My wee brother has just bought a small chalet park in Perthshire. Timber holiday Lodges, you know the kind of thing. (I'm not telling you where so I can't be accused of advertising<BR><BR>If YOU were staying at one of these, what would make the difference between an OK week or weekend and a really great one? Please let me have your thoughts. Thanks in anticipation

Well I often do self catering in the UK so I do have some suggestions. (BTW - I personally avoid the holiday chalet/timber lodge type accomodations because I prefer real cottages. But I do sometimes rec them to friends/ clients because they are usually pretty new and have modern appliances, etc)<BR><BR>A wahser/dryer in each unit is a big plus for Americans. A separate laundry room for the whole complex is OK but most Americans have their own washers/dryers at home and prefer it that way.<BR><BR>Having bicycles - either free loaners or for a moderate rent is a big plus. Some families like to go on rides but can't really bring bikes on their flights.<BR><BR>Arranging consession greens fees for nearby golf courses would be a big draw for some.<BR><BR>providing a small hospitality pack on arrival is good. This should include at minimum salt, pepper, bread, milk, butter, and paper servettes (napkins to Americans) or paper towels.<BR><BR>Provide washing up liquid and toilet paper -- for some reason many travelers object to having to buy toilet tissue while on holiday. They will complain about this even if everything else is wonderful.<BR><BR>provide instructions for anything like imersion heater, heated towel rails, washer dryer, and little things like telling them the electric wall plugs must be switched on (they are not like that at home and some folks take a couple of days to figure it out)<BR><BR>Provide a list - including menus if possible - of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafes. Also directions to the nearest village shops, super markets and petrol stations.<BR><BR>Most of these ideas don't cost much if anything (except the washer/dryers) but would really make a visit happier.

Perhaps offering friends (of his sister) from out of town,(waaay out of town) some free nights

air-conditioning

I don't really watch television while travelling much anyway, so whether or not the place has a tv or not isn't terribly important to me. However, I do miss being able to have music playing in the background. A radio doesn't cost much, and would add a good bit to my enjoyment; something with a tape deck or CD player would even better.<BR><BR>I'm a sucker for quality linens. A cosy throw on the sofa to curl up under on chilly evenings would be a nice touch. A deck of cards, or even some board games might be fun to have around, as would some inexpensive paperback books (several places I've stayed have an informal &quot;leave one, borrow another&quot; system.)<BR><BR>Adequate pots/pans, dishes, and glassware make a big difference. They don't have to be fancy, but I find it depressing when everything is mismatched.

andy - ac in Perthshire???? definitely not necessary.

if you are over 50 and have hot flashes, it may come in handy! LOL

1. A decent history book for the area.<BR><BR>2. A basket of teas and coffees, including decaf to brew.<BR><BR>3. A listing of church services for different denominations or faiths<BR><BR>4. DVD or VHS player<BR><BR>5. Local maps<BR><BR>6. A list of restaurants and reccommendations<BR><BR>7. A nice friendly smile!<BR><BR>US

I think many people would appreciate information on day trips and other activities in the area, whether done independently or through a tour company. A library of guidebooks and other books for the region would also be nice (we do this for our guest room here in Shanghai!).

Some very good suggestions from other folks, I concur. But focus on the basics of comfort first. Decent plumbing, for example. I stayed at a B &amp; B once where the en-suite was a shower smaller than an old-time American phone booth, with just a dribble of water. It costs almost nothing to put a showerhead on a flexible hose, provide towel warmers, etc. It doesn't need to be luxurious, but clean, large, and easy to use no matter what your width or height. Here's another basic (depends on location): screens to keep out mosquitos, etc. And, low-wattage night lights so you don't have to turn on a light to get around safely in the middle of the night in a strange place. (I pack a nightlight, but not everyone does.) And high-wattage bulbs near a reading chair or table. Good Luck!

What would make me happy:<BR>It would need to have good heating. Although a/c might make some happy (I understand why) on a raw wet Scottish day, plenty of warmth is essential.<BR>Big fluffy towels, soft sheets, extra blankets and good pillows.<BR>Good reading light.<BR>I enjoy hotels that provide bottled water in the rooms.<BR>Maps or brochures for things to do in the area.<BR>Good coffee in the morning.<BR>It seems to be the small things that some hotels scrimp on that make all the difference in comfort.

Thanks very much everyone. This is great. Above and beyond.<BR><BR>Please keep it coming.

Hi Sheila,<BR> Do you have a fireplace? If so, some imitation logs to burn.<BR><BR> I always miss having a decent radio.<BR><BR> Is there a place to build a campfire and toast marshmallows?<BR><BR> Fishing tackle for the kids?

The most important (and often overlooked) is a comfortable bed!! If you have two bedrooms, perhaps a firmer mattress is one... Also, several different pillows--soft, fluffy but not too thick for me; much firmer for others.

In 2000 we stayed in what we think was the best ever s/c in Sicily so I'm trying to remember what made us say that.<BR>I remember that the batterie de cuisine was phenomenal-complete even to include egg cups which you never think of until they are not there.<BR>We had enough pillows for 2 each-always a problem.<BR>The a/c had a remote control and when the heat was too intense my daughter lay on the settee with the a/c remote in one hand directing the cold air over her and the T.V. remote in the other!I don't think it will be THAT hot but I have stayed in log chalets in Sweden where we have baked even with all the windows open all night.<BR>There was a large bowl of fresh fruit waitng for us.<BR>There were two bathrooms<BR>There was even a/c in the bedrooms.<BR>There was a telephone in the room which we could use whilst the recption was open.