My OH and I are soon going to be running a small group of self catering cottages and would like to appeal to families in the school holidays and to couples in term time.
We're not sure what to put in the advertising, "family holiday cottages" might put off couples and "romantic breaks for two" might put off big families/groups.
What kind of things do you look for when wanting to book a holiday?

All comments appreciated
thank you

So many people looking but no replies...

For cottage holidays we most look for peace and quiet so if you offer that I'm sure you'll do fine. (we have a 16yr old by the way)

Good luck!

Thank you.
It's very quiet and peaceful, with enough room for children to have a play area which is not too close to the cottages (not too far away either).
Would you look for somewhere for your teenager to get out and about, walks perhaps or activity centres...?
We will put in welcome packs of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, loo-roll and cleaning things along with all usual household things. What else would you like to have provided in a welcome pack?
Thought about home made cream teas but that might be difficult in high season...?

What is the USP? Unique selling point? What diferentiates your holiday cottages from others?

Its location but having said that there are lots of holiday cottages in this national park(not sure if I am allowed to say where it is cos it might be seen as advertising).
Can I create a USP? I was hoping that the people on here would say what they look for and that would point me in a popular direction.
Mm

quote:

Originally posted by Melliemum:
My OH and I are soon going to be running a small group of self catering cottages and would like to appeal to families in the school holidays and to couples in term time.
We're not sure what to put in the advertising, "family holiday cottages" might put off couples and "romantic breaks for two" might put off big families/groups.
What kind of things do you look for when wanting to book a holiday?

All comments appreciated
thank you

I've hired holiday cottages a few times (as a couple or group of friends, for sports breaks, mainly).

It's hard to describe what I look for - it's mainly just a general impression from the websites. But I'll give it a go -

1) Most important thing is location - somewhere peaceful but walking distance to a pub/shop/restuarant, and close to whatever I'm going to the area to see/do.

Not much you can do about that, but website should stress any of those things you are close to as a plus point.

2) Lots of photos on the website, and a decor that doesn't look too dated. Photos of all the rooms, and the outside plus any grounds are a must.

3) Double bed, and preferably not bunk beds in the second room (if you have 2 couples staying, you don't want them to have to fight over the bedrooms).

4) A friendly, family run feel, e.g a contact name to go with the phone number, some board games in the cottage, suggestions of places nearby to visit.

Personally, I like go away for winter ski breaks in scotland, so wood burning stove is a huge plus for me, as is a bath and not just a shower. But I guess you need to taylor it for what people are there to do.

I have to say, I'm jealous - I'd love to do what you are doing. Good luck!

Also, forgot to say, if you can offer any additional facilities, that would be a huge point in your favour too.

For example, if you offered bike hire (or had an arrangement with a local firm for a discount), or had a hut with pool tables, air hockey etc. Or even a sauna?

Things like that appeal to families and couples alike.

Thank you. Our location is good, in a National Park and a short walk to local shop/post office and pub which luckily offers good food.
We have a few photos but not many of indoors yet, will get sitting room pictures and some of bedrooms asap. We have lots of the outside from the previous owners.
Main bedrooms have double beds but all others have singles...I will replace them with zip-link beds when possible. No bunks at all as I don't like them either.
We are offering a collection of videos and board games free of charge to borrow from the laundry & information room (hope to get laundry facilities in each cottage eventually).All cottages have a wood burner and free basket of logs (largest cottage has a Rayburn too).
We will take all bookings personally rather than a booking company as we know our product better than anyone else ever will and that personal touch really is an important feature for us.
Thank you for your comments and wishes of good luck xMm

Hey,

The main two things I'd look for would be:

location

good standard of presentation (modern and clean, not too dated)

As far as appealing to both couples and families goes, I don't think that should be a problem. You need to highlight the features that would appeal to those groups (eg big garden, near a swimming pool or play area (families), digital tv and dvd player (teenagers) or a selection of restaurants in the nearest town(couples)) Lots of holiday places tend to just list the groups they're suitable for: eg this is an ideal retreat for families or couples

Thank you for your comments....
I think it's a good place for families and couples because we are in a lovely village setting, close to walks, a fab pub with great food and the coast is about fifteen miles away. Set in 3 acres of grounds with both level areas and a hill.
The cottages are well equipped ( TV/DVD/VCR )and very clean.
We do not, however, have a dedicated play area but do allow and encourage game playing on the level garden area.
And so you see my dilema - can I advertise to both markets without putting either one off?