This will make your average guest return

After returning home from a weekend away in the beautiful Elgin Valley, near Grabouw in Cape Town, I have decided to write this article about the things I (as an average traveler) look for in a guest house or Airbnb room. After a decade in the luxury hotel industry, I have stayed in various establishments from 5-star luxury to glamping and 'good old' camping. This blog is not about 5-star; it is about the basic requirements I need in a room to keep me comfortable, happy, and wanting to return.

The fact is, the average traveler does not need a 5-star room to stay content.  We love a simple check-in and out.  Ensure your guest has a secure code or buzzer for your gate that works, or a room key that is easy to access with a secure parking space. Do not hang around your guests, making them uncomfortable. A quick handover or even leaving the key in the door if you have an automated gate works wonders. The appliances in the room should be simple enough to operate; there is no need for a tour of the room unless requested. Please keep your pets away; not everyone likes being jumped at by dogs upon arrival, and it can sometimes be inconsiderate to your guest. 

Air out the room or set the aircon at a reasonable temperature. Keep the doors/windows open if possible before guests arrive, or put the aircon on a nice, inviting 17/18 degrees. Do regular checks to ensure the aircon is in working order. Tip: if you have a high ceiling, it may not be necessary for air conditioning and you can rely on natural airflow.

Make sure the bed is comfortable and the linen on the bed is in pristine condition. Even if you don’t invest in anything else, make sure to invest in a proper bed mattress and decent linen for the bed. I am not talking about Egyptian cotton, but make sure the linen on the bed is neat, clean, crease-free, and feels good. The same goes for pillows; invest in proper orthopedic pillows, because there is nothing better than to sink into a comfortable bed and get a proper night's rest. If you decide to add a headboard, go for an upholstered material one – much more comfortable and functional than the wooden ones. Remember, blackout curtains are essential for a good night's rest.

Generally, keep the colors in the room neutral with one or two accent colours, but stick with the colours in the room. You can work with a certain design scheme, but do not go for a room that looks too themed or too eclectic. You want the room to flow and work for a variety of design tastes and not ‘thrown together’. Opt for a design that aligns with the environment, be it nautical, rustic country, or modern city.

The bathroom needs to be 110 % immaculately clean and in working order. Try to have an open shower with a glass partition so guests don't need to open and close a shower stall, much more hygienic and easier to clean. If you are going to provide amenities such as shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion, have them large enough so people can use them with ease. Make sure the water pressure in the shower and bath is correct and that the temperature is regulated perfectly. This may seem like a small thing, but there is nothing worse than a cold shower (or scorching yourself). Ensure the theme of the bathroom is neutral, light and fresh. Bonus points for a heated towel rail.

When it comes to a kitchen, certain things cannot be overlooked. Once again, if you choose to provide coffee/tea making facilities please ensure it is adequate, spend that little extra on getting a good coffee machine with premium coffee capsules, and have fresh milk available in the mini bar. There is nothing better than a quality coffee in the morning; it really sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Even if your apartment is not a self-catering apartment, have some essential items available – be thoughtful, basically. A bottle opener, scissors, a sharp knife and extra hangers, and a clothes steamer are prime examples of items people would not bring with them on their travels.

Lighting is everything – make sure there is adequate light in the apartment as well as bedside table lamps for evening reading. Be sure to provide lighters and wood if there is a fireplace available. There is nothing worse than having an amenity that is not usable because it has not been catered for.

Lastly, think carefully about the decor of the room. Have proper mirrors available, perhaps a full-length one as well as smaller wall mirrors with interesting frames – you can select well so the mirrors are both functional and decorative. Have artwork on the wall – try to select something abstract that will say something about the room without taking over. Remember that art is subjective, and you don’t want to overpower the room. One large artwork may make a statement, or a group of artworks arranged close together – ensure they are properly fitted to the wall and hang at the right height.

I hope this blog has been insightful. If you need further assistance, send me a message and let’s talk about your next mystery visit.