Booking a self-catering stay away on behalf of family and friends can be stressful.
We think that there are 3 challenges if you are the “lucky” person in charge of organizing.
Challenge 1: Agreeing on one date that everyone can make.
This can be made easier with a big birthday celebration as it’s a little more fixed. But other more flexible dates can be more difficult. Many of our guests agree dates 12 months ahead before diaries get filled.
Challenge 2. Finding the perfect place.
Pinning down a rough location helps first. Many of our guests choose the Long Barn as our location is often roughly in the middle of the visiting group. Then it’s time to lose yourself down the internet rabbit hole of “luxury self-catering holiday cottages for large groups”.
Check any of your groups “must haves” or preferences. A potential guest got in touch with us who is 6ft 6 and wanted to check out the size of our beds. If they had foot boards, it was a deal breaker. Luckily, we could assure him all bar one of our beds are footboard free.
Recently, we booked a cottage for ourselves for a reunion of college friends. We were surprised how few large places have all double rooms with ensuite. It made us appreciate how unique the Long Barn is with 7 ensuite doubles and no “short straw” room.
Check out previous blog 5 Tips When Booking for some practical suggestions on how to avoid booking the wrong place.
Challenge 3: Making sure the stay is as perfect as it can be.
We have lost count of the number of guests who’ve asked if they can look round the Long Barn before the date, just to check how it will all work. (the answer is always yes provided the barn is free) A number come up before the stay to recce the local area. Some stay in the Moors Inn to check out the food or visit other places in the area. Some check out the walks to make sure they will be suitable for their group.
We are here to help in any way to take the pressure off, and help you make your stay as perfect as possible. We’re real people not a call centre or AI Chatbot. The Long Barn is our only holiday rental, and we are on hand to help with anything before, during or after your stay.
There is a digital guide packed full of ideas, inside local tips and suggestions as well as information about the Long Barn. We’ve also blogged on our tips for Planning for the Perfect Stay.
We are also very happy to chat over the phone or answer any emails if you need any more help. From where to get flowers and birthday decorations to a local field to practice archery in. From receiving a bike early for a Christmas birthday present to providing gluten free cakes in the welcome hamper. From dressing a bedroom for a surprise 40th to a special surprise birthday cake.
We want every guest to have a truly wonderful stay at the Long Barn.
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