Peak season readiness guide for hoteliers: be guest-ready

As the summer holiday season approaches in Australia and New Zealand, accommodation operators - from boutique hotels to family-run caravan parks - face a unique set of operational challenges and opportunities.

Many accommodation providers experience a noticeable increase in bookings, with many guests choosing to escape for the summer holidays. This period typically brings higher occupancy rates and elevated guest expectations, requiring additional preparation and attention to guest experience.

Conversely, some operators may anticipate a quieter season, as corporate travel slows down during the summer. This lull presents an opportunity to focus on other aspects of the business, such as property maintenance, staff planning and enhancing future guest services.

Having a clear and actionable checklist can make all the difference in delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining a well-run property. Our guide has been created to support hoteliers and small accommodation operators in both peak and low seasons: ensuring you are fully prepared for the busier period, while leveraging the quieter months to work on your business.

Use this resource as a seasonal guide to help you stay organised, proactive and ready to welcome guests - whatever the season looks like for your business.

Guest Experience and Services

• Refresh welcome amenities and local guides / information on what to do in the area.

• Update website and booking platforms with seasonal offers.

• Stock up on summer guest amenities such as bathrobes and slippers, pool towels, children’s amenity packs.

• Organise seasonal activities or partnerships with local tour operators.

• Ensure air conditioning and ventilation systems are working efficiently.

Staffing and Training

• Confirm staff schedules and annual leave.

• Hire seasonal staff if needed.

• Conduct refresher training on customer service and emergency procedures.

• Prepare contingency plans for any last-minute staff absences.

Property Readiness

• Deep clean all guest rooms and common areas.

• Inspect and service swimming pools and spas, BBQ areas and outdoor furniture.

• Check pest control measures.

• Ensure signage is clear and visible for summer guests, replacing any that are showing signs of wear.

Technology and Systems

• Evaluate booking systems and payment gateways.

• Review your pre-arrival guest communications and update with any seasonal information that will assist your guests in their holiday planning.

• Review your property’s FAQs on your website and set up automated responses for commonly asked guest enquiries on your social media channels.

• Review Wi-Fi performance and upgrade if needed.

Marketing and Communication

• Launch your summer promotions via email and social media.

• Create blog posts that help guests plan their summer holidays - these can also be shared across your social media to reach and inspire more travellers – here are some potential topics:

o Your Ultimate Summer Escape: Why (City or Town) is the Perfect Holiday Spot.

o What to Pack for a Perfect Summer Stay at (Your Property Name)

o Our Top 5 Family Experiences to Do Together

• Review and update your owned and third-party online listings including Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor and ATDW listings.

• Collaborate with your local tourism board with any summer-themed campaign activation(s) they have planned.

Compliance and Safety

• Review fire safety equipment and evacuation plans.

• Ensure all licenses and insurance are up to date.

• Check pool safety signage and fencing compliance.

Low Season Maintenance and Planning Checklist

Property Maintenance

• Schedule deep cleaning program, renovations, required maintenance and replacement of worn or damaged furnishings.

• Service HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical.

• Repaint or refresh interiors and exteriors.

• Conduct a full inventory check and restock supplies.

 Staff Management

• Approve staff leave and plan for reduced operations.

• Offer training or professional development opportunities.

• Review team performance and conduct appraisals.

Business Planning

• Analyse the current year’s performance, incorporating business and competitor set trends – reviewing your learnings on what has worked and what hasn’t.

• Review and update business plans and establish goals for the coming year:

o Review your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.

o Is your value proposition still an accurate reflection of the experience you are providing?

o Ensure your yearly calendar of activity reflects the upcoming holiday periods, seasonal campaign activity, local and regional events that influence your business.

• Review pricing strategy and sales restrictions: taking into consideration past trading performance, seasonality and special event periods.

o Implement any changes and undertake test bookings.

o Are there campaigns you will run again or review and adjust accordingly.

• Consolidate your guests’ feedback and incorporate within your continuous improvement program.

Marketing Content Creation

• Take time to review your year-round marketing plan - including blog content, newsletters, and social media posts - to ensure everything aligns with your seasonal goals and guest interests.

• Review and update your website content to ensure it’s optimised for search engines, local visibility (GEO), and emerging AI-powered search tools.

• Review your image library and identify opportunities to update or expand it with fresh, high-quality content.

Sustainability and Upgrades

• Explore energy-efficient upgrades (solar, LED lighting).

• Review waste management and recycling practices.

• Consider eco-certifications / accreditations or partnerships.

Whether this is a time for welcoming guests or to reflect and reset, do not forget to pause and enjoy some well-deserved time with the people who matter most – family and friends.

Published: October 2025