Maximising Holiday Cottage Bookings in Autumn

For many holiday cottage owners, the autumn months tend to be earmarked as the ‘quiet months’ for holiday bookings.

Traditionally this time gets utilised for maintenance jobs and to prepare for the winter season and Christmas. However, at Manor Cottages we have seen an increase in bookings during these months for a number of reasons.

Read on for our guide on how to maximise holiday cottage bookings in Autumn.

Autumn in the Cotswolds

Guests not bound by visiting during school holidays, relish the chances of holidaying without the hoards of family holiday goers around them.

The weather is often better in September and October than in August. In the Cotswolds walkers and ramblers visit as well as bookworms, historians and food lovers. Many of these types of guests come to stay so they can visit the local festivals during the Autumn months.

A couple of September’s popular festivals are Morton Beer Festival and Blenheim Horse Trials.

In October many flock to the Cotswolds to visit Cheltenham Literature Festival and Westonbirt Arboretum, which arguably is at it’s best throughout Autumn.

Offer Short breaks

Offering short breaks during these months can open up the market to those who can’t take a full week off work. You’ll also encourage the last-minute bookers who want to escape for a weekend.

As an owner, you can still command 75% of a full week booking for a 3 night stay showing that flexibility often stands out against other holiday cottages.

Install a Logburner

After a long walk in the countryside, guests will want to retreat to their cottage to dry off and relax. Having a log burning fire in the sitting room will increase the booking potential of your property.

Logburners or open fires are one of the most highly searched for features in a holiday property, outside of the summer months.

You could also look to offer a log fire sauna or hot tub to provide extra luxury.

Welcome Pets

Lots of guests visiting outside of the season will be looking to bring their pet on holiday with them.

Autumn is a damp month so providing a towel or creating a dog friendly space would really help guests relax.

Whether your holiday cottage is listed with Manor Cottages or not, contact the team for advice.

Get in touch with us if you have any questions about how to increase your holiday cottage bookings, throughout Autumn.

Chat to one of our specialists about how to uplift your autumn bookings by calling us on 01993 824 252 or email newowners@manorcottages.co.uk