If you own an apartment or a holiday home, your goal is to provide an experience that will delight your guests and make them want to return – or recommend you to others. In this blog, we share helpful tips for welcoming guests and a checklist of essential equipment every apartment should have.
1. Preparing the apartment before the guest's arrival
First impressions matter most. Guests often form opinions within the first few minutes of their stay, so make sure the apartment is impeccably clean and tidy.
✅ Thorough cleaning:
- Change the bed linen and towels.
- Clean the bathroom, kitchen, floors, and windows.
- Check for dust or limescale.
✅ Equipment check:
- Ensure the Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, and all appliances are working.
- Provide enough toilet paper, soap, trash bags, and paper towels.
✅ Scents:
- Make sure the space smells fresh – avoid strong artificial fragrances.
2. Welcoming guests – how to make a great first impression
A guest’s arrival is a great opportunity to show hospitality and professionalism.
Personal welcome (if possible):
Greet the guest with a smile, show them around the apartment, and explain the basics (Wi-Fi password, how to use the AC, where to dispose of trash).
If you're unable to welcome them in person, leave clear instructions in a visible spot.
📍 Mini guide:
Prepare a small flyer or map with useful information such as:
- Emergency contact numbers
- Nearest grocery store, bakery, pharmacy
- Recommended restaurants and excursions
- House rules (e.g., no smoking, check-out time, quiet hours after 10 PM)
🎁 Welcome gift:
A small gesture like a bottle of water, local wine, cookies, or fruit leaves a great impression.
3. Must-have equipment in the apartment
Here’s what every apartment should include to meet guests' basic needs:
🛏️ Bedroom:
- Clean bed linen
- Extra pillows and blankets
- Bedside lamps
- Blackout curtains
- Closet or storage space
🛁 Bathroom:
- Towels (large and small)
- Hairdryer
- Toilet paper (enough for the beginning of the stay)
- Hand soap
- Toilet brush
🍽️ Kitchen:
- Basic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Plates, glasses, cups
- Pots, pans, kettle
- Refrigerator
- Kettle / coffee machine
- Cleaning supplies (dish soap, sponge, kitchen towels)
- Trash bin + bags
Other essentials:
- Wi-Fi (with the password clearly displayed)
- Air conditioning or heating
- Iron and ironing board (if possible)
- Clothes drying rack
4. Communication with guests
- Be available for questions – at least via message or phone call.
- Send a message the day after arrival to check if everything is okay.
- A few days before departure, remind them of the check-out time and thank them for their stay.
As a host, you’re not just renting out a space – you’re offering an experience.
A clean apartment, a warm welcome, and well-thought-out amenities make all the difference between an average stay and an unforgettable one.
A happy guest will return – or recommend you to others.
If you consistently invest in quality and attention to detail, your property won’t be just another apartment by the sea – it will become a special place guests experience as their second home.
