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AMA: how to get the most out of large group bookings

 

We talk to Ed Maughan from GroupAccommodation.com about optimising your large rental property. Discover how you can prime your guests to have a wonderful time.

 
 

Thanks for joining the conversation

Thanks for sending in your questions for our AMA: “How to get the most out of large group bookings with GroupAccommodation.com”

Here’s a recording of our chat with Ed. We’ve also picked out the AMA highlights and their timings below.

 
 
Key takeaways:

I think communication is that it’s the biggest challenge, making sure that everyone’s on the same page, making sure that the property is suitable for 10 plus people” – Ed

When you’re taking on potentially difficult groups, such as stag and hen dos, I think it’s all about communication. So picking up the phone and having a chat, trying to understand a little bit more about what they’re looking to do. If they’re looking to do a walking tour or something like that, then you might be looking at a better experience than someone who’s maybe booked a sound system, which might suggest a rave about to happen on your properties. It’s definitely about having those conversations upfront.” – Ed

The more pictures the merrier to be honest. It kind of goes back to that point about the person organizing the holiday having quite a lot of pressure on them to make sure everyone’s happy. Especially with those multi-generational groups, you might want to make sure the room’s accessible for granny or it’s suitable for the kids. So, I think if you can have a picture of every room in there, or even a floor plan, it really helps people to understand what the property is going to be like and make sure there’s a suitable room for everyone.” – Ed

We see a lot of families, celebrations, groups like hen dos love cocktail making classes or wine tasting. Stag groups like things like archery and those kinds of more adventure-based activities. Another big one missing is the cork and canvas idea, where someone comes and does a wine tasting and then you’d also do an art class at the same time. […] It’s all about what you can do in a big house, isn’t it? I mean, there’s actually more potential. If you’re paying a fair bit of money to stay in a big house for a weekend, you really would quite like to stay on site and soak up the environment and have people come to you” – Ed

AMA highlights:

  • 00:14 – An intro to Group Accommodation
  • 01:29 – The importance of communication when hosting large groups
  • 02:55 – Ed’s tips for managing potentially difficult groups
  • 04:39 – Tactics for filling midweek availability
  • 06:00 – Is hiring a private chef worth it?
  • 06:48 – Welcoming beloved pets whilst encouraging owners to respect your property
  • 08:25 – Ideas for upselling to large groups
  • 10:40 – The key amenities that guests expect at a large property
  • 11:50 – Should you charge guests to use the hot tub?
  • 13:01 – The right number of photos to include in your listing
  • 14:00 – Creative marketing techniques for large properties
  • 15:37 – Getting into your guests’ heads
 

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