Primary obstacles encompass:
In a recent survey conducted by Holidu, vacation home hosts shared their experiences and the challenges they face when accommodating guests.
The survey revealed that the majority of hosts (72%) consider couples as their most important target group, followed closely by families with children (50%). Older travelers, specifically individuals over the age of 65, are the fourth most important group for 33% of hosts. Weekend vacationers and active vacationers are the third most important target group for 41% and 27% of hosts, respectively.
While most guests are very satisfied with their stay, with 94% of landlords reporting predominantly positive feedback, some hosts encounter issues with careless handling of inventory. More than half of the surveyed landlords (55%) cited this as the biggest challenge, with examples of damaged furniture and extensive cleaning work being common complaints.
Exaggerated guest expectations are a burden for 16% of hosts, while communication with guests is another challenge, with about a third (32%) complaining about lack of availability during the stay. In some cases, guests have even made late arrivals without any notice, with 18% of landlords reporting such incidents.
Some guests have raised eyebrows with their requests, such as a city visitor complaining about mosquitoes in a rural environment with open windows. On the other hand, some hosts go out of their way to accommodate individual needs, such as picking up guests by boat or regularly collecting them from the station. In extraordinary cases, hosts have even taken guests to the opera because the visitor didn't want to go alone or turned off the TV so children could spend their vacation without a screen.
Digital nomads and workation guests are rarely targeted, with only 12% of respondents counting them among the central target groups. The survey does not provide information on the importance of hosts who cater to specific dietary requirements or accessibility needs.
However, it's worth noting that only seven percent of hosts find special requests burdensome. Despite the occasional challenge, the majority of hosts are dedicated to providing a memorable and enjoyable stay for their guests.
In an unfortunate incident, one vacation home was left in a state of total devastation, with damage estimated at around 25,000 euros. Such incidents are rare, but they underscore the importance of responsible guest behaviour.
In conclusion, while there are challenges, the vast majority of vacation home hosts are committed to providing a great stay for their guests. By being mindful of their hosts' efforts and respecting their property, guests can help ensure a positive and enjoyable vacation for everyone involved.
