How important is a parking space for guests? In terms of self-catering holidays, the answer is very important. And the clue is in the title; self catering. Though we can’t generalise about guests, choosing self-catering typically implies more guest luggage then normal and provisions for the stay. In extreme cases this means bringing the kitchen sink, otherwise known as bringing beach goods, a laptop, children’s toys and entertainment and baby equipment. So the practicalities of an off-road parking space at the property can help guests to enjoy their holiday.

It’s also worth bearing in mind what kind of parking is available. For example an allocated space, on a holiday park or within a group of apartments provides a simple worry-free solution for guests, as opposed to a free-for-all first person to arrive gets the best space scenario. Until someone parks in the wrong allocated space...

The benefits - peace of mind

Many guests consider the car as a prized possession and status symbol. Bringing the car to a new part of the country, driving on different roads and staying at a new ‘home’ for a week can lead to uncertainty and concern. Leaving the car out of sight, on the road can lead to worry about car crime and accidental damage to wing mirrors or paintwork, expensive to fix on modern cars. You may know your holiday cottage is in a sleepy village where the last reported incident concerned an escaped goat chewing the aerial off a Ford Cortina, but potential guests, unfamiliar with the county, never mind the village, could be put off.

The practical benefits – by which we mean:

• Unloading a car on arrival.
• Unloading a car after buying groceries and provisions.
• Arriving back at the holiday property after a long day out sightseeing or visiting an attraction with tired children.
• Loading the car upon departure.

The benefits - getting around

When holiday makers book a property, they will use it as a base to explore the local area; to visit attractions and pursue their hobbies. Unless they are unlucky with wet weather, they will be out during the day. So what is better, or rather what is worse, than having to drive round looking for an on-road space after a great day out? A guaranteed space can help remove any problems for guests and contribute towards a relaxing break.

The value of a garage

Having a garage at the property might seem like an attractive proposition. It’s probably less so nowadays where a drive or off-road space will suffice. If guests have a large 4x4 or people carrier, their larger dimensions can often be harder to park in a garage anyway. If the holiday home has a garage, put the dimensions on the website or promotional material so guests are aware before booking and problems on arrival can be avoided.

The number of parking spaces

If the property has 3, 4 or more bedrooms, it follows that the property will be able to sleep larger parties, for example 8 or 10 guests. Therefore having 2 or 3 off-road spaces, such as a long drive or the potential to create a wider hard-standing at the front of the property will improve the appeal of the property to guests.

When parking space are rare

Many popular tourist destinations suffer from a chronic lack of parking spaces, where cottages where built before the widespread use of cars, such as Cornish fishing villages or the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. In these situations it is worth researching if a weekly parking permit for a nearby public car park is available. This can be included into the rental cost and guests will feel valued and can book with more confidence. After all, the cost of a £30 weekly parking permit can be recouped with only 2 or 3 extra bookings per year.