When guests book a stay at your Cotswold Lakes holiday cottage, they’re not just choosing a place to sleep — they’re choosing an experience. And one of the most thoughtful things you can give them is a guide that helps them settle in, explore like a local, and feel completely at home.
That’s where Touch Stay comes in. Their digital guidebooks make it easy to share everything from check-in tips to your favourite lakeside walk — all in one friendly, easy-to-use place.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to create a warm, engaging destination digital guidebook that feels personal, helpful, and full of heart.
Why Guests Love Digital Guidebooks
A good digital guidebook feels like a friendly hand on their shoulder, gently guiding them through their stay. It helps guests:
- Feel reassured and prepared
- Avoid confusion or last-minute questions
- Discover the best the Cotswold Lakes has to offer
- Enjoy a calmer, more effortless stay
It also saves you time by reducing repeat questions — a win for everyone.
How to Build a Friendly, Guest-Focused Local Digital Guidebook Using Touch Stay
1. Start with a Genuine, Heartfelt Welcome
Your introduction sets the tone. Use it to:
- Welcome guests warmly
- Share what you love about hosting
- Explain what makes your cottages special
- Add a photo that captures the calm and beauty of the Cotswold Lakes
A little friendliness goes a long way in helping guests feel looked after.
Example Touch Stay Digital Guidebook – Windrush Turret Lodge
2. Organise Your Digital Guidebook in a Way That Feels Calm & Clear
Guests often skim your guide during travel or while juggling bags and excited children — so clarity is everything.
Here are the sections that work beautifully:
Arrival & Check-In
Simple steps, helpful details, and anything that makes coming through the door feel easy.
- How Things Work – Straightforward instructions for heating, Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, TV, and anything else they’ll use daily.
- Safety & Practical Tips – From emergency numbers to where to find the nearest corner shop — this helps guests feel secure and prepared.
- Explore the Cotswold Lakes – This is where your local knowledge shines.
3. Share the Local Places You Truly Love
Your guests want recommendations from someone who knows the area — not a generic list from Google.
Think about:
- Your favourite lakeside picnic spot
- The pub that always makes guests smile
- That little café that does the best morning pastries
- A gentle walk for all ages
- A “secret” view you love at sunset
These small touches make guests feel like they’re being welcomed by a friend, not just hosted.
4. Use Lovely, Helpful Visuals
Touch Stay lets you add photos, videos, maps, and even weather widgets. These help guests feel oriented, especially if:
- You show them how to work tricky appliances
- You add maps to walking or cycling routes
- You include beautiful photos of local scenery
Visuals remove stress and add excitement — a perfect pairing for holidays.
5. Add Simple, Ready-to-Use Itineraries
Guests adore recommendations that take the thinking out of planning. You might include:
- A perfect first day at the Cotswold Lakes
- A family-friendly afternoon full of fresh air
- A romantic lakeside day for two
- A cosy rainy-day plan with indoor treats
Itineraries are one of the easiest ways to help guests make memories.
6. Make the Most of Touch Stay’s Helpful Features
These built-in tools make your guidebook even more welcoming:
- Time-released check-in details – Keeps things simple and avoids overwhelm.
- First Impressions message – A friendly “hope everything’s perfect — let me know if you need anything” goes a long way.
- Extras or add-ons – Guests appreciate being able to book welcome hampers, firewood, late checkouts or local experiences without fuss.
- Email sign-up – Invite guests to stay in touch, especially if you offer returning guest perks.
7. Share Your Guidebook Early and Gently
Let your guests know it’s there to help them, not overwhelm them. Share it:
- In your booking confirmation
- Closer to arrival day
- Via QR code inside the cottage
- In any scheduled messaging
A simple line like “This guide has everything you need for a lovely, stress-free stay” goes a long way
8. Keep It Fresh & Full of Heart
Your digital guidebook should feel alive and cared for. Refresh it regularly by:
- Adding new café or pub recommendations
- Sharing seasonal walks or events
- Updating photos
- Removing anything that’s changed
A well-loved guidebook feels like an extension of your hospitality.
The Difference It Makes
A warm, thoughtful digital guidebook helps your guests:
- Feel welcomed
- Explore with confidence
- Make special memories
- Leave glowing reviews
- Want to return again and again
It also helps you run your cottages more smoothly and with less stress — which is just as important.
See Orion Holidays ‘Touch Stay’ Guest Guide for 60 holiday cottages in thej Cotswold Lakes – https://guide.touchstay.com/guest/bjtdm080slOwa/
Need Help Creating Your Own Beautiful Guest Digital Guidebook?
At TRW Marketing Services, I help cottage owners create digital guidebooks using Touch Stay that feel warm, memorable, and genuinely useful — with:
- Full Touch Stay setup
- Friendly, personalised content
- Local recommendations and walking routes
- Custom photos, maps, and itineraries
- Messaging templates
- Seasonal content updates
If you’d like me to create (or refine) your own guidebook for your holiday home, I’d be delighted to help
Useful Links & More Information:
- 13 Essentials to Include in Your Informative Local Visitor Guide
- How to Create a Helpful Guest Information Folder
- Bring your Holiday Location to Life with an Interactive Map
- Don’t Be A Best Kept Secret – Spread the Word
- Touch Stay – ‘Provide Better customer experiences for your guests’
