities: Inform guests about nearby shops, restaurants, or transport services that may have reduced hours over the holidays.

4. Don’t Forget Self-Care

The Christmas season can be as stressful as it is rewarding. Remember to look after yourself, too:

• Delegate tasks: Partner with a professional housekeeping service like Signature Concierge Housekeeping to handle cleaning and maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy the holidays. We also offer a fully managed service you can have a completely hands off experience.
• Set boundaries: If you plan to take bookings over Christmas and New Year, ensure you set realistic limits on your availability to avoid burnout. We are closed for 3 days over Christmas so if you have a changeover on one of those days you would need to block out the dates until the next working day, unless you plan to do it yourself.

Why Choose Signature Concierge Housekeeping?

At Signature Concierge Housekeeping, we specialise in taking the stress out of holiday let management. It is our job to make things run as smoothly as possible so that we can all enjoy the season. From festive deep cleans to last-minute guest requests, our team ensures your property is guest-ready all season long. With our support, you can focus on enjoying the festivities with your loved ones while we handle the details.

Our managed service means that your guests have contact with us so you can have a trouble-free time. We are contactable 24hrs a day for emergencies, so it really is a relaxing time for you and your family.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas season is a lucrative time for holiday let owners, but it can come with challenges. By adding festive touches, staying prepared for winter weather, and seeking professional help, you can make the most of the holiday rush—and keep your guests coming back year after year.