The Secret to a Full Calendar? It’s Your Returning Guests.
- Cambridge Stays
- May 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7
In the landscape of short let Cambridge UK, where guests can choose from hundreds of flats and houses to let, standing out isn't just about aesthetics or amenities anymore. It’s about relationship-building. And in the world of Airbnb and serviced accommodation, few relationships are more valuable than the one with a returning guest.
They’re the dream: guests who already know your check-in process, respect your house rules, leave the property spotless, and often book directly to avoid third-party platform fees. In Cambridge, where competition among short let apartments Cambridge is fierce and high season dates fill fast, encouraging guest loyalty could be the difference between a vacant weekend and reliable income.
Why Loyalty Discounts Work for Short Let Cambridge UK
The best guests cost the least to retain. Unlike one-time visitors, loyal guests don’t need expensive PPC campaigns, remarketing funnels, or last-minute platform boosts. They already trust you. And that trust can translate into longer stays, off-season bookings, and better reviews.
In the Cambridge property lettings market, building brand loyalty isn’t just for hotels. By offering modest loyalty discounts or perks to past guests, landlords can secure bookings during shoulder periods or at the edges of peak season without resorting to public price cuts. When managed correctly, these incentives reduce your marketing spend and improve income stability.
When and How to Offer Discounts Without Undervaluing
Loyalty offers should never feel desperate. Instead, they should feel like a thank-you. We recommend offering them:
After a second stay, not the first
During off-peak periods (e.g., outside May Balls, graduation, or conference season)
Via direct email or messaging, not via OTA platforms where price perception is critical
A 5–10% discount, a waived cleaning fee, or even just a late checkout can go a long way. Cambridge letting agents often overlook this guest segment, but for hosts focused on long-term value, it’s a goldmine.
Avoiding the Discount Trap: Keep Your Brand Premium
While a loyalty perk can attract, it shouldn’t cheapen. The trick is to focus on added value rather than constant reductions. Instead of lower rates, offer:
A free bottle of local wine
Complimentary welcome breakfast items
Free parking or bicycle hire (if not standard)
This way, your pricing stays strong, your guest feels appreciated, and your listing remains positioned as high-value—especially important in the flats to let Cambridge UK market, where price expectations can swing wildly.
Why Cambridge Stays Recommends a Strategic Retention Plan
At Cambridge Stays, we believe that every property to let near Cambridge should build not just bookings, but relationships. Our approach to guest retention isn’t about gimmicks — it’s about delivering consistently great experiences that people want to return to. That includes direct guest rebooking campaigns, personal touches during stays, and post-checkout follow-up to stay top of mind.
Unlike some cambridge property letting agency offerings that end at check-in, we support landlords with systems to capture and convert repeat interest into booked nights. And we do it without devaluing your property.
Build Loyalty, Boost Occupancy
In a market with plenty of competition but limited standout service, guest loyalty is a long-term play that delivers immediate rewards. Whether you manage a flat to let Cambridge or operate multiple properties to let Cambridge-wide, it pays to make guests want to return.
Ready to build loyalty the smart way? Cambridge Stays can help you design a retention strategy that protects your rates while boosting your returns.
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