Why Beautiful Holiday Accommodation is the Secret to an Unforgetable Getaway
By Eunice Aubert
29 January 2025
The Cottage
When we think about planning a holiday, our minds often jump to the destination, the activities, or the food we’ll indulge in. But have you ever stopped to think about how much your accommodation influences the experience? The truth is, where you stay isn’t just a practical decision—it’s the backdrop to all your holiday memories.
On a recent ski holiday to the French Alps with my family, I was reminded of how crucial it is to choose the right place to stay. As magical as the mountains were, the accommodation we picked played a huge role in making the trip truly memorable. Here’s why the aesthetics and comfort of your holiday home matter more than you might think—and how to make sure your next getaway is as stunning as it is relaxing.
The Challenge: Keeping Everyone Happy
As a family of four with two teenagers, our idea of the perfect holiday accommodation has always been a delicate balancing act. It’s a bit like putting together a puzzle where everyone’s preferences have to fit.
For the teens, good Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Their ideal setup? Their own rooms, because sharing a room isn’t exactly their idea of a relaxing vacation and a nearby restaurant with burgers and fries. Yes we travel the world, (often to culinary renowned destinations), for my kids to sample the same meal they eat at home! The struggle is real!
For my husband and me, our priorities are slightly different. We’re all about a big comfy bed, a great location, with easy access to restaurants and activities. Plenty of space to unwind and feel at ease is key, which is why we gravitate toward serviced apartments, Airbnbs, and holiday cottages.
But in recent years, we’ve all started to agree on one thing: our accommodation needs to be beautifully designed. There’s something about arriving in a thoughtfully decorated space that feels like a treat. It’s not just a room—it’s an experience.
Bedroom seating, The Cottage
Why Beautiful Spaces Transform a Holiday
For me, holidays are an opportunity to step into a world that feels better than the one I’ve left behind. That means choosing a space that’s as inspiring as the destination itself.
Think about the difference between arriving at a plain, functional hotel room versus walking into a charming chalet with wooden beams, cozy throws, and views of the mountains. Or staying in an Airbnb with mismatched furniture and harsh lighting compared to one with carefully curated decor and personal touches.
Beautiful spaces do more than just look nice—they create an atmosphere. They make you feel like you’re truly on holiday, giving you a break from the mundane. Whether it’s relaxing with a book in a tastefully decorated living room or sharing family stories over dinner at a table with candles and fresh flowers, the setting elevates the moment.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Best Accommodation
Finding a place that ticks all the boxes takes some effort, but it’s well worth it. Here are my tips for ensuring your accommodation enhances your holiday:
1. Do Your Research
Spend time looking at options before booking. What draws me in are high-quality photos of the interiors. If the photos don’t wow you, chances are the space won’t either. This is your first glimpse of the space you’ll call home for a few days or weeks, so pay attention to details like the furniture, lighting, and overall vibe. If the photos are blurry or focus more on the views than the rooms, it’s a red flag.
2. Read the Reviews
Reviews are a goldmine of information. They’ll tell you if the host is attentive, if the place looks like the photos, and whether it lives up to expectations. If there’s a recurring issue (like noisy neighbours or an unreliable host), take it seriously. Use secure platforms like Airbnb that prioritise safe payments, and be wary of direct-payment requests unless you’re confident in the host’s reputation.
3. Look for the Extra 10%
The "extra 10%" refers to thoughtful extras that’s above and beyond of what the accommodation offers. Fresh flowers on the dining table, a bottle of fizz to welcome you, milk in the fridge, or a little jewelry tray by the bedside—these small touches speak volumes about a host’s care and effort to make your stay a memorable one.
Too often, I’ve walked into Airbnbs or serviced apartments that looked great in photos but lacked warmth or thoughtfulness in real life. It’s tempting to save a little by booking a budget option, but remember: you’ll spend a significant amount of time in this space. I’d happily pay more for those little extras that make me feel at home—or better yet, spoiled!
Why It’s Worth Spending More for Beauty
Some might argue that you don’t need to splurge on beautiful accommodation because you’ll spend most of your time out exploring. But here’s the truth: you’ll always come back to your accommodation at the end of the day.
It’s where you’ll unwind, recharge, and reflect on the memories you’re making. A stunning space adds to the joy of those moments, making them feel more special.
For my family, the right accommodation is part of the adventure. It’s what we remember long after the trip is over—the mornings spent lounging in a cozy living room, the laughter echoing in a beautiful dining space, or the bliss of waking up in a dreamy bedroom.
So next time you plan a holiday, don’t treat accommodation as an afterthought. Make it a priority. A beautiful, thoughtfully designed space might just be the key to creating your most memorable holiday yet.
Are you an owner of a holiday let property? Are you ready to elevate your holiday let space? We specialise in designing holiday let properties. Reach out to us today and start your journey to a beautifully crafted environment that will not only increase your ROI, but make your place a go-to desitination with happy returning customers.
