A Typical Monday in the Life of a Holiday Accommodation Manager: The Behind-the-Scenes Work That Keeps Your Holiday Running Smoothly
Managing holiday accommodations is more than just bookings and check-ins—it’s a full day of ensuring that everything runs smoothly, so guests can focus on relaxing. Here’s a look into what a typical day in the life of a holiday accommodation manager looks like.
7 AM – Breakfast and Booking Requests
After letting my pups out to do their morning business, I kick off my day by reviewing overnight booking requests while enjoying my morning toast. Whilst doing so, I mentally tick through a list of which properties need attention from housekeeping today. Are there enough supplies in the homes? Do the windows at The Residensea need a fresh clean? This early hour is all about planning ahead.
8 AM – Leaving Home to Drop Off Keys
A quick goodbye and I am out the door, time to leave keys in some key-safes for housekeeping this morning. I conduct a quick inspection of each property and leave housekeeping any notes required. I will be back this afternoon to ensure that everything is spotless, secured and collect the keys.
9 AM – Office and Confirming Bookings
After visiting 4 to 6 properties to inspect and set housekeeping tasks, I head to the office. My first task: confirming overnight booking requests. I check in with guests to confirm details, (are you bringing a pet?) ensure the properties are ready and available, and get everything finalized for the day.
10 AM – Final Property Checks
Next, I’m out the door again, heading to the homes with guest arrivals today. I do final checks: is there enough toilet paper? Are there fresh dishwashing supplies, salt, pepper, and coffee? I inspect every corner—from checking if the soaps and shampoos are refilled to ensuring the bathrooms, kitchen, and BBQs are spotless. Are there any sneaky cobwebs that have come back? Depending on the day, this process can involve visiting 5 to 10 properties.
12 PM – Minor Updates from Housekeeping
Back at the office, housekeeping updates come in: Salmon Street has a couple of blown light bulbs, and the shower head at Between Two Lakes needs replacing. I also get a message that the departing guests from Surf Cottage left some items behind—looks like I’ll be heading out to collect them and post them off.
1 PM – Admin, Marketing, and New Listings
After handling the housekeeping updates, I switch gears to focus on admin and marketing. I’m answering phone inquiries, responding to emails, processing booking requests, and even setting up a new holiday location to go live on our site. Is the photo order correct? Is the pricing right? Every detail counts.
3 PM – Post-Housekeeping Checks
By mid-afternoon, it’s time to check properties after housekeeping. I make sure everything is clean, turned off, and secure—the buck stops with me when it comes to guest satisfaction and safety.
4 PM – Team Meeting with Lyne
At the end of the day, I meet with Lyne to discuss tomorrow’s guest arrivals and departures, housekeeping schedules, and any updates that need to be passed on to property owners. We go over everything to ensure the next day runs smoothly.
5 PM – Garbage and Recycling Duties
Before heading home, I handle a crucial but less glamorous task: taking out the garbage bins for properties that had guests this week. I also check whether the fortnightly recycling bins need to go out at any homes.
6 PM – Guest Check-Ins and Queries
The day wraps up by sending a quick note to guests, thanking them for confirming their safe arrival and making sure they’re all settled in. I also answer any inquiries from current or soon-to-arrive guests, making sure everyone feels welcomed and taken care of.
Running a holiday accommodation business is a busy, fast-paced job, but it’s all worth it when guests arrive to perfectly prepared homes and have a fantastic stay. Every task, from big to small, ensures that their holiday is seamless and enjoyable.
