10 minutes Reading time
1-100 Brands ranked
Report Updated October 2024
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The holiday cottage industry has seen significant growth, with some brands outpacing others in both bookings and brand loyalty. But what makes a great host? Is it the perfect location, attention to detail, or the seamless digital experience that keeps guests coming back for more?
Our latest report delves deep into the leaders of the industry, identifying which brands are excelling at creating unforgettable stays. Whether it’s through top-tier guest services, consistent 5-star reviews, or adapting quickly to trends, these hosts have become the go-to choice for holidaymakers. Discover who’s setting the standard, and why their approach is winning over customers time and time again.
Who’s Winning and Losing in the Holiday Cottages Industry?
Not all cottage brands are finding smooth sailing. While some have skyrocketed in popularity, others are seeing declining bookings and customer dissatisfaction. Our analysis goes beyond surface-level trends to uncover the driving factors behind these shifts.
Which brands are making the most of their resources, and which ones are falling short? We highlight the top performers and those struggling to keep pace, offering insights into what separates the winners from the rest. Whether it’s adjusting to market demands, evolving with customer expectations, or mastering their digital strategy, the difference between success and stagnation has never been clearer.
With this in mind, the winning brands are:
• cottages.com
• forestholidays.co.uk
• caninecottages.co.uk
• simplyowners.net
• lakelovers.co.uk
While the losers are:
• hoseasons.co.uk
• sykescottages.co.uk
• historic-uk.com
• holidaylettings.co.uk
• classic.co.uk
If your brand is one of the ones lagging behind, don’t be upset - all it means is a little course correction is in order. Take a peek at those top 5 and see what they’re doing that you’re not, and see if you can’t change the tide for next year.
Which Holiday Cottage Brands Have the Best Digital Reach?
In today’s digital-first world, having a strong online presence is critical, especially in the competitive world of holiday cottages. From search visibility to social media engagement, brands that get noticed online are the ones driving bookings.
We’ve ranked the holiday cottage brands with the most robust digital footprint, looking at everything from monthly brand searches to Instagram followers. It’s not just about visibility - it’s about converting those clicks into bookings.
And on this, VRBO is killing it! With over 165,000 brand searches a month, and an owned social score blazing ahead of the competition, they’re making their mark in this sector and making a name for them beyond the rest.
Keyword Opportunities in the Holiday Cottages Market
With the right SEO strategy, even smaller brands can compete with industry giants. In our report, we break down the keyword landscape for the holiday cottage sector, identifying opportunities for brands looking to get ahead in organic search.
From high-volume, competitive keywords to niche terms with untapped potential, this section highlights where your brand can carve out a space and increase visibility. Whether you’re a big name or a smaller player, this is your guide to maximising SEO success in the cottage rental market.
So, what keywords are giving an edge?
Hot Tubs for Holiday Cottages
That’s right – hot tubs! People love a touch of luxury when they go away, and while we may not all be able to afford a maximum pampering spa stay, a private cottage with a hot tub in the middle of nature is a beautiful thing.
In fact, combined, all the hot tub-focused longtail keywords have a search volume of over 80k a month, making it a lucrative bit of the market to shout about if you have the feature. And if you don’t? Perhaps it’s worth considering the upgrade.
Which Holiday Cottage Brands Have the Best Online Reputation?
Reviews matter - especially in an industry where trust and guest satisfaction are paramount. By analysing review scores and customer feedback across various platforms, including Trustpilot, we’ve pinpointed the brands with the highest ratings and most consistent positive feedback. It’s not just about having a great property - it’s about ensuring every guest experience is a positive one.
That’s why it’s amazing that Sykes Cottages, despite being in the losing list for visibility, is doing so well with reviews. With an average review score of 4.6, those who are seeing and booking with them are clearly happy with what they’ve got on offer. A good product, talked about by happy customers, leads to good things. Keep it up!
Not Bad. How Much for the Report?
The best part about all this valuable data? It’s free! That’s right - we’re giving away the entire report at no cost. Why? Because we believe that access to market insights shouldn’t be behind a paywall.
Simply fill in the form above and we’ll send the report straight to your inbox. Our aim is to help brands navigate the competitive holiday cottage landscape with confidence, and we’re here to answer any questions you might have along the way.
Hey, Where's Our Holiday Cottages Brand in This Report?
Not seeing your brand in the rankings? Don’t worry - we can help! Get in touch with us for a bespoke analysis of your brand’s performance in the holiday cottages market. Whether it’s improving your digital reach, refining your keyword strategy, or enhancing your online reputation, we can provide the insights and strategy you need to stand out.
Ready to see how your brand compares? Drop us a line, and we’ll get you the answers you need to grow your business.