These little extras that holidaymakers just love!

What are the little extras that really boost bookings for a holiday apartment in a resort?

We’ve all noticed it before: two almost identical listings, in the same resort and at the same price, yet one is booked within a few days whilst the other struggles to find tenants. It’s no coincidence.

If you own a flat in Les Ménuires or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, certain amenities can make all the difference. Here’s what appeals most to holidaymakers, based on trends observed in the mountain holiday rental market.

What travellers look at even before they book!

Before being won over by beautiful photos, holidaymakers first check a few key criteria. In the mountains, their expectations differ from those for a holiday by the sea or in a city. Two factors come up almost without fail.

Wi-Fi: it has become indispensable.

Nowadays, working remotely from the mountains has become commonplace. Many travellers extend their stay by working remotely for a few days, particularly outside school holidays. An apartment equipped with a reliable fibre broadband connection and a space to work therefore attracts more bookings during these periods.

The ski storage room an essential facility and almost the number one priority!

On the coast, holidaymakers are looking for outdoor space. In town, the ability to arrive independently is the top priority. In a ski resort, it’s different: storage for ski equipment becomes a decisive factor. A private ski locker or a boot dryer are little touches that enhance the comfort of a stay.

Although this may seem secondary, these facilities can influence the reviews left by travellers, and therefore also the visibility of the listing.

The comfort that makes all the difference

A property can be practical without necessarily leaving you with fond memories. It’s often the little touches that make a decent rental a real favourite.

Good bedding, efficient heating and good insulation

These are the amenities that nobody mentions in positive reviews but which everyone highlights in negative ones. A comfortable bed, heating in every room and good insulation have become essential features. If the accommodation remains cold after a day’s skiing, it can quickly spoil your holiday.

A fully fitted kitchen and a washing machine for added convenience

One of the reasons travellers choose a flat over a hotel is so they can feel at home for a week. A fully equipped kitchen, a dishwasher, a washing machine and plenty of kitchenware make everyday life easier. For example, a raclette machine can turn a simple dinner into a convivial occasion.

Facilities that help increase the rental price

Some facilities improve comfort so much that they allow the price per night to be increased without necessarily slowing down bookings.

Sauna, hot tub and wellness area

Demand for premium chalets and apartments continues to grow in mountain resorts. A sauna, a steam room, a hot tub or access to an indoor swimming pool are among the facilities most sought after by this clientele. After a day on the slopes, being able to relax without leaving the accommodation is a real advantage, for which many holidaymakers are willing to pay a premium.

A cosy décor and photos that make you want to visit

The visual appeal also plays a very important role. A mountain-style décor featuring wood, throws and soft lighting immediately makes people want to book. A professional photo shoot, carried out after each renovation, remains one of the most profitable investments for a property owner.

Parking, access to the slopes and communal facilities

Parking and proximity to the slopes are frequently mentioned in reviews. A parking space included in the rental price makes arrival easier, especially for families with a lot of luggage. Furthermore, it’s best to be specific about the distance to the ski lifts.

Travellers appreciate transparency, which helps to minimise disappointment and negative reviews.

Accommodation that also offers access to a swimming pool, a fitness centre or a concierge service has an added advantage, particularly on days when the weather is bad.”

The little details that lead to good reviews

As well as the facilities shown in the photos, it is sometimes the little touches that make an impression on travellers and encourage them to leave a positive review.

A welcome that leaves a lasting impression

A few simple touches are all it takes to make a good impression: a bottle of water, some local coffee or a little welcome card. For a family, a few games or a first-aid kit are useful. For a couple, a small bottle of wine or a candle can create a cosy atmosphere. These little gestures cost very little but are often mentioned in reviews.

Customer reviews remain the best selling point

The figures show that properties with more than twenty reviews and a rating of over 4.5/5 are rented out on average at 15–25 per cent higher rates than equivalent properties with few reviews. Amenities are therefore important, but they are only valuable if they enable guests to have a positive experience. Responding to reviews, encouraging satisfied guests to leave one, and addressing areas of dissatisfaction are therefore all part of the strategy to increase bookings.

How the Alps Agency supports property owners in Les Menuires and the Belleville Valley

In a sector as competitive as Les Menuires and the Belleville Valley, choosing the right equipment is the first step: but you still need to know how to make the most of it, season after season.

This is precisely the support offered by Agence des Alpes to property owners in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Ménuires.

The agency advises on the most profitable refurbishments, drafts adverts that highlight the key selling points, and provides rental management services designed to maximise bookings.

Thanks to its knowledge of the local market and the expectations of holidaymakers in the 3 Vallées, it helps owners to improve the profitability of their property in the long term

Conclusion

Increasing bookings for a holiday home in a resort therefore does not depend on a single ‘miracle’ feature, but on a well-balanced combination: a good internet connection, a ski storage room, a comfortable interior, a few well-chosen amenities, and a clear listing description. Owners who invest in these elements see higher customer satisfaction, more positive reviews and a better occupancy rate.

To take the next step in enhancing the value of your property in Les Ménuires or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the team at Agence des Alpes is on hand to assist you.

Adèle.D