Reach millions of potential guests with one ad

Registration as a bestfewo host with accommodation that can be booked online is free of charge.

There are no one-off or ongoing costs: bestfewo only receives an agency fee if a booking is successful.

This means:

• Free presentation of your accommodation on bestfewo
• Free presentation of your accommodation on the largest rental portals
• Success-based agency fee of 14% plus VAT on the total price for successful online bookings

The terms and conditions for online bookable accommodation can be found on the registration page.

You will find them there:

• bestfewo agency and terms of use for landlords
• General booking conditions for hosts of bestfewo partners

In the “Become a host in just 5 minutes” section, you will be taken to the registration page immediately after clicking on “Become a host”. We recommend that you save and/or print out the terms and conditions.

After binding registration, you will receive direct access to your personal host area. Log in there with your access data and enter all the details about your vacation accommodation. Have photos and floor plans ready to upload in your host area. You will also find plenty of space to describe your accommodation in detail.

You can edit the following data in the bestfewo host area at any time:

• Photos
• Description texts
• Characteristics
• Availabilities
• Seasonal periods and prices
• Additional services
• iCal link management

So that everything is perfect: As soon as you have sent us your information in the host access, our experts will check your exposé and release it for distribution after a successful quality check. This doesn't take very long. It usually takes a maximum of three working days from the time your information is checked until it is activated on bestfewo.

If the vacationer books your vacation apartment / vacation home via bestfewo, this booking is binding - for you and your guest.

Immediately after the binding online booking, you will receive a booking confirmation with the following data:

• Address data of the guest
• Telephone number of the guest
• E-mail address of the guest
• Travel period and booked services
• Terms of payment

We have standardized the booking confirmations. The content always remains the same except for the contact details, property, period and price. You can contact your guest immediately to clarify arrival details or special requests during the stay. This is very helpful for special target groups such as allergy sufferers.

Once we have received a booking, we will inform you immediately by SMS on your cell phone. This service is free of charge for you.

With the booking confirmation, the guest will be informed about payment modalities and cancellation fees. These are standardized for every booking.

You will receive payment from the holidaymaker by bank transfer, i.e. you will receive your money before the guest arrives.

For bookings made at very short notice, it is up to you to collect the money in cash on arrival or to have a bank transfer voucher sent to you before arrival.

You can edit your ad at any time in the host area.

It is important that you always keep your details up to date. This will prevent your guests from having false expectations and avoid complaints and annoyance.

So that everything is perfect: Our experts will check your “new” exposé and release it for distribution again after a successful quality check. This does not take very long. It usually takes a maximum of three working days from the time your details are checked until they are released on bestfewo.

Life doesn't always stick to our plans. As annoying as it may be, cancelations are part of renting out vacation apartments. Illness, accidents or other events can cause your guest to cancel the booking of your accommodation.

Something can also happen to you, leaving you unable to fulfill your obligations as a host. All it takes is a burst water pipe in the vacation apartment. In any case, you must inform bestfewo immediately of the cancellation! You cannot cancel a booking made via bestfewo in the system yourself.

If your guest has canceled, the cancellation rules agreed in the booking apply. They are part of the accommodation contract with you. As soon as we become aware of a cancellation, usually by the vacationer, we will of course inform you immediately.

We will immediately release the relevant period again so that other vacationers can book your accommodation.

If you as the host have to cancel, please let us know the reason.

Optimal occupancy of your vacation accommodation can only be achieved if your accommodation is seen by many potential vacationers.

That's why bestfewo gives you access to the world of vacation rental portals - with just one listing on bestfewo. And at no additional cost to you as a host.

This means that your accommodation - in addition to the top placement on bestfewo - can also be found on the most important and largest rental portals.

This is because the bestfewo partner network has maintained interfaces to the largest vacation home portals for many years.

The release into the bestfewo partner network takes place automatically when your accommodation goes live on bestfewo. At this point, the partners in the bestfewo partner network are informed that your property can be included.

As a rule, your accommodation will be present on most portals in the bestfewo partner network after a few days. Some others do not update daily, but weekly or fortnightly.

The line above the detailed description of your vacation home is crucial for the impression that potential guests get of your vacation accommodation.

So come up with something short and to the point. Address the wishes and desires of your vacationers, capture them with the advantages and typical features of your vacation home.

What makes your offer so special? What is your unique selling point, i.e. what is unique or the special advantage of your offer? For example, “Pet-friendly beach house with dog-walking service” or “Farm by the lake with free riding lessons”. Is your apartment particularly child-friendly, barrier-free or suitable for allergy sufferers?

A catchy title helps guests to immediately imagine what is typical of your vacation accommodation.

Avoid abbreviations such as “FeWo” or “App.” in the title. Give your accommodation a suitable name: Think about the target group you want to appeal to and what you have to offer. Peace and relaxation? Or culture? Or vibrant city life?

Then put yourself in your vacationer's shoes, arrive at your vacation destination with them in your mind, go to your vacation apartment with them. What does your guest see? What does he perceive? What do they hear? What does he smell? Do they feel a gentle sea breeze on their skin? Do seagulls screech overhead?

Decide on the most prominent feature. Avoid vague descriptions such as “pretty paradise” - one person's idea of paradise is a farm, another's a 400 square meter villa by the sea.

Be specific. If your apartment is ideal for relaxing and is close to the beach, if the location invites you to take secluded walks, then names such as “Gentle breeze”, “Seagull's nest” or perhaps “View of the dyke” are a good choice. In this way, you appeal to different senses and associate a feature of your accommodation directly with its name.

The most important thing for a successful advertisement is a calendar that is always up to date.

Vacationers are always looking for a precisely defined travel time. Most of them have to apply for a vacation, coordinate with their partner and they cannot postpone vacation times for their school children. It is therefore essential that the availability of your accommodation is always up to date.

If you have entered your apartment as booked at certain times in your calendar, it will not appear in the results list when you search for exactly these dates. How annoying it would be if it is actually available but you have not updated your calendar.

No matter how much effort you put into the advertisement and how convincingly you present your vacation home: Without a calendar that is always up to date, you will not achieve a high occupancy rate.

Or the reverse case: Your potential guest has selected your accommodation from the list of results! He is delighted: Yes, that's the one, I want to go there. He calls his family over and shows them your accommodation: Look at this, isn't it fantastic? He clicks through all the views, infects his wife and children with his enthusiasm and books your accommodation.

At night, they dream themselves away on vacation. Disillusionment the next day: your vacation apartment has already been booked by someone else! You just forgot to put it in the calendar. Annoyance and disappointment on both sides.

Whatever else you have to do and need to do: Always enter changes immediately or at least on the same day!

A well-maintained calendar with up-to-date availabilities is the basis for your success.

As with the title and name of your vacation accommodation, the same applies to the pictures: Arouse longing! Your vacationer must not be able to tear themselves away from your photos. They must be drawn in, they must already feel at home in your accommodation.

The opening image is the most important. It gives the impulse whether your accommodation is clicked on the results list or not. This image should therefore convey the typical features of your accommodation and be so appealing that the vacationer simply wants to see the other images of your vacation home.

For example, if you decide to use a photo of the living room as the start image, you will create a cozy atmosphere. Your vacationer should really feel at home immediately. Stack firewood in the open fireplace, light candles, arrange wine glasses and a carafe of water on the table, put a few books on the shelf and think about a fresh bouquet of flowers on the table next to the reading chair.

Take a well-lit photo of the whole thing, preferably without a bright flash, but with sufficient daylight, and your vacationer will settle down on the sofa. Now you've got him ready and he wants to see more: They click on your accommodation for a closer look.

Convince him with additional high-quality pictures. The pictures should be high-resolution and well exposed. Perhaps invest in a professional photographer? Artificially lighting the rooms can create effects and moods in the photo that you can rarely capture yourself with your camera.

Also pay attention to the composition of the things you are photographing. A few shells in the bathroom of your beach apartment or the meadow flower bush in the living room of your country apartment not only create the desired inviting atmosphere, they are also symbols of the surroundings and location of your vacation home.

This also applies to the outdoor shots. The overturned bucket next to the sandcastle on the beach stands for your child-friendly home. Cuddled kittens in the barn represent the animal-friendly farm.

We recommend you take at least five outdoor shots and ten indoor shots. Always choose new motifs so that the viewer gets a positive overall impression of your vacation accommodation. Always keep your target group in mind.

Please only use images for which you have the rights. It is best to only use images that you or someone you have commissioned has photographed. Do not take any pictures from the Internet or use other people's maps. Please also do not use any pictures from brochures or travel guides and do not place any text in the picture.

Photos guarantee that you avoid misunderstandings and thus trouble with the guest. So please do not cheat.

If you are unsure whether your photos will have the desired effect, show them to friends and ask about the first impressions and feelings they evoke. You can also ask your guests for feedback.

Now it's all about the details. With the pictures and the headline, you have awakened certain ideas in your potential guest. Now they need information that meets their specific needs and wishes.

Can they bring their dog? Is there a crib? Can the sofa in the living room be pulled out to make an extra bed? Is the garden fenced? Is there a parking lot? Does the landlord live on the property? Is there a bakery nearby? Describe your accommodation as precisely as possible.

This contributes significantly to the success of the placement. When making a booking, it protects you from disappointed and annoyed vacationers who had imagined everything to be completely different.

Be sure to mention the special features of the individual rooms. For example, if there are several bedrooms, state which beds are in them (double bed, two single beds, bunk bed, etc.). Have you provided coffee, tea and sugar in the kitchen? Is your accommodation particularly suitable for children? Or pets are welcome? Do you have a direct view of a landmark from the balcony? Or the sunset bathes the terrace in a golden light?

Be sure to communicate all of this. Make your accommodation so appealing to prospective guests that they book it. It goes without saying that you should always stick to the truth.

Some travelers are looking for accommodation that is close to certain sights. So specify exact distances to the surrounding sights. This also applies to information on restaurants and shopping facilities. The fact that there are “sights nearby” is not sufficient information. Be specific.

With all the information: Don't just list facts, keep creating a vacation atmosphere! Think about the anticipation you have aroused in the vacationer with your pictures. Appeal to all your guest's senses in your description, take them by the hand, guide them through every single room in your apartment and show them the surroundings.

Describe the atmosphere. You don't achieve this by simply stringing together lots of adjectives, but by describing actions - just like in a movie.

So not: “There is a wide red sofa in the large, cozy, bright living room.” But rather something like this: “When you come home after a long day at the beach, the living room invites you to relax. Flop down on the three-metre-wide sofa and enjoy our house wine while the fire crackles in the open fireplace.”

The photos and description have given the vacationer an impression of your vacation home. Now they need an informative floor plan to help them better understand the pictures and facts and get a good overview.

A floor plan allows guests to see the spatial layout at a glance. They can develop an idea of the specific living situation during their vacation. This is particularly important for groups or families with children. Can everyone go into the kitchen at night without disturbing anyone sleeping or are there rooms that can be passed through? Is the living room also used as a bedroom? Are the beds wall to wall or is there a corridor separating the bedrooms?

Please do not draw your own floor plan. This could easily destroy the positive impression you have created so far. You are a very good host and not a draughtsman!

You will find a wide range of software on the Internet that you can use to draw your floor plan. 

You have various design options, from a simple black and white floor plan without furniture to an interactive 3D view. Of course, three-dimensional floor plans are particularly good and vivid, and you can even include all the furnishings in them, even the vase with the bouquet of meadow flowers. You can also draw your outdoor facilities in 3D. Think about your target group and then decide on a variant.

Include the size of each room in the floor plan, i.e. how many square meters it measures. If you opt for a simple, two-dimensional black and white floor plan: Make sure it is clear how many windows each room has and which direction they face. Not every guest likes to be woken up by bright sunlight. Some children only fall asleep in the dark, so a room with evening sun would be annoying.

If your vacation home has several floors, document each floor with an individual floor plan.

How great is your need for security? Can you remain calm and composed when children are playing soccer in front of your new panoramic windows? Some people prefer to insure themselves against life. Others say to themselves: “Why pay into an insurance policy for years? I'd rather wait until a loss has occurred and then settle it myself.

We therefore recommend taking out the following insurance policies:

In our opinion, household contents insurance and buildings insurance are a must. This covers damage caused by fire (lightning and explosion), mains water (burst pipes and frost), storms and hail.

We therefore recommend supplementing buildings insurance with extended natural hazard insurance for vacation homes. This covers damage caused by flooding, heavy rain, snow pressure or other forces of nature. In addition to your vacation home, all specified outbuildings such as the garage, carport and tool shed on the property are included.

Even if you are a very careful person: No one is immune to mishaps and accidents. We therefore advise you to take out private liability insurance or the commercial variant, public liability insurance, to protect yourself against claims for damages from tenants.

As the operator of vacation properties, you are legally obliged to pay compensation if tenants suffer damage. This can be personal injury, property damage or financial loss.

An example: You have a wooden staircase in your vacation apartment/holiday home. A guest points out to you several times that a step has come loose. You make an appointment with the carpenter, but before he can arrive, something happens: Your guest falls down the stairs.

If you want to be on the safe side, take out commercial legal expenses insurance. This is not absolutely necessary, but can be very helpful in individual cases.

Summer, sun, sand and sea - hardly anyone thinks about surfing the Internet at first. But more and more people want or need to go online while on vacation. To check emails, keep in touch with family members or even to work for a few hours or days.

You won't win over these guests if you don't offer Internet use in your vacation home.

For many, a wireless network (WLAN) is now standard. All you need to do is provide the connection. And your guests can search for weather forecasts, sights, excursion destinations, restaurants and events on their smartphone or laptop while having breakfast on the terrace.

Bite into a croissant and google the Italian restaurant for the evening. A sip of coffee, click on the weather and the destination and the day's program is ready.

However, this service harbors risks for you as a host. Your guests could illegally download music or films from the Internet or surf forbidden or chargeable websites. And you are liable for this! How can you protect yourself against viruses, malware or illegal data theft?

First and foremost, make sure that all users really know what they are and are not allowed to do.

For example, inform them in a verifiable manner that Internet access may not be used for copyright infringements, in particular not for participation in so-called “file-sharing” services, i.e. music or film exchange platforms. Or that the password may not be passed on to third parties.

Draw up a contract for Internet use and make sure that every guest and all other users sign it. Keep this written user agreement for at least three years.

It is best to assign a new password for each guest and do not use the connection yourself. Then you will be able to trace who was on the Internet and when in the event of possible breaches.

Choose a Wi-Fi router that is easy to manage. Preferably one that you can operate remotely so that you don't have to go to the vacation home every time to set new passwords.

You must also ensure that unwanted third parties cannot surf via your connection and your WLAN router. A commercially available current protection is a WPA 2 password.

You can also install a firewall on your WLAN router. This can also be used, for example, to block access to certain websites (port blocking) that are used for illegal data exchange.

If you provide your guests with end devices such as a laptop or computer, make sure they have up-to-date and adequate virus protection.

You should also set up your computer so that no external data or programs from CDs or data sticks can be installed, attachments from emails cannot be opened automatically and certain sites on the Internet - such as these file-sharing networks - cannot be accessed.

If you are not so familiar with the technical implementation of all these tips, it is better to bring a specialist to your vacation home who will install the necessary software and virus protection and explain how to use all the necessary devices on site.

You have won over your guests with a presentation of your vacation apartment/holiday home that focuses on their desires and wishes and an inviting atmosphere. But what creates this special atmosphere at the vacation destination? What are the small but important things that make holidaymakers happy?

Cleanliness

Even under the beds and in the furthest corners. This is absolutely essential to make your guest feel welcome and comfortable. Your guest's home may not be so neat and clean, but in a vacation apartment/holiday home there is always the thought that it was previously occupied by other people.

Strangers have used the same toilet and the same shower and slept on the same mattress. Your guest should not be aware of this. So get rid of the dust fluff under the chair legs! Get rid of stains on walls and ceilings left by mosquitoes or flies!

Clean the bathroom particularly thoroughly. Cleaned windows also make a good first impression. Do not rely on your cleaner. Check the accommodation yourself before your guest enters the house. Check whether you feel at home.

Vacuum cleaners, brooms and mops should definitely be part of the equipment so that your guests can remove the worst of the dirt during their stay. If necessary, offer a weekly cleaning service. Who likes cleaning on vacation? After a week at the beach, there are usually creaks here and there on the floor and you don't want to walk barefoot in the bathroom either.

Smooth procedure for handing over the keys

Make sure you are at the vacation apartment at the agreed time. Please allow for unforeseen circumstances such as a traffic jam, so don't leave at the last minute. If this cannot be arranged, arrange for someone to hand over the keys instead of you and give you your first briefing. We still advise you to visit your guests in person, greet them and find out whether they are happy with everything.

Small folder with information

Include tips for excursions and places of interest here. Make sure that all the information is up to date. Where are the nearest grocery stores, bakery, pharmacy, doctor? When are they open? What restaurants are there in the area? Where is the nearest swimming pool or sauna?

The house rules have a place here. Information on waste separation is also important. Where are the garbage cans? When does the garbage collection come? Operating instructions for technical equipment should be included in the folder: How do televisions, CD and DVD players work?

Some guests like personal insider tips from the host. They don't want to dine with all the other vacationers, but prefer to eat in a small restaurant where the locals sit in the evening. They are grateful for the tip about the small deserted bay or the secluded swimming spot in the river. Guests like this like to come back.

Good quality equipment and furnishings

Vacationers who choose vacation apartments appreciate good basic furnishings. Make sure you have enough cutlery and crockery. Make sure the furnishings and fittings are of good quality. It should not be a hodgepodge of discarded furniture and objects. Please do not take the sofa that is already worn on the sides. Not the worn crockery that you no longer like yourself.

Good basic kitchen equipment includes: Coffee, tea, sugar, coffee filters, bin liners, dishcloths, dryer sheets, washing-up liquid, aluminum foil, cling film, frying oil, accessories for the respective coffee machine such as pods or capsules.

Cooking in a vacation apartment! Many guests appreciate it when not only salt and pepper, but also thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, curry, herbs de Provence or similar spices are available.

Kitchen utensils are just as important: a pasta strainer, grater, bottle and can opener, corkscrew. Don't forget egg cups and plenty of coffee and tea pots. Don't save money in the wrong place. Finally, the guest has time to drink a good wine in the evening, and certainly not from juice glasses.

The same applies to bathroom fittings: it's better to have a little more. A small bar of soap or liquid soap, cosmetic tissues, toilet paper, a small garbage can with appropriate bin liners.

Stick to your agreements

You must stand behind what you have described in the advertisement. If your accommodation is “child-friendly”, you must not demand that it should not be too noisy. If “pets are welcome”, then you cannot point out the dirt that a dog might make. A “quiet location” should really be quiet.

Be honest, point out possible “thinking traps”. It can be very noisy on a secluded farm. Especially at harvest time, when the combine harvesters rattle across the neighboring fields around the clock. The small pond behind the house can also jeopardize the prospect of peace and quiet. Frog concerts can deprive you of sleep many a night.

So at least discreetly point out that the farmers have to adapt to the weather and that they sometimes bring in the harvest at night. That the children can watch frogs in the pond behind the house. That the fields next to their vacation home are popular gathering places for birds.

Of course there are guests who seek contact with their landlords. But not everyone wants that. If you live on the property or in the same house, give your vacationers enough privacy and space.

Kitchen

Some vacationers are happy not to have to cook for a few days and dine in a restaurant. Others enjoy preparing a meal together in their vacation accommodation. You should therefore equip the kitchen so that cooking is easy.

Make sure you have pots of different sizes, at least two pans with lids, sufficient cutlery and crockery, bowls, dishes, ladles and ladles. Don't forget kitchen utensils such as measuring jugs, pasta strainers, graters, lemon squeezers, bottle and can openers and corkscrews that are easy to use.

Think about egg cups, enough coffee and tea pots, glasses, also for champagne and wine. Your guest will be delighted to have a few wooden cutting boards and sharp kitchen and bread knives.

Most holidaymakers rely on having some non-perishable foodstuffs such as tea, coffee, salt, pepper, sugar and oil in their vacation apartment. Expand this offer with a spice rack, balsamic vinegar and vinegar.

A kettle, toaster and coffee machine should not be missing. Pack filter bags, also for tea. For special coffee machines, think about the corresponding accessories such as pods or capsules. If you have a dishwasher, don't forget the cleaning tablets.

Good kitchen equipment also includes kitchen roll, aluminum foil and cling film, garbage bags, washing-up liquid, pot scraper, pot sponge and plenty of drying cloths. If you have an oven, guests will not only be pleased to receive an oven cleaner, but also baking paper, cake and oven dishes, mixing bowls and a mixer.

Bathroom

Every guest is happy to receive hand and shower towels as well as washcloths. Use neutral colors and patterns. And use materials that can be washed at 90 degrees. Put at least two rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom for the initial period until the guest has had a chance to explore the local shopping facilities.

Your guest will be just as happy to have soap, preferably liquid soap, as a hairdryer. If you have a bathtub in the bathroom, why not decorate it with small bath balls? Shampoo and shower gel in travel sizes are also useful if you have forgotten your own at home.

Bedroom

The beds should be large and stable so that every guest, even a two-meter tall man, can sleep comfortably and well in them. If you choose bed frames without a footboard, you will have more space - tall people can only sleep properly in beds without a footboard.

The importance of good beds should not be underestimated. Vacations are first and foremost about relaxation. This does not happen if the guest gets up in the morning exhausted and with back pain. Or wakes up at night because the whole bed sways when their partner just turns over. The beds should also not squeak or creak. Buy good mattresses of medium firmness.

Furnish the bedroom generously. There should be enough space in the closets so that your vacationers don't have to live out of their suitcases. Make sure there are enough hangers for tops and pants.

Whether you as the host provide bed linen is up to you. But this is the only way to ensure that your bedding is actually made up.

And the holidaymaker is happy because they don't have to worry about making the beds after their arrival. It's much nicer if your guest can look forward to a freshly made bed with a small chocolate bar or jelly babies on the pillow as a “guest gift”.

Living room

Don't skimp on chairs for the dining table. Some guests have visitors or make new friends on site who then drop by. The furnishings should include a comfortable, sturdy sofa, preferably one with a spring core and sleeping function. A coffee table or side table for magazines. Two armchairs if there is enough space.

Fill a shelf, chest of drawers or sideboard with games and books. This makes the room more homely and provides something to do on rainy days. Guests will also be happy to receive DVDs or flyers with excursion destinations in the area.

In addition to the TV, think about a music system or a radio with CD player. This will ensure that your guests are well equipped for both sunny and rainy weather.

Useful items are: Fly swatter, matches, lighter, tea lights, candles (including some for the terrace), pens and writing pad, coloring materials for the children.

Flowers create an inviting, friendly atmosphere. Sometimes a fresh rose in a vase is enough, it doesn't always have to be a whole bunch of flowers. Some fruit in a bowl, plus two bottles of mineral water - so guests can refresh themselves as soon as they arrive.

Add a handwritten note welcoming your guests. Include details of how your guest can contact you if they need anything. This will prevent any complaints.

Hallway, closet

Store cleaning equipment and cleaning materials in the hallway, utility room or in a broom cupboard in the kitchen: Broom, hand brush and shovel, mop and bucket. Make sure that cleaning products are at a height that children cannot reach.

A clothes horse or washing line are practical for drying wet towels or tea towels on the patio. Your guest will also be pleased with stain remover or travel detergent if they can immediately remove a fruit stain from their favorite item.

Terrace, garden

Sufficient seat cushions for patio or garden furniture should not be missing. Don't buy the cheapest ones, but look for thick padding and sturdy covers. Such cushions are more comfortable and last longer. Provide protection from the sun: a marquise or parasols.

If you have a barbecue, think about some charcoal for the first time, until the guest has been able to buy their own. Barbecue tongs and a charcoal lighter are essential.

A broom for the patio is important and a doormat or mat in front of the patio door to keep the dirt out.

A vacation season is long and many people use your vacation home, some of whom are more and others less careful with your furnishings. Therefore, choose sturdy furniture and furnishings of good quality.

“Good” furniture is usually treated better and doesn't break as quickly. It has a longer lifespan. In addition, high-quality furnishings increase the value of the accommodation. Pay attention to break resistance.

Use materials and furniture that are easy to clean. It is best to avoid carpets. With wooden floors, make sure that they are not too soft and scratch quickly, but have a high wear level.

For floor tiles, we recommend ones that are dyed through. If something falls on the floor and the tile flakes off, the layer underneath will be the same color as the surface and the damage will not be noticeable.

Good impact sound insulation is important for multi-storey vacation homes. Linoleum flooring is ideal for the upper rooms. They are easy to clean, do not creak and dampen footsteps.

Definitely no carpets in the bathroom and kitchen! Tiles of a quality and color on which you can't see every speck of dust are best. The right grout color in the bathroom is very important.White may look elegant, but it usually doesn't last very long if small mold stains have formed due to the moisture.

Not every guest airs the room sufficiently after showering.A dark shade looks new for longer. Do not use shower mats.They get dirty quickly.Cotton bath mats, on the other hand, can easily be washed after every guest.Tile most of the walls in the bathroom and kitchen.It makes cleaning easier. We recommend using washable wall paints above the tiles and in all other rooms.

To create a homely, inviting atmosphere, we recommend real wood furniture or furniture in natural colors.In general, choose colors and patterns that are as neutral as possible. This way, the majority of guests are more likely to like it. Think about durability. White furniture may look elegant - but it also gets dirty more quickly.

Do not bring in any private items. The vacationer may not feel at home, but rather like an intruder.And remember: your vacation accommodation is not a storage room for things you no longer want at home.

Anything that looks old, shabby or worn out does not belong in the vacation apartment/holiday home. But you don't have to invest in lots of expensive accessories either.Holidaymakers may not even notice them because they are on the move.And the risk of something breaking is high.

Set accents that your guest can associate with the surroundings.

Furniture that is typical of the region is welcome.Add matching fabrics and decorations. If you have a beach villa, then the colors of the sea, sand and sun are ideal.Add shells or flotsam and jetsam as decorations on the windowsill, sand in a tea light jar, etc.

In general, the furnishing and color concept should be harmonious.So no deer antlers next to the shells, please. That would be more in keeping with the Black Forest.

A vacation apartment suitable for allergy sufferers excludes some target groups and residential areas. Pets and smoking may not be allowed. A vacation apartment on a farm is rather problematic, even if you install a pollen screen in front of the windows.

Do not use wallpaper when decorating the rooms, paint the walls with natural colors. Choose floorboards or parquet flooring instead of carpeting. In general, look for smooth surfaces where dust has little chance of sticking.

You need high-pressure-cleaned mattresses and special mattress protectors, special bedding and bed linen. Feather beds are taboo. A waterbed is very suitable for allergy sufferers.

Solid wood furniture, for example made of beech, has proven to be very effective. When choosing furniture and furnishings, make sure that they do not emit any allergenic substances such as formaldehyde. The surfaces should also be easy to clean and smooth. We recommend using natural, gentle and fragrance-free cleaning agents.

In the bathroom, provide hypoallergenic soaps, shower gels and shampoos that are suitable for allergy sufferers. The washing-up liquid in the kitchen should also be hypoallergenic.

We recommend an air purifier, which is best placed in the bedroom.

Install pollen screens on all windows - this is a must, especially for people with hay fever allergies. No fans, please. Heating can be a problem for allergy sufferers. The circulation of warm air in the room also stirs up dust on the floor. Underfloor heating is therefore more favorable. A tiled stove is only suitable if it is a so-called basic stove.

Avoid plants, cut flowers and any dust catchers at all costs!

We recommend getting in touch with your guest in advance and discussing specifically what they are allergic to and what measures they need to be able to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing vacation. Most allergy sufferers bring some accessories with them or can give you valuable advice.

You can make everyday life with and for children easier with a few items: a booster seat or a thick, stable cushion to place underneath. A stool in the bathroom that the child can push to the toilet or washbasin themselves. A seat reducer on the toilet. A pot for the bedroom in case the little guest doesn't make it to the bathroom.

It is important that your vacation home and its immediate surroundings are childproof. Secure all sockets! Install a stair gate. Enclose the garden and be sure to fence in the garden pond!

When landscaping your property, make sure that the plants are not poisonous, i.e. no privet or thuja hedges, no ivy, no lily of the valley and similar poisonous plants.

Children need space to run around, discover and try things out. If you advertise your vacation accommodation as child-friendly, then the outdoor play area - if available - must have accident-proof play equipment. For example, a sandpit, swing, seesaw, perhaps a paddling pool. Please think about parasols or awnings.

The immediate surroundings should also be prepared for children and not be disturbed by the normal noise level that children can cause.

For rainy days, it is a good idea to have a few building blocks, games, puzzles and books as well as materials ready: Crayons, paper, colored drawing cardboard, scissors, glue, wool threads, a few old buttons, chestnuts, acorns, wooden beads or shells.

Offer additional child-friendly equipment for hire: Crib, high chair, changing table or baby monitor. A washing machine at the vacation home would of course be a dream for a large family. Families usually book for more than a week, so the pile of laundry at home would be unmanageable.

When it says “pets welcome”, it usually means dogs. Before you make this decision, bear in mind that pets are often treated like family members by their owners. This means that the dog is allowed to lie on the sofa, and in some cases even in the bed.

This has consequences for the cleanliness of your home and the longevity of your furniture.

Robust, easy-to-clean furniture is particularly important here. Place a blanket over the sofa and armchair that you can easily wash. Avoid carpets in your home at all costs. Hair is extremely difficult to remove. Equip your home with a vacuum cleaner.

A mop mob with an antistatic fringed cloth that can be washed enables effective and quick cleaning in between. With this mop, your guests can not only sweep up the sand quickly, but annoying dust fluff and balls of animal hair will also stick to it. A quick shake outside and the cleaning job is over.

A fenced property is ideal. Also fence off private areas, otherwise there won't be much left of your flower bed when your vacation guest's Jack Russell has dug for a mouse. A flower pot on your terrace that is “over-marked” several times a day can also pollute your air and mood on rain-free days.

If several apartments belong to your vacation home, this can lead to loud and difficult encounters between different dogs. Make your guests aware of the rules on your property. It's all about mutual consideration. No animal-loving vacationer wants to be woken up at 5 a.m. by a barking dog.

And it's about the safety of all guests. Children also go on vacation in pet-friendly apartments. Even if the guest is convinced that their dog won't bite, they must take the fears of children (and of course other adults) into consideration.

Make it clear to your guest in your brochure before they book which pets are allowed and which are not. You may not want your vacationer's tarantula or rat in your home.

Place filled water bowls in the outdoor area. Food and water bowls also belong in the vacation home. Keep dog waste bags to hand. Offer your guest the opportunity to borrow animal toys and a dog or cat bed.

A washable fabric bed is inexpensive. Most pet owners will certainly bring their own basket. This is familiar to your four-legged friend and does not smell like a strange animal.

Include information such as: Where is the nearest forest or exercise area? Where is it compulsory to keep your dog on a lead in the area. Where is there a dog beach?

Score points with additional offers such as a dog-walking service. Many dog owners have to make an effort at home to provide their four-legged friends with the necessary and regular exercise. The possibility of being able to drop off your dog in the morning and disappear back into bed is a source of gratitude.

This is not just about people who are dependent on a wheelchair. Walking aids such as rollators have also become a familiar sight in our lives. Older or sick people can use them to stay mobile for longer. Some guests like to take their grandma with them on family vacations. This makes it all the more important for hosts to adapt to this.

Within apartments, a distinction is made between “barrier-free apartments” and “barrier-free apartments that can be used without restriction with a wheelchair”.

The requirements for barrier-free apartments are very complex and are defined by DIN standards. The “DIN 18040-2 Barrier-free building - Planning principles” is particularly important.

As a general rule, you need much more space than in a normal vacation apartment. All rooms, including the hallway and bathroom, must be spacious. Furniture must be spaced further apart so that people with walking aids can get around easily.

An “accessible apartment” must be barrier-free: no door thresholds, few stairs, elevator, wide doors, level showers and, where necessary, grab rails and support handles, non-slip floor coverings, higher beds, adapted seating furniture. This includes a disabled parking space directly next to the apartment. The surrounding area should also be designed to be barrier-free.

Wheelchair users require far more space than people with walking aids. Passage widths and doors for wheelchair users should be at least 90 centimeters. There must be no stairs or door thresholds at all and ramps must be available. A disabled parking space at least 3.50 m wide is required.

If your home has several floors, there must be an elevator. The handle height on doors and windows must be adjusted. This also applies to the height of light switches and sockets throughout the home.

Everything in the bathroom should also be stepless. The washbasin must be wheelchair accessible and you must install appropriate grab rails and support handles on the toilet and in the shower. In the kitchen, the worktop should have the appropriate height and also be wheelchair accessible. Crockery cupboards and bookshelves should be installed at the appropriate height.

The folder for guests should include information such as: Where can they find accessible stores and restaurants? What is the best route to the beach? Which excursion destinations and sights do you recommend? Addresses of doctors, physiotherapists and massage practices.

Honestly, are you only interested in the rental income? Or are you a host with heart and soul? Do you feel fulfilled when your guests shake your hands happily and thank you a thousand times when they leave? Maybe you want to come back next year?

To achieve this, avoid a few “stumbling blocks” and prevent unnecessary complaints.

Of course, you can't please every guest. People are so fundamentally different and so are their expectations and needs. What you can do, however, is avoid misunderstandings caused by a lack of communication.

In our experience, many complaints are caused by unrealistic expectations on the part of the holidaymaker because certain information was missing or simply wrong before the start of the trip.

Don't take criticism personally. Dissatisfaction is often caused by other frustrations that have built up in the guest's everyday life and are now seeking an outlet at the vacation destination. You have little influence on such sensitivities, but you do have influence on the information you provide.

Many complaints are caused by misleading or out-of-date information in the online advertisement. Check your ad regularly! Replace outdated photos. Also update the tips that you have put together for the guest in a folder at the vacation destination. It is annoying to end up hungry in front of a closed restaurant after a long trip.

Other complaints are usually caused by a lack of cleanliness in the accommodation, unreliability when handing over the keys, faulty technical equipment and furniture as well as different expectations regarding the quality and number of sleeping arrangements.

You can avoid all this by checking once more. Are all the details in the advertisement correct? Is the apartment clean? Do all the appliances work? Are the batteries in the remote control full? Does the sofa collapse when you sit down? Does the bed squeak? Is the mattress sagging?

Leave a visible telephone number where your guests can call for help if an appliance breaks down during their stay. If necessary, have spare appliances (kettle, toaster, coffee machine) ready so that defective appliances can be replaced immediately. Your telephone number is also important in case you are delayed in handing over the keys due to an accident or traffic jam.

In order to constantly improve your offer, ask your guest for feedback. Place an A4 sheet in the apartment with sections such as: What was missing? What did you not like? What can we do differently and better? Or you can put a “complaint box” or a “gripe box” in which every guest can put something.

Then the frustration is in the right place. It's worse if your guest types their annoyance into review portals on the Internet.