Hello, sunshine! Here are a few tips on how to get your holiday let summer-ready.
With longer days, beautiful weather, and a surge in visitors approaching, summer is the perfect opportunity to discover charming villages, hike through the Peak District, and explore National Trust sites. Ensuring your holiday property is the ideal space for visitors to enjoy the sunshine is a great way to secure repeat guests. Here are some tips to help you get your holiday let ready for summer. These tips might seem simple and obvious, but using this blog post as a checklist will help you improve your summer space.
How to get your holiday let ready for summer
1. First things first, make the most of your local knowledge!
Using your local knowledge can give you a considerable advantage when impressing guests. Remember, you are an expert in making the most of your holiday let.
Keeping up to date with your local area gives you the advantage of recommending hidden gems, like pubs or restaurants that offer great outdoor seating or feature special summer promotions.
You can also find seasonal outdoor markets or unique, family-friendly events, such as local fairs, that you can suggest. Including these recommendations in your welcome folder can help guests plan their outings from the beginning of their stay.
2. Give your outdoor space a good clean
After the harsh winter months, the gardens and outdoor areas of any holiday let usually require a little TLC to bring them back to life. Start by giving your patio a thorough sweep and a power wash, then refresh your garden furniture and add vibrant flowers.
Remove dead plants from hanging baskets, trim the hedges, and cut grass areas for a neat appearance. If you have a decked area, now is the ideal time to clean and repaint it if necessary. A little goes a long way.
When everything outside your holiday is clean and well-maintained, you immediately give a great first impression.
Don’t stop with the outside – while you’re at it, give the holiday let a spring clean. We recommend inspecting the paintwork for any marks or scuffs and refreshing areas as needed.
Be sure to dust and wipe down all skirting boards, even those hidden behind furniture, and remove cobwebs from window frames and hard-to-reach spots like ceiling beams.
Remember to thoroughly clean your windows inside and out and check for any signs of leaks. Spring is an excellent time to steam clean your carpets and soft furnishings, particularly in pet-friendly homes!
3. Complete an inventory check
Summer typically results in more guests, so an inventory check ensures everything is in good condition. If your guests have everything they need, they will likely have a more positive experience.
Check your inventory and replace any chipped items or missing glassware or crockery. Purchasing a few extra pieces to cover the summer period is always a good idea. We recommend simple white crockery and classic glassware, which are the easiest to replace if something breaks.
Guests expect a certain level of quality from holiday lets. Regular inventories help maintain high standards, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings.
4. Add garden furniture or a fire pit for chilly evenings
Outdoor living and spending as much time outdoors as possible are among the great joys of a summer holiday. Make sure your garden furniture is in top condition—clean, weather-resistant, and inviting.
Think comfy loungers, parasols for shade, and a large outdoor dining table where guests can enjoy long, lazy lunches. If your furniture’s looking tired, consider investing in new pieces or freshening up with cushions and throws in light, summery tones.
Even the warmest days lead to cooler evenings, especially in coastal or rural locations. A fire pit or patio heater extends outdoor enjoyment and adds a cosy, atmospheric touch that guests love. Ensure all equipment is safe, easy to use, and comes with clear instructions.
5. Create a BBQ area your guests will love
Nothing says summer like a sizzling BBQ. A clean, well-equipped, dedicated BBQ area can make a huge difference for guests and be a standout feature of your holiday let.
Provide quality utensils, a charcoal or gas grill (whichever best suits your setup), and a printed guide with local butchers or farm shops for a personal touch.
6. Keep your holiday let cool and help guests stay cool
As temperatures rise, keeping the interior cool is key to guest comfort. Make sure windows open easily and consider fitting fly screens. Fans in bedrooms and living spaces are a simple but effective addition, and blackout blinds or light-blocking curtains can help keep rooms cool during the day’s heat. On arrival, a welcome pack with chilled water or iced tea goes the extra mile.
Stock the freezer with ice trays (bonus points for fun shapes!), and leave a cool bag or picnic basket for guests planning a day out. Durable outdoor glasses are perfect for garden drinks and prevent breakages around the patio. A drinks station stocked with a jug, tumblers, and citrus fruits can elevate the experience even more.
7. Consider final touches
We love to throw in a few thoughtful extras—like a welcome note, summer activity guide, or picnic blanket—to show you’ve gone the extra mile. Combining comfort, style, and practical touches sets the scene for the perfect summer escape and encourages glowing reviews and return bookings.
Getting your holiday let ready for summer is not just about tidying up; it’s an opportunity to enhance the overall guest experience and help your property stand out in a (very) competitive market.
By performing a thorough inventory check, refreshing your amenities, and paying attention to the details, you can create an atmosphere that invites guests to relax and enjoy their stay. Remember, a well-prepared holiday leads to happy visitors and results in glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
So, roll up your sleeves and put in the work now to reap the benefits of a successful summer season ahead!
District-based holiday let management and support team
If you are considering holiday let management in the Peak District, we can help you. With competitive pricing and our 24/7 guest support team consisting of real people who know the properties and Peak District area well, the team is always available to answer your questions.
We offer a complete end-to-end support service to ensure your holiday or short-let property realises its full rental income and occupancy potential. We operate using our Peak District teams and providers who understand the importance of knowing your local area better than anyone.
Here are a few ways we can support you:
- Complete property management support service, including cleaning and linen management.
- Rolling 12-month contract.
- Peak District-based support team to ensure your short-let property is well managed.
If you have any questions about any of the above, you can contact us, and we will help in any way we can. We hope this article has been helpful, and we thank you for your cooperation!
