A great holiday experience starts from the moment guests arrive, and for self-catering stays, that first impression often comes down to your holiday let welcome pack.
A well-thought-out holiday let welcome pack helps guests settle in quickly, feel confident in their surroundings, and enjoy a stress-free stay. It’s also one of the simplest ways to elevate your guest experience, encourage positive reviews, and increase repeat bookings.
Gone are the days of leaving a scrap of paper with the WiFi password. Today’s guests expect clear information, local insight, and a few thoughtful touches that make your property feel welcoming and well cared for.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create the perfect holiday let welcome pack, with practical tips, ideas, and inspiration to help your property stand out…
What is a Welcome Pack?
A holiday let welcome pack is much more than a set of instructions. It’s a comprehensive guide designed to help guests feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.
At its core, a good holiday let welcome pack:
- Answers common questions before guests need to ask
- Reduces confusion around appliances and facilities
- Helps guests make the most of the local area
- Sets clear expectations for the stay
- Starts a guests holiday positively
But why does it matter?
Featuring in our guide on Making Your Holiday Let Stand Out, a holiday let welcome pack may seem simple, but it’s often overlooked by new owners.
Arriving at a property and struggling with the heating or shower can quickly take the shine off a guest’s break. A simple gesture – a pack of biscuits, some local treats, or even just milk ready for the morning – can make a big difference and start your guests’ holiday off on the right foot.
The best welcome packs balance practical information with thoughtful extras, making your property memorable and helping it stand out. Helping to boost reviews, encourage repeat bookings, and even inspire guests to share their stay on social media.
1. Start With a Personal Welcome
A short, friendly welcome message can make all the difference. Whether handwritten or printed, introducing yourself and welcoming guests to your property instantly creates a warmer experience.
You might include:
- Why you love the property or area
- Your contact details in case they need help
- A friendly “we hope you enjoy your stay” message
- History of the property – before and after pictures
💡 Top tip: Guests are far more likely to treat a property with care when they feel a personal connection with the owner.
2. Include Household Essentials
A key part of any holiday let welcome pack is making everyday tasks easy. Clear instructions save guests time and prevent unnecessary calls or messages.
Be sure to include:
- Appliance instructions (heating, boiler, cooker, TV)
- WiFi details
- Bin and recycling information
- Location of fuse boxes and meters
Provide small essentials such as:
- Dishwasher tablets, bin bags, washing-up liquid, cleaning cloths
- Salt, pepper, tea bags, sugar — little touches make a big difference
- Spare batteries, light bulbs, or matches for candles/log burners
3. Share Local Knowledge and Recommendations
Guests go on holiday to explore the area, so your holiday let welcome pack is the perfect place to showcase local highlights.
Consider adding:
- Favourite restaurants and cafés
- Things to do nearby
- Walks, beaches, or attractions
- Public transport and taxi information
- Hidden gems or your favourite places
- Taxi numbers, public transport, or car hire info
💡 Top tip: Linking to helpful blog content, such as a local activity guide or something like Coasteering in Pembrokeshire — allows guests to plan their days with ease while reinforcing your expertise as a local host.
4. Add a Taste of the Local Area
Including local produce is a lovely way to elevate your holiday let welcome pack and give guests a sense of place.
Popular ideas include:
- Local bread, jams, or honey
- Welsh cakes or biscuits
- A small selection of locally sourced snacks
You can also point guests towards nearby farm shops, bakeries, or markets where they can pick up more during their stay.
5. Set Clear Expectations With a Do’s and Don’ts List
While most guests are respectful, it’s important to set boundaries clearly. A simple “house rules” section in your holiday let welcome pack helps prevent misunderstandings.
This might cover:
- Noise considerations
- Pet policies
- Parking arrangements
- Use of outdoor areas or shared spaces
💡 Top tip: Present rules positively (“Please keep pets off the sofa”) rather than as strict prohibitions — it feels friendlier.
6. Plan for Rainy Days
Let’s face it – in the UK, there’s always a chance of rain, no matter the season! Keep guests entertained on those dreary days by offering some indoor activities in your holiday let welcome pack.
Board games, puzzles, and Netflix access are great additions. Including local takeaway menus is also a nice touch, giving guests the option for a cosy night in.
7. Small Gifts for Extra Comfort
A small, thoughtful gift can make a big impact. Bara brith, Welsh cakes or eggs from the farm can be a lovely welcome treat and also add a personal touch. These small touches show that you care about your guests’ comfort and well-being.
These small touches often feature in reviews and help guests remember their stay fondly.
💡 Top tip: Seasonal treats like mince pies at Christmas and chocolate eggs at Easter add a festive touch.
8. Highlight Your Property’s Best Features
Your holiday let welcome pack is also a great place to remind guests what makes your property special.
Make sure guests know how to enjoy:
- Hot tubs, pools, or saunas
- Log burners or BBQs
- Games rooms or outdoor spaces
- Smart TVs, sound systems, or gyms
Clear instructions help guests get the most out of these features — and reduce the risk of damage or misuse.
💡 Top tip: Include illustrated instructions, safety tips, or a “how to use it” section for appliances or tech — this prevents frustration and potential damage.
9. Pet Friendly Touches
If you welcome pets, consider adding dog treats or a small toy for furry guests. These could include:
- Dog treats
- Toys
- Bowls, mats, blankets, towels
Many guests travel with their pets and will appreciate the gesture.
You could even use our Dog Friendly Beaches in Pembrokeshire guide to help guests find their nearest dog friendly beach!
10. Emergency Information
Always include local emergency numbers:
- Doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals
- Local police or fire services
- Your own contact details
11. Waste and Recycling Info
Help guests dispose of rubbish responsibly:
- Bin locations and collection days
- Recycling rules for bottles, paper, and food waste
- Local tips for hazardous items (batteries, light bulbs)
For more information about managing waste responsibly, head to our guide How to Manage Waste in Your Holiday Let.
Why a Thoughtful Welcome Pack Matters
A well-designed welcome pack for holiday homes does more than just provide useful information. It sets the tone for the entire stay, making guests feel cared for and appreciated. It also provides practical solutions, such as local transport details or emergency contacts, which can make a world of difference in an unfamiliar setting.
Adding extra touches, such as a small gift or some local goodies, elevates the experience and shows your guests that you’ve gone the extra mile.
Looking for more practical tips? Head to our helpful guide to Running a Successful Holiday Let Business.
If you’d like help creating a professional holiday let welcome pack or improving your overall guest experience, complete the form below to request contact from our team. You’ll also receive a copy of our FREE Owner Guide, packed with practical advice to help your holiday let succeed from day one.
