For owners and managers of rental cottages, properly equipping each space is essential. If guests find everything they need on-site, even the most demanding visitors will not hesitate to give their host a perfect rating.
Whether it is a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, every item provided must be chosen for its utility, comfort and aesthetics, but also for its durability and ease of maintenance.
We have created a list of essential supplies to provide a quality experience for your tenants, filled with selection tips, courtesy of the Otelia team.
But first, let’s explore a few reasons why investing in quality hospitality products is a smart choice to ideally equip your cottage(s).
Why Is It Profitable to Generously Equip a Rental Cottage?
Customer Satisfaction, Positive Reviews, and Loyalty
A well-appointed vacation rental will meet the expectations of renters and increase their satisfaction. Satisfied customers leave more positive comments and reviews, which increases the visibility of the cottage and attracts new renters. This helps maintain steady demand and encourages repeat bookings, which are essential for maximizing occupancy rates.
Justifying Higher Rental Rates
Generous amenities allow you to justify higher rates. Renters are willing to pay more for a stay that offers superior comfort and modern amenities, especially if those services and conveniences stand out from those of competing lodges. In fact, according to some studies, managers of well-appointed properties can increase their rates by 15% to 20% compared to other properties.
Operational Efficiency and Long-term Cost Reduction
By choosing durable, quality equipment, owners minimize replacement and maintenance costs. For example, sturdy sheets and quality towels are easier to wash and last longer. This approach reduces long-term costs and time spent on maintenance, allowing for a higher turnover rate between bookings.
Essential Products for a Rental Cottage
Here are the essential products to provide for every stay, along with tips for choosing wisely.
Sheets and Bedding
Quality bedding is always a guarantee of a comfortable night's sleep and a pleasant awakening. It contributes greatly to the overall guest experience.
Cotton percale fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases are appreciated by guests for their softness and freshness, and by owners for their durability and ease of care.
Percale, with its tight weave, provides remarkable durability without preventing the bedding from breathing. It also dries quickly and doesn't wrinkle, which is why it is often used in hotel linens.
Duvets and Blankets
Synonymous with warmth and comfort, duvets and blankets are ideal for complementing bedding, but are also appreciated by visitors who want to snuggle up.
Synthetic duvets offer a good compromise between warmth and lightness, making them comfortable all year round. They are designed to withstand frequent laundering without losing volume or insulation.
Blankets, on the other hand, can be made of polar fleece (polyester) for more warmth or cotton flannel for a cool feel (it absorbs moisture well). A good weight ensures warmth retention while remaining easy to care for.
Pillows
Discovering an old, stained and misshapen pillow when you get into bed is never a good way to start the night. Every guest has the right to expect a fluffy, fresh pillow that provides adequate support regardless of their sleeping position.
Synthetic and hypoallergenic hotel pillows are ideal for providing balanced support while minimizing allergy risks. Also, try to prioritize pillows that can be machine washed and dried for easier and quicker maintenance.
Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Owning a cottage is expensive enough; no owner wants to see a several-hundred-dollar mattress ruined after a guest leaves. That's why many cottage operators and even resort centers systematically add mattress and pillow protectors to all of their beds.
In addition to extending the life of mattresses and pillows, these items also promote better hygiene and cleanliness. A little tip: Choose encasement type protectors if you want a real shield against outside elements.
Towels, Washcloths, and Bath Mats
Nothing beats a good shower to refresh you after a day outdoors...as long as you can dry off with a proper towel.
Cotton terry hotel towels offer optimal absorption and lasting softness. Their density (pounds per dozen) determines their water absorbency and feel. High-density (heavier) products are fluffier and more absorbent, while lighter weights promote quicker drying, ideal for frequent use.
Regardless of thickness, however, white towels, hand towels, washcloths and bath mats are always preferred because they blend well with any decor, convey a professional image and are easier to maintain.
Bathrobes
Providing bathrobes in a rental cottage adds a level of comfort and luxury that enhances the guest experience.
For example, a spa robe made of cotton terrycloth provides absorbency and enveloping warmth after a shower or swim. It can also be machine washed and dried without losing its texture.
Cooking Equipment
Dining out isn't always an easy option when a cottage is located in a remote area. Visitors appreciate having the necessary equipment to prepare meals on site.
Basic Appliances
A microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and refrigerator are essential for providing renters with quick and convenient meal options. Make sure each appliance is in good working order and easy to clean to ensure tenant satisfaction.
Kitchen Utensils and Dishware
A selection of basic utensils (forks, knives, spatulas, spoons, etc.) in stainless steel or silicone offers durability and ease of maintenance. Also look for utensils that can withstand chipping and heavy use.
Cookware
A cookware set that includes pots, pans, and skillets is essential. Prefer models that are compatible with all types of cooktops to meet the diverse needs of tenants.
Otelia, Your Trusted Partner for Equipping Your Cottages
For managers of rental cottages, finding a reliable supplier can be complex, especially in a sector where quality and consistent supply are essential.
Otelia, a partner of many hospitality establishments in Quebec and Canada, offers unique advantages to ensure uncompromising service:
Personalized Advice and a Responsive Team
The Otelia team, experts in hospitality supplies, understands the specific requirements of rental cottages and is committed to providing tailored solutions to comfort and durability needs.
A Simplified Purchasing Process
With an intuitive website, you can easily browse products that meet hospitality standards and request a quote online. No need to compare dozens of suppliers: you get direct access to the best prices.
Tested and Durable Products
The Otelia range is designed to meet the demanding needs of the hospitality industry, with materials and finishes that ensure optimal durability even in high-use environments.
Fast and Reliable Delivery
Otelia guarantees a fast delivery service so that you can receive your orders on time, without the risk of service interruption, even in more remote areas.
Equipping a Cottage with Otelia Means Offering the Best to Your Guests
In summary, the better equipped a cottage is, the more in demand it will be. However, providing quality equipment in a rental cottage is not limited to comfort: it is also important to choose products that can withstand intensive use.
With Otelia, cottage managers benefit from an offer that combines expertise and efficiency, facilitating management and contributing to customer satisfaction.