Lay My Hat

Yes, they are just booking agents (who take a fat fee).

+1 The agent is just that, someone acting on your behalf. You hold all the risk. The same is true in residential letting. If say, the agent makes an error whilst taking and processing the deposit, it is still you who the courts hold to be accountable, not the agent. You will need your own public lia...

Be prepared for your agent to argue their case (code for refuse). Their fear will be that you contact guests direct to get them to book through you rather than the agent. Perhaps think about your response.

Here is your link. There’s a lot to read. But we are included in hospitality sector

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining ... -and-trace

Do your guests pay less for under occupancy? It isn’t something I offer, but many owners and agents do. If so, then you have a valid case to ask your agent for accurate information. There are other ways in which you can subtly find out about occupancy - only leave enough towels for 2 if the bookin...

The test may come after a bit more time. I think you only sleep 2??? But if say you had a couple of single beds as well, you would want matching duvet covers and when one needs replacing and the other is serviceable, you sometimes find you cannot get the pattern again. Generally, hospitality standar...

Just a thought. If you have a flat, buildings insurance is generally covered within your management fee. That means you only need contents, public liability and to be sure it covers bathroom etc.

Do Boshers realise this? Are they quoting you you for buildings and contents?

I think I would try and get a homeowners quote for the same property to see if it’s the actual building that’s causing the issue. Otherwise do shop around and consider using a broker as you are being quoted a high rate (unless it’s filled with priceless antiques?? :D ). I presume you have checked th...

You don’t say if you have approached specialist companies such as Schofield’s, Boshers, NFU, Cottagesure?? It is essential as stated above to get a wide range of quotes from different companies, but the specialist ones usually understand what you need and include this in their policy. Good luck and ...

Here's a link to Which that suggests it is more likely in France than in Spain but not certain. Thanks for the link to the Which article. Now I realise you were only referring to people going to stay at a friend's or family's home. What bothers me is that even if Spain gets to the 'green light', th...

Yes, totally agree Sunbeam. Have you seen the recent news article showing a happy couple who’ve booked two holidays in the knowledge they’ll cancel one ! They think it’s fine because of course the owners can re let ... Words fail me at this point. This issue is also picked up on the UK thread follo...

If they have booked through an agent, will the owner get enough information to know it is them? The agent won’t cancel them. What people don’t realise is that this practice will push up prices for everyone. Not only holidays, but restaurants where the practice exists as well. Some horrid people won’...

Just an additional thought. You say you are in a tourist area, and look to have more than one holiday let. It’s worth looking into the costs that you will incur for your changeovers. Whilst you can vary your changeover day (Friday for one, Saturday for another etc) the issue is that there is limited...

Do you have local tourist information offices or officers? They will be able to tell you about demand for accommodation. An agent will promise you the world until you have signed the contract with them. Really good quality accommodation which is very clean, very well equipped and in a good location ...