Introduction: Hosting Is About More Than Just the House

In the world of short-term lets, it's often the little touches—local tips, clear house rules, and good communication—that turn a pleasant stay into an unforgettable one. Whether your property is in Margate’s buzzy Old Town, Broadstairs' seaside serenity, or Ramsgate’s historic harbour, being prepared for guest FAQs is essential.

Dayna and Sofia, local experts at Pass the Keys Thanet, know exactly what guests want to know—and what hosts often overlook. Here’s how to answer the most common questions to enhance your guest experience and boost your reviews.

1. Know Your Neighbourhood: Paint a Picture for Guests

Guests are curious about what surrounds them—especially when visiting a place with Thanet’s coastal charm. Sharing real, walkable insights about your neighbourhood helps guests settle in quickly.

Share These Details:

• Street Personality: Is it peaceful, bustling, family-friendly, or artistically vibrant?

• Noise or Events: Are there late-night bars, live music, or seasonal festivals that could affect their stay?

• Walkable Amenities:

  • Margate: Nearby spots like Turner Contemporary, vintage shops, or Cliftonville cafés.

  • Ramsgate: Proximity to the Royal Harbour, Waitrose, or beach promenades.

  • Broadstairs: How close is Viking Bay, Morelli’s Gelato, or the train station?

• Transport:

  • Nearest bus stops and routes for exploring Thanet

  • Distance to National Rail stations (e.g., high-speed Margate to London in 1h30)

Local Tip:

“We always recommend guests check out hidden gems like The Chapel in Broadstairs or cliff-top walks from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay. A little local flair goes a long way.” – Dayna

 

2. House Rules: Set Expectations Up Front

Clear house rules avoid confusion and ensure everyone’s comfort, especially in a family or group setting near the beach.

Include Guidance On:

• Check-in/out procedures: Key safes, digital locks, or meet-and-greets

• Noise: Especially important for flats in Margate or terraces near the Old Town pubs

• Pets: Are dogs allowed? Any restrictions on pet size or where they can roam?

• Sand & Sea: Encourage rinsing sandy feet and wet swimsuits outside to protect floors

• Smoking/Vaping: Clear yes/no guidance—particularly for balcony or garden spaces

• Shared Areas (if applicable): Clarify if guests are renting the whole property or sharing access

Pro Tip: Add laminated signage near doors or appliances to reinforce rules without being overbearing.

3. Emergency & Practical Info: Safety and Comfort

Thanet is safe and friendly, but emergencies happen. Guests will appreciate your attention to detail when it comes to safety and troubleshooting.

Include in Your Guide:

• Your Contact Info: Include a mobile number and WhatsApp for ease

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 999 for police/fire/ambulance

  • 111 for NHS advice

• Nearest Hospital: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM), St Peter's Road, Margate

• Pharmacies: Boots in town centres and late-opening branches

• Power Cut or Water Issue?

  • Location of fuse box and water stopcock

  • Instructions for boiler reset and heating

  • Troubleshooting Wi-Fi (reboot router, passwords)

Sofia says:

“Add a simple laminated ‘What to Do If...’ card near the kitchen. It avoids panic calls and makes guests feel secure.”

 

4. Local Recommendations: Become Their Insider Guide

Your guests don’t want tourist traps—they want your recommendations. Sharing personal favourites makes their stay more authentic and shows you care.

Suggest Places To:

• Eat & Drink:

  • Margate: Buoy and Oyster, Angela’s, or Oast

  • Ramsgate: Archive café, Royal Harbour Brasserie, or Flavours by Kumar

  • Broadstairs: Wyatt & Jones, The Tartar Frigate, or Broadstairs Fish Bar

• Cafés & Coffee:

  • Curve Coffee, The Greedy Cow, or Seaside Kitchen & Cake Parlour

• Shops & Markets:

  • Margate’s Old Town for vintage and vinyl

  • Ramsgate Saturday Market

• Outdoors:

  • Botany Bay for iconic chalk cliffs

  • Stone Bay for quiet swimming

  • Viking Coastal Trail for walking and cycling

• Family Attractions:

  • Dreamland Margate

  • Shell Grotto

  • Ramsgate tunnels

Bonus: Provide a QR code to a Google Map with your pinned favourites, or use a service like TouchStay or YourWelcome to create a digital guestbook.

Conclusion: Hosting Done Right with Pass the Keys Thanet

By answering these common guest questions before they arise, you not only improve your reviews—you reduce your own workload. Guests feel welcomed, respected, and connected to the local area, making them more likely to return and recommend your home.

At Pass the Keys Thanet, Dayna and Sofia take care of the heavy lifting—from marketing and bookings to 24/7 guest support and cleaning—so you can focus on creating an exceptional stay.

“We want every guest to fall in love with Thanet—and every host to feel confident and hands-off.” – Dayna & Sofia

Ready to unlock your holiday home’s full potential?
Contact Pass the Keys Thanet and let Dayna and Sofia help you become the best host in town.