Marketing tips
The connected cottage: Essential smart tech upgrades for the modern UK holiday let
22 Oct 2025
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By Amanda Sanders
Technology is changing what guests expect from their stay, and what hosts can achieve behind the scenes. From keyless entry to smart thermostats, integrating the right smart home technology into your holiday let can dramatically improve the guest experience while streamlining your day-to-day operations. In this article, we explore the most effective tech upgrades for UK holiday lets in 2025, how they enhance your efficiency and guest satisfaction, and how Travelnest’s centralised management dashboard helps you make the most of your setup.
1. Why smart tech matters more than ever
Smart home technology is no longer just a luxury. It’s becoming a standard expectation in short-term rentals. Guests are increasingly looking for convenience, control and contactless options. At the same time, hosts are under pressure to:
Save time on admin and check-in logistics
Cut down on utility costs amid rising energy prices
Respond quickly to guest issues, even remotely
Improve review scores through seamless experiences
Travelnest helps hosts reduce manual touchpoints, allowing your tech to work harder while you focus on guest satisfaction and long-term strategy.
2. Smart tech essentials that deliver value
Here are the key upgrades worth considering - not just for convenience, but for ROI.
Keyless entry (smart locks or lockboxes)
Guests love the freedom of self check-in, and hosts benefit from fewer handovers and time-consuming meet-and-greets.
No more key drop-offs or lost key replacements
Late check-ins or last-minute bookings become hassle free
Digital logs allow tracking of entry and exit for added security
How Travelnest helps: Our team ensures your listing mentions keyless entry in all the right places, boosting conversion rates from last-minute or late-night bookers.
Smart thermostats and heating controls
Smart thermostats like Nest or Tado help regulate temperature based on occupancy and scheduling.
Lower energy costs, especially in off-peak or shoulder seasons
Avoids guests overheating or leaving heating on after checkout
Offers a more comfortable and tailored in-stay experience
Travelnest’s smart pricing strategy also helps you reflect energy-saving features in your pricing, positioning your property as both modern and eco-conscious.
Remote lighting and appliance control
Smart plugs or lights allow you to turn things off remotely, simulate occupancy for security, or set scenes for guest arrivals.
Useful for automated check-ins
Reduces unnecessary energy use
Helps you spot issues quickly, such as left-on appliances
Smart TVs and streaming access
Guests increasingly expect access to Netflix, Disney+, or at least an HDMI-compatible setup.
Delivers home-from-home comfort
Boosts reviews with minimal cost
Ideal for rainy-day stays or winter bookings
Make sure this amenity is included in your Travelnest listing. We’ll help you tag it across all platforms to maximise appeal.
Smart sensors (motion, water, noise)
Passive sensors help monitor the property without invading guest privacy.
Noise monitors help detect parties or large groups
Water leak detectors can prevent costly damage
Motion alerts for entrances improve security
Travelnest’s team can advise on which tools are suitable for your location and guest profile.
3. How smart tech simplifies your hosting operations
It’s not just about what guests see. These upgrades can significantly reduce your manual workload:
Hosting task | With smart tech | Without smart tech |
Check-in | Instant, contactless, flexible | Manual handovers, fixed times |
Energy use | Scheduled and occupancy-aware | Fixed or guest-controlled costs |
Guest issues | Remote adjustment (e.g. heating) | Delays in fixing on-site |
Cleaning | Sync smart locks with schedules | Rely on messages and reminders |
With Travelnest’s management dashboard, you can view and update availability, rates and booking details centrally, making it easy to align your operational routines with your tech setup.
4. How to market smart features without overwhelming guests
Not every guest is a tech pro, so clear and simple communication is key.
Mention smart features in your listing title, bullet points and first paragraph of description
Add user-friendly instructions in your digital or printed welcome pack
Frame tech benefits around comfort, convenience and control
Avoid overwhelming guests with too many apps - keep things simple and accessible
Travelnest’s listing optimisation service helps promote these features clearly and effectively across all major channels.
5. Considerations before you invest
Smart tech upgrades are relatively low-cost compared to full renovations, but it’s important to choose wisely:
Focus on reliability over novelty - trusted brands with good support are key
Ensure devices work offline or with mobile backup in rural areas
Choose systems that can scale if you add more properties later
Don’t overcomplicate — aim for the right balance of automation and ease of use
Want to know which upgrades make sense for your region and guest type? Our Travelnest property team is on hand to guide you based on your listing performance and guest expectations.
Final thoughts
Smart tech is no longer optional - it’s a competitive advantage. By upgrading to contactless entry, intelligent heating and energy-saving tools, you’ll not only improve the guest experience but also save time, cut costs and futureproof your holiday let business.
Travelnest gives you the platform, support and insights to make it all work together. From multi-channel listing optimisation to expert operational advice, we help you run a smarter, more efficient holiday rental.
Get in touch with our team or log in to your Travelnest dashboard to start streamlining your operations and upgrading your guest experience today.
