Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Can you catch me out?

(199 Posts)
Missfoodlove Thu 15-Jul-21 11:53:24

We are a week away from letting an apartment we have bought and kitted out as a holiday let.
It’s been great fun decorating and furnishing in a contemporary style.

We hope guests will love it

Is there anything you can think of that would enhance your holiday experience or anything I may have forgotten?

All reasonable suggestions please

J52 Thu 15-Jul-21 21:26:48

Oh and place mats, trivets for hot dishes.

Nannagarra Thu 15-Jul-21 21:37:30

You’re appearing simultaneously as Missfoodlove and Sago on this thread! You don’t appear to have lost your previous persona. Can I claim to have caught you out? ???
We once stayed in an apartment in Malta. The owners had lived in it so road-tested it. This might be an idea for you and your DH. The owners had a visitors’ book which we enjoyed reading as it provided further ideas of where to go and what to do.
Your property looks very attractive and you’ve thought of so many things occupants might need. It’s in a great location. I hope it is highly successful.
When you’re not so busy, how about posting some more of your fabulous menus? I love them.

Sago Thu 15-Jul-21 21:43:48

Ah I’ve used an old tablet, I thought my MFL days were over,,

NanKate Thu 15-Jul-21 22:26:29

I always find it too quiet anywhere we stay and miss the 4 Alexas we have at home. I love music playing in the background.

GrandmaKT Thu 15-Jul-21 22:26:34

Just to say, we have a holiday cottage and, due to Covid, the letting agency has advised that some of the things suggested shouldn't be provided. I'm thinking of things like books, phone chargers, leaflets and maps, extra pillows and throws, cooking oil, herbs etc. We used to provide all of these but have currently put them away or got rid of them.
Not sure if things will change after 'freedom day'!

Jess20 Sat 17-Jul-21 10:36:51

Leave a small amount of tea, coffee and milk in case they arrive too tired to shop, and possibly a bottle of wine. If it's dog friendly some dog biscuites or even emergency rations by the dog bowls. Def leave things like salt and pepper, sugar etc and a few toiletries.

Gwenisgreat1 Sat 17-Jul-21 10:36:57

We recently returned from a SF cottage, the welcome pack included home made scones with a little butter and jam - lovely!!
A town map would have been useful and recommended places to visit?

Janetashbolt Sat 17-Jul-21 10:42:40

Lovely place we staid at left a pint of milk in the fridge, they forgot to turn the fridge on.......milk curdled

DiscoDancer1975 Sat 17-Jul-21 10:48:17

A bathroom that doesn’t flood every time you use it! We’re not worried about all these welcome packs, but do like the basic things to work properly.

Autumnleaves Sat 17-Jul-21 10:50:45

Notagran, would it be too personal to ask for a link to this gorgeous cottage/apartment that you stayed at? thanks

caci Sat 17-Jul-21 10:51:44

Mugs and pint glasses.
Empty kitchen cupboards to store our food.
Scissors.
Milk.
Wi-fi code !!

Brewteaful Sat 17-Jul-21 10:51:52

I used to be a housekeeper for a few holiday lets. Little touches went down very well - an alarm clock in each room, not too loud of a tick! A couple of cheap umbrellas, a folder with restaurants, days out, taxi numbers, take away menus etc. A boot brush outside the door if it’s a good walking area. Will help keep your floors clean too. A fan for summer and heater for winter if needed.
Love the decor!

Natasha76 Sat 17-Jul-21 10:52:12

Its difficult in these Covid times but having rented last year:
- I wouldn't include toiletries as a gift because we all have plenty of those from previous hotels etc.
- I had a mini bottle of sanitiser & 2 masks left which was quite a nice touch as it made me feel at least they were aware of precautions.
- I like a decent file full of instructions on how to use the various appliances. We wasted nearly an hour trying to get the News on the television before contacting the owner to find they had never set up terrestrial & just had Netflix. In plastic sleeves so they don't become illegible.
-Decent Wi-fi so get a booster if necessary.
-Local produce are always a great idea but sealed items rather than loose.
-Local Newspaper
- Information about where to eat with your opinion in sealed wallets.
The fact that you are checking shows you have probably done a splendid job. Good Luck

AnnieOaklea Sat 17-Jul-21 10:53:49

I’m not too fussed or impressed with “goody bags” of stuff in holiday accommodations, but for me comfort is vital.
Sooo ….. decent moveable cushions for the furniture (not on beds), footrests/foot stalls for weary feet after the end of a busy day exploring and side table/floor lamps for quiet evenings in, are all a must.

Tanjamaltija Sat 17-Jul-21 10:54:49

Basics in the fridge - butter, cheese, water, fruit, wine. Dominoes / board games. Tissues / toilet paper / kitchen napkins.

NotSpaghetti Sat 17-Jul-21 10:56:31

www.schofields.ltd.uk/blog/3078/self-catering-cottage-inventory-list/

jenpax Sat 17-Jul-21 10:59:13

Local taxi firm numbers, best local eateries, best picnic spots, a few snuggly throws for wrapping up if evenings are chilly, a can opener and cork screw! We have rented holiday cottage without them?

Justanotherwannabe Sat 17-Jul-21 11:00:00

We often get to a let late and bless those people who thought to leave:

Milk, tea, coffee and sugar, salt and pepper, oil. A nice loaf of bread. And a corkscrew.

Extra marks for a bottle of water (and of wine?) in the fridge, and bonus points for butter.

And something sweet, cake or biscuits on the table, if you're really over the top a vase of garden flowers on the table.

vintageclassics Sat 17-Jul-21 11:00:52

We run a tourism biz (not accommodation) but we've found clients turn up with nothing planned and not a clue about where to go! We have our own routes around the area for them to follow and suggestions of things to do and see plus places to eat (the latter are always welcome). Walking tours might also be welcome and possibly maps of the area - a list of essential phone numbers - Pharmacies; Hospital (nearest A&E and Minor injury unit) Local supermarket (and opening hours); Vets (if you allow pets) etc Hope that helps

Frannygranny Sat 17-Jul-21 11:01:21

A decent teapot and cafetière. We recently took all the family to a fabulous place and had requested a cafetière, which was left, but no teapot. Mr F and I like a cup of tea at breakfast. Good luck in your new venture.

Motherduck Sat 17-Jul-21 11:02:57

Notagran, that sounds amazing! Cann you say where it is thst you stayed please? Not sure if it’s allowed but would love to know x

HeatherW Sat 17-Jul-21 11:03:14

We arrived at a beautiful holiday cottage this year but there wasn’t even a washing up cloth/ sponge, washing up liquid or dishwasher tablet. Basics are essential!
I always like to find a couple of small wine glasses, not the huge ones often found.
Hope all goes well with your new let.

Nanny27 Sat 17-Jul-21 11:03:20

If you are catering for families may a suggest some child appropriate plates cups etc and a potty in the bathroom.

Jonah Sat 17-Jul-21 11:10:42

We always leave a loaf of bread, eggs, bacon butter tea and milk and a small jar of coffee. Where is your apartment by the way? might be interested some day.

Juliet27 Sat 17-Jul-21 11:11:35

We once stayed somewhere where there was salt in the sugar bowl.. probably a joke by the previous holidaymaker. There were a lot flies in the area and fly spray had been left. My children had brought their pet stick insects with them and I didn’t think!! ??