Here’s Little Story 5 of 13. Each considers (some of) why, I think, Old Post Office Riverside Holiday Cottages have spiking occupancy and 95% perfect 10/10 reviews.
5. Removing worry.
I think one of the big enemies of a good experience for guests… is assumption.
Assuming what they know.
Assuming they know what we know.
So to overcome that, here’s the text we send to guests before arrival:
“Hello Max. It’ll be great to welcome you to Old Post Office today for your 2 night stay. Check in is from 3pm. You’re in our River Cottage as you know. We’ll be here to greet you.
From the A69, you’ll see the Bardon Mill turnoff. 500 yards after that turnoff, Old Post Office is on your left. There’s a big red gate. Your private parking is on the pavement just outside that gate, parallel to the road, reversed up to the 4 white stones.
Please can you let us know both guest names? And your doggo(s)!
If you visit our website (see below) you can read about walks and other useful bits and bobs too. Thank you so much for choosing to stay with us. If you have any questions please just come to us at any time.
Mychael, Lisa and Izobel. Old Post Office, Northumberland. www.oldpostoffice.co.uk.”
…
It’s nothing snazzy. But it reduces worry about basics (where we are, where to park, how to get in), plus it tells them we know the basics too (we’re expecting them, who they are, which cottage, how many nights).
Other things to reduce worry:
1. All cottages contain basics. So a late arrival doesn’t mean having to buzz to a late night garage. Cottages contain wine, Tony Chocolonely, chilled water, giant marshmallows, popcorn, milk, sourdough, butter, coffee 3-ways (Nespresso, beans, quality instant), tea, sugar, olive oil, spices, logs, firelighters and matches. Basics-plus. For free.
2. Lone female travellers are specially catered for: https://lnkd.in/eRm4G-vr.
3. Dogs don’t need anything. Everything’s here. Even dog shampoo.
4. It’s surprising how many people worry about bringing linen and towels. Both are, of course, provided.
5. Security. We’re super safe. There’s CCTV all over, sensitively positioned. Not that there’s been a crime in the village for decades.
6. Everything’s included. So no staring at a chocolate bar at midnight. Wondering if it’s going to cost £5.
ENDNOTE.
We got better at reducing worry over time. Listening to questions. Answering them before they’re asked. It’s work in progress.
_________________________________
I’ll post 10 times throughout November 2026, about Old Post Office Riverside Holiday Cottages.
Because occupancy is spiking, the first 30-odd reviews in 2026 were a perfect 10/10 and 95% of ALL reviews (500+) are a perfect 10/10.
If you have holiday cottages, or want to have holiday cottages, this might help.
Please repost and tag if anyone you know might want to read the series throughout November 2026.
Thank you. And Merry Christmas.
Mychael.
Website: www.oldpostoffice.co.uk