Planning to rent out your holiday cottage? A welcome pack is one of the easiest ways to make your guests feel at home.
It does not have to be fancy. Just a few thoughtful touches can turn a good stay into a great one. And the best part? It shows guests you care without saying a word.
In this guide, we will walk you through what to include in your holiday cottage welcome pack. This holiday cottage welcome pack checklist also works well as a starting point if you are setting up your very first rental or upgrading your guest experience.
Whether you rent out a cosy cottage, a modern holiday home, or a self catering flat, this list will help you create something useful and memorable. We have also added a free template to make things even easier, which you can find at the bottom of this blog.
Why a Holiday Cottage Welcome Pack is Essential
If you are just starting out with hosting, you might also want help managing the full guest experience. Keey’s Airbnb management service in London handles listings, bookings, and guest support so you can focus on the fun parts.
First impressions matter. When guests walk through the door, they want to feel relaxed and reassured. A welcome pack helps with that.
It shows that you have thought about their stay. It answers their first questions before they even ask. Things like how to use the WiFi, where to park, or what time to check out.
But it is more than just helpful. A holiday cottage welcome pack adds a personal touch. It can make your place feel warm and inviting, not just another rental.
It also sets you apart from other hosts. A well thought out holiday home welcome pack can make your listing more competitive and improve your reviews.
If you manage a holiday home, even a small welcome pack can make a big difference. It is a low cost way to offer a high quality experience. Think of it as your chance to say, “We are glad you are here.”
What to Include in Your Welcome Pack
Now that you know why a welcome pack matters, let’s look at what to include.
You do not need to go overboard. Just focus on what your guests will find most useful. A good holiday cottage welcome pack should cover the basics, offer a few local tips, and include something personal.
Start with the essentials. This means your WiFi name and password, instructions for using appliances, and check-out details. Guests will often look for this info first, so it helps to have it all in one place.
Next, think about what will make their stay more enjoyable. A short list of local recommendations, like your favourite café, the nearest shop, or a scenic walking route, can go a long way. You could also recommend nearby places to explore. The National Trust site is a great place to find scenic walks and historic spots.
Adding a personal touch really makes a difference. A friendly welcome note or a short Airbnb welcome letter helps guests feel at home. Some hosts also include a small treat, like biscuits or a local snack, to make the arrival extra special.
If you offer a self catering welcome pack, it helps to add a note about how to use the kitchen, where to find essentials, and maybe even a few takeaway suggestions.
- In short: keep it simple, useful, and warm. A thoughtful welcome pack for guests helps them settle in quickly and sets the tone for a five-star stay.
If you want to take it a step further, check out our Airbnb advertising tips for owners to make sure your listing stands out just as much as your welcome pack.
Tailoring Your Welcome Pack to Your Rental Type
Not every holiday rental is the same. A cottage in the countryside, a modern holiday home by the coast, or a self catering flat in the city will attract different types of guests. That means your welcome pack should match the style of your place and the needs of your guests.
For holiday cottages
Guests staying in a traditional cottage often look for a cosy and relaxing experience. Include a few tips about local walks, the nearest pub, or even a short story about the area. A printed welcome book with all the key details is a great fit here.
For modern holiday homes
A modern holiday home works well with a clean and simple approach. A digital welcome guide might suit this type of place, especially if your guests prefer using their phones. Still, it is helpful to offer a printed version as a backup.
For self catering stays
If your place is self catering, focus on practical information. Guests will appreciate notes on how to use the kitchen, where to find extra towels, and what to do with rubbish. A few suggestions for local takeaways or quick meal ideas are a nice touch too.
For Airbnb rentals
If your guests book through Airbnb, a short and friendly Airbnb welcome letter makes a great first impression. It does not need to be long. Just a simple note to say thank you and welcome can go a long way. This can also be part of your larger welcome pack for guests, especially if you host both direct and platform bookings.
Whatever your setup, the goal stays the same. You want your guests to feel welcome, comfortable, and well informed. A clear and thoughtful holiday home welcome pack can make that happen.
Free Welcome Pack Template and Checklist
Ready to create your own welcome pack but not sure where to start? We have made it easy for you.
We put together a simple and helpful holiday cottage welcome pack template. It includes everything you need to give your guests a smooth and enjoyable stay. You can use it as it is or customise it to fit your style and property.
Here is what you will find in the template:
- A welcome note you can personalise
- A space for WiFi and check out info
- Local tips and recommendations
- A section for house rules and how-to guides
- A page for emergency contacts and useful numbers (You can also include safety instructions or fire escape info. This official UK guide explains your responsibilities.
This checklist works well for self catering places, holiday homes, and even Airbnb rentals. You can adapt it into a full holiday home welcome pack or use it as a starter template for your own holiday cottage welcome pack.
Whether you want to print it or send it digitally, it is quick to fill in and easy to update. If you want to save time and offer a better experience for your guests, download the free template below and make it your own.
Final words
A welcome pack might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. It helps your guests feel settled, informed, and appreciated from the moment they arrive.
Whether you manage a cosy cottage, a modern holiday home, or a self catering stay, a simple and thoughtful holiday cottage welcome pack shows you care. It also saves you time by answering common questions up front and helps create a smooth experience for your guests.
Remember, you do not need to start from scratch. Use our free template as a base and make it your own. Add your personal touch and update it as your rental evolves. If you are looking for help managing your short-term rental, Keey can take care of everything from bookings to guest communication. Learn more about our Airbnb management services in London.
Your guests will notice the effort, and they will thank you for it.
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