Quote Originally Posted by Tonish View Post
As a guest, I have to say it's a fine balance. Totally agree with KG and Fraser that there is a huge difference between a property which is used and cared for by the owner as a home from home, and one which is simply a business. However we've found that if it's too much like someone's home, that can be just as offputting. We have no problem with personal photos on the wall etc, but it does need to be kept to a reasonable minimum. If it's overdone it feels as if you are intruding in someone's personal space and that is horrible. My tips for owners pondering this are:

1. Most comfortable beds you can afford together with quality bed coverings/sheets/pillows/towels. Makes a massive difference to how you feel about the place.
2. Good range of kitchen equipment - importantly including sharp, quality cooking knives and not the really cheap rubbish often provided.
3. Some personal photos and something which gives a little hint about who you are and what type of person you are - it's hard to articulate this properly, but as a guest you do wonder who the owner is and are they someone you can relate to. There is honestly no good reason why it should be any of our business or should matter at all, but the reality is that when you're using someone's home, it's quite nice to feel like you know them (at least a little). I suspect it also encourages guests to take a bit more personal responsibility for ensuring they look after your property.
4. But absolutely all at a minimum and subtle. Too much is a bit "icky".
Thanks Tonish this is really useful, I completely agree with you about beds, linens and towels, kitchen equipment etc but I've not put personal photos in the villa - we rented a villa on the coast and there was a personal photo which 'creeped me out!' I laid it face down while we were there [msnembarrased]

What do other guests feel about photos in the villa? I'm intrigued now!