Industry insights
Guest Experience Is the New Luxury in Holiday Lets
19 Sept 2025
·
By Amanda Sanders
In today’s short-term rental market, luxury is no longer defined by chandeliers, sprawling spaces or designer interiors. Travellers are looking for something more meaningful: an experience that feels effortless, personal and memorable. Guest experience has become the new measure of luxury in holiday lets, and owners who embrace this trend are seeing higher occupancy rates, stronger reviews and repeat bookings. At Travelnest, we understand how crucial this shift is. That’s why every owner we work with is matched with a dedicated property expert, providing tailored advice on how to enhance your guest experience and grow your bookings.
Why guest experience matters more than ever
Modern holidaymakers are choosing holiday rentals because they want more than a standard hotel stay. They want comfort, convenience and thoughtful touches that make them feel truly cared for.
Reviews mentioning “comfortable beds”, “great amenities” or “thoughtful hosts” often drive more bookings than photos of designer décor. By focusing on experience, you not only stand out in a crowded market but also encourage glowing reviews that lift your property in search results on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo.
With Travelnest’s expert support, you’ll know exactly what to prioritise to boost satisfaction and maximise revenue.
Spa-style touches that elevate your property
Guests increasingly expect holiday rentals to feel like sanctuaries. Adding spa-inspired details can transform your property into a relaxing retreat without a major renovation:
Soft, high-quality bed linens and towels
Fluffy robes and slippers for a boutique feel
Luxury toiletries and rainfall showers
Welcome baskets with teas, bath salts or local treats
These affordable touches create a sense of indulgence that today’s travellers see as true luxury.
Smart tech for effortless stays
Convenience is central to guest experience, and smart technology is now considered essential. Guests want an easy, seamless stay from the moment they arrive. Popular upgrades include:
Keyless entry for stress-free check-ins
Smart thermostats for personalised comfort
Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi for work and leisure
Smart TVs with streaming options
Your Travelnest property expert can advise on which upgrades offer the best return on investment, helping you future-proof your holiday rental business.
Thoughtful amenities guests appreciate
Luxury in 2025 is defined by thoughtfulness. Owners who anticipate guest needs leave a lasting impression:
A coffee machine with a selection of pods
Family-friendly extras like books, games or toys
Curated guides with dining and activity recommendations
Sustainable touches such as refillable toiletries or eco-friendly cleaning products
With Travelnest, you’ll get personalised recommendations on which amenities resonate most with your target audience, whether that is families, couples or remote workers.
How guest experience directly drives more bookings
Guest experience isn’t just about delighting visitors - it has a measurable impact on your business. Better experiences lead to 5-star reviews, which boost your property’s visibility across booking platforms. They also encourage repeat bookings and allow you to charge higher nightly rates.
By working with Travelnest, you’ll have expert support to fine-tune your property, ensuring every stay leaves guests eager to recommend your let.
The future of holiday lets: Personalised luxury
The most successful holiday rentals of the future will not compete on size or décor alone. Instead, they’ll deliver personalised luxury, combining spa-style comfort, seamless technology and thoughtful amenities.
At Travelnest, we make this achievable. With a dedicated property expert by your side, you’ll have ongoing support and data-driven recommendations tailored to your property, helping you delight guests and secure more bookings.
Final thoughts
Guest experience is the new luxury in holiday lets. Owners who invest in comfort, smart convenience and thoughtful details create lasting impressions that drive reviews, repeat stays and revenue.
With Travelnest, you’re never alone in this journey. From expert guidance on guest amenities to ongoing booking insights, we help you transform your property into a place guests can’t wait to return to.
Start today: List your property with Travelnest.
