Why should I prepare my home for winter?
The winter season is both a challenge and an opportunity for vacation rental professionals. This time of year is a golden opportunity for property managers to attract travelers who want to celebrate the holiday season in a charming setting. That's why you need to change your layout to meet your guests' expectations!
Think about the weather
Fall and winter are often plagued by bad weather. Rain, snow and cold are part of our daily routine at the end of the year and your travellers may not be prepared for it.
Place some umbrellas in your homes!
The nightmare of the cold
It goes without saying that being cold in an accommodation can ruin your stay. Not everyone is equally sensitive to the cold, so it is essential to equip your accommodation accordingly.
Remember to include extra blankets and plaids for warm cocooning evenings!
If your mattresses have a summer and a winter side, remember to turn them over at the end of the summer season.
Depending on the heating management of your accommodation, plan to turn it on before the arrival of your travellers for a comfortable welcome and a successful first impression! Be careful not to overdo it though: don't turn your accommodation into a sauna, a temperature between 20 and 23 degrees will be more than enough.
If your bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub, think about it put forward on your ads. There's nothing like a nice hot bath after a day of sightseeing outside!
Atmosphere is key
In the collective imagination, winter has a very particular and much appreciated atmosphere: cocooning under a blanket with a good hot chocolate while watching the snow fall, a subdued atmosphere in the living room while watching Christmas movies, etc.
Travelers who decide to book accommodations during this time are looking for that soothing, familiar, and exotic atmosphere. You need to adapt to this to ensure an exceptional experience for your guests.
The light
You can start by adding a few scented candles in the living area(s). If your light bulbs are more white, try to find ones that are more orange-yellow.
Think of multiplying the small sources of light in the rooms: bedside lamps, floor lamps, candles, etc. This will allow your travellers to avoid turning on the ceiling lights and maintain a pleasant subdued atmosphere even at night.
Smells
If I mentioned above the scented candles, it is because many smells are associated with winter. Christmas meals, fir trees, the wood of a cottage, etc.. These are all smells that will bring back happy memories to your travellers.
Candles are a good option but often lack power and represent a certain cost and risk. You can turn to essential oil diffusers to create an atmosphere consistent with your home and the season!
The decoration
While it is essential to adapt the decorations to the season (forget the framed photos of the Bahamas), don't overdo it either. Don't forget that the end of year celebrations are different according to the origins and confessions of your travellers. Also, your guests should not feel like they are arriving at someone's home but in a space where they can quickly feel comfortable.
A few garlands of lights, plaids on the armchairs and sofas as well as pictures and photos in accordance with the season will be more than enough.
The children
Your travellers will certainly be travelling with their children. Winter holidays are often a time for parents to spend time with their children. You can include various board games and books for all ages in your closets.
With their renewed popularity, equipping your home with new board games can quickly represent a certain cost. So don't hesitate to buy them second hand!
In a nutshell
Think about what winter means to you and your loved ones and use it as inspiration to recreate that warm and cozy atmosphere in your accommodations. Be prepared to welcome the coldest of travellers as well as the youngest.
The key is to create a unique atmosphere for your customers.
