If you want happier guests, higher ratings, and fewer headaches, start with the foundations. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan shares the Sykes Holiday Cottages onboarding playbook – from non-negotiable safety and quality checks to the communication habits that shape every short-term rental stay. We cover cleaning standards, deep-clean cadence, maintenance routines, and how to respond when a review stings.

Rachel also explains how owners can protect their energy, avoid burnout, and choose the right vacation rental management partner (including what to ask before you sign). Whether you self-manage or use an agency, this is a practical checklist you can apply this week.

0:00 Episode starts

1:59 The non-negotiables: quality products, cleaning, health and safety, legal requirements 

6:08 Clear and friendly guest communication sets the tone for the entire stay

11:34 Cleaning is critical

14:29 Deep cleans and maintenance checks

16:22 Responding to negative reviews

18:58 How to avoid burnout and stay positive 

21:24 How to choose a holiday let management company

24:28 Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ or call: 01244 345700

Join Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages for Holiday Let Success in Chester on Tuesday 11 November. The event is free to attend and will be held at Sykes HQ. Register here: https://www.hostplanet.club/events

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Rachel Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/

Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Episode to check next: Agency vs Self-Managing Your Holiday Let – What’s Best?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onk0VQ99g-c

Holiday Let Insider is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club

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