Here’s Little Story 3 of 13. Each considers (some of) why, I think, Old Post Office Riverside Holiday Cottages have spiking occupancy and 95% perfect 10/10 reviews.
3. Making names up for things.
I like Malmaison. As does 10 year old Izobel. Me, for the purple and the quirk. Izobel, for the burgers.
However, the stab of what Malmaison really costs, in York for example, makes choosing them ever more tricky.
The per-night cost of a 3 night stay is say, £230. For me, that’s special/palatable.
But…
Parking is £40 per day. So £120.
Ziggy (doggo) is £25 per day. So £75.
An extra fold-out bed is £30 per night. So £90.
The per-night cost of a 3 night stay is not £230. It’s £325. Not good. For two reasons.
1. I pay more than I prepared for.
2. I feel conned.
For a long-term thinking brand (that’s all brands), 2 is far, far worse than 1. Because here’s my actual takeaway:
1. That was shit. If I go back I’ll be better prepared, I guess. Expectation adjusted.
2. Malmaison conned me.
So, after experiencing crap like that (a lot… £5 for logs?!) I decided to take the phenomenon seriously at Old Post Office, and make a name up for it.
‘Price-creep’.
Here’s what it says on the homepage of our website:
EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.
No “price-creep” for parking, fire pit logs, snacks, drinks or dogs. You get:
– Wine.
– Tony Chocolonely (the biggun).
– Chilled water.
– Giant marshmallows for fire pit toasting.
– Hot popcorn for movies.
– Milk.
– Sourdough.
– Butter.
– Coffee 3-ways (Nespresso, beans, quality instant).
– Tea.
– Sugar.
– Olive oil.
– Spices.
– Logs.
– Firelighters.
– Matches.
I reference ‘Price Creep’ at our website every time the user is asked to consider booking.
ENDNOTE.
If you’re committing to something you feel is important, think about giving it a name. A made up name or an out-of-context name is better than a boring one. They’re more memorable.
‘Price Creep’ is made up.
‘Doggy Demuddification Station’ is made up.
‘Doggy Hotel’.
‘Tiny Riverside Gallery’.
All made up.
These are things our guests remember and talk about.
Because it’s easy shorthand.
Malmaison, I still like. But I choose them less because of how they make me feel when it comes to price.
As a responsible grown up, I have however addressed this. I stole a coffee cup, which I’m drinking from as I write this.
It probably cost Malmaison £3. But it does make me feel slightly better.
____________________________________
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