Category: Alojamientos

The low season not only offers a break from the usual hustle and bustle of the high season, but also presents the perfect opportunity to make our properties the best place for guests to stay. Here is a comprehensive guide to making the most of this period.

Review this season’s bookings and reviews

The first step in improving your holiday accommodation is to carefully review guest reviews. These comments are a goldmine of information that can help us identify both strengths and areas requiring attention. Do guests mention that the kitchen could be better equipped? Or perhaps the beds aren’t quite as comfortable as they could be? Taking note of these details and planning improvements can make a huge difference.

Common weak points and how to address them

1. General Maintenance

Make sure everything is in perfect working order. This ranges from repairing dripping taps to upgrading old or inefficient appliances. Functionality is key to a good review. Furthermore, regulations require you to provide guests with information and instructions on how to use appliances or other devices that require them for correct operation.

2. Comfort of the Furniture

Furniture should be comfortable and in good condition. Invest in good mattresses, sofas and chairs that encourage guests to relax. Remember that medium-firm mattresses are best, so that guests do not find them either too hard or too soft.

According to the regulations, beds must measure at least 80 × 1.90 cm for single beds and 1.35 × 190 cm for double beds. The property must have a wardrobe or designated space for clothes for every four guests, with an adequate number of hangers.

Bed bases and mattresses, which must be at least 18 cm thick, must be in good condition and provide a consistent level of support across their entire surface. Also check that the bed linen, blankets or duvets and pillows are in good condition, taking into account the number of occupants in the property, and remember to always have at least one spare set of bed linen.

3. Deep Cleaning

Cleanliness is one of the aspects most frequently criticised by travellers. Don’t skimp on this; a thorough clean can greatly improve a guest’s perception of your accommodation.

4. Technology and Connectivity

A fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential. Make sure the signal is strong in all areas of the accommodation. Also, check other essential devices that ensure a pleasant stay for the traveller, such as the television, air conditioning units, thermostats, etc.

5. Accommodation Equipment

According to regulations, accommodation must have a first-aid kit, as well as smoke detectors installed near the kitchen and a fire extinguisher. The property must also provide tourist information on the local area, leisure facilities, restaurants, shops and food outlets, the nearest car parks, local medical services, public transport links and a map of the town. 

The kitchen must have at least two hobs, an oven or microwave and a fridge; kitchenware appropriate to the capacity of the accommodation (crockery, cutlery, glassware, frying pans, saucepans, serving cutlery, corkscrew, bottle opener, scissors, can opener and colander); small electrical appliances (mixer, toaster or grill, juicer and coffee maker); storage units; cleaning equipment and a cleaning kit containing at least a scourer, a cleaning cloth, a soft cloth and cleaning gel; bin bags; a clothes horse, an iron and an ironing board; and facilities for the separate collection of waste, with the relevant information provided.

The bathroom shall be equipped with at least a toilet, washbasin, bath or shower tray, hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, one hand towel and one bath towel per person, non-slip flooring in showers and baths, a washable bath mat, a mirror, towel rails, an extra roll of toilet paper, a toilet brush, a power socket next to the mirror, a shelf, a hairdryer and a waste bin.

If you own a property used for short-term tourist accommodation listed on different booking platforms, you must have home insurance with included third-party liability cover. This will provide you with the protection you need in the event of incidents in your property that may unintentionally affect third parties, such as accidents, breakdowns or incidents, or fire or water damage to the property.

6. Details That Make the Difference

Small details such as providing a local guide to activities, or having board games, books or films available, can make your property stand out. Personalising the space with décor that reflects the local area can also significantly boost the property’s appeal, using colours that inspire calm to create an environment where guests feel at home; we’ll be sharing a more comprehensive list of décor tips on this blog shortly.

Investing in your property will not only boost guest satisfaction but can also justify higher rental rates and improve long-term occupancy.

As you implement these improvements, remember that every little detail counts when it comes to turning a pleasant stay into a memorable experience. At Cubo’s Holiday Homes, we’re committed to helping you achieve excellence in each of your properties. Let’s get started and get your holiday homes ready for success! If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Are you planning your next holiday and tired of the same old hotels? It’s time to consider a holiday rental! Holiday rentals offer a unique and personalised experience that you won’t find in a traditional hotel. In this blog, we’ll explain why choosing a holiday rental can completely transform the way you travel, making you feel right at home, even when you’re far from home!

Tailored to your needs

One of the biggest benefits of holiday rentals is the ability to find a place that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. From cosy studio flats in the heart of the city to luxurious beachfront villas, holiday rentals let you choose the atmosphere and amenities that best suit your lifestyle and that of your family or friends. Do you need a kitchen to cook your own meals or simply more space to relax? A holiday rental has it all.

Enjoy the local culture at your holiday accommodation

Staying in a holiday rental allows you to live like a local and experience the destination in a more authentic way. Stroll through local markets, cook with fresh, regional produce and discover hidden gems that are usually off the beaten track for typical tourists.

The most economical option for groups

Travelling in a group can be tricky and expensive when it comes to accommodation. Holiday rentals are the perfect solution, offering options that accommodate large groups under one roof. Not only does this make organisation easier and maximise quality time together, but it can also work out cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Feel right at home

Have you ever found yourself in a hotel wishing you had the comforts of home? Holiday rentals often come equipped with washing machines, tumble dryers, fully fitted kitchens and spacious living areas, making your stay more comfortable and convenient. They’re ideal for longer trips and for those who prefer to stick to a daily routine or simply want a more personal and private space.

Flexibility during your stay

Unlike hotels, where check-in and check-out times can be rigid, many holiday rentals offer flexibility to suit your travel plans. What’s more, you can enjoy the privacy of your own space without interruptions from cleaning services or noise from other guests, which is a real bonus for those who value peace and quiet and independence.

Choosing a holiday rental for your next holiday will not only provide you with a place to stay, but also an enriching experience that can be as unique as you are. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family retreat or an adventure with friends, a holiday rental is the way to go for a memorable stay.

So, why not make your next trip a truly homely experience? Explore our range of holiday rentals and pack your bags for your home away from home. Have a great holiday!

Click here to book your next holiday!

Holy Week in Málaga is a religious, social and cultural festival celebrated annually in the city with great pomp and devotion. This event, comprising 45 processions, offers a unique experience that completely transforms the atmosphere of the city.

At the heart of this celebration are the religious brotherhoods, some of which have a history dating back more than five centuries. These brotherhoods lead their patron images in procession from their places of origin along an official route through the historic centre; some even stop at the Cathedral during the penitential procession.

A distinctive feature of Holy Week in Málaga is the way the thrones are carried, using external poles that require the help of hundreds of people. Furthermore, the processions feature penitents, musicians, altar servers and military units, all of whom are essential elements of the event.

• Palm Sunday marks the start with nine processions, notably the iconic Pollinica brotherhood in the morning, followed by others such as Dulce Nombre, Humildad y Paciencia, Salutación, Ecce Homo, Salud, and the Virgen de Lágrimas y Favores in the afternoon.

• Holy Monday is marked by the main procession of Jesús Cautivo (with 4,100 members and 900 Nazarenes) from the Trinidad neighbourhood, accompanied by the popular brotherhoods of the Gitanos and the Estudiantes, as well as the Virgen de los Dolores del Puente.

• Holy Tuesday is characterised by the procession of the Virgin of El Rocío, known as ‘the Bride of Málaga’, alongside other traditional brotherhoods such as La Estrella, El Rescate and La Sentencia, as well as those of Las Penas and Nueva Esperanza.

• Holy Wednesday is distinguished by processions of a more traditional nature, such as those of the Cofradías Fusionadas, La Paloma, and Jesús ‘El Rico’ (in this brotherhood, a prisoner charged with minor offences is released during the procession, which takes place entirely in the Plaza del Obispo. The National Police also take part in this procession), ‘La Sangre’, and the sumptuous brotherhood of ‘La Expiración’ (the processions of La Expiración are among the most extensive of all the brotherhoods in Málaga. The participation of the Civil Guard also stands out as one of the distinctive features of their procession), as well as the Mediadora de la Salvación and the Salesianos.

• Holy Thursday is marked by the procession of La Esperanza, accompanied by others such as La Misericordia, Zamarrilla, La Sagrada Cena, Viñeros, the Congregación de Mena (the Congregación de Mena, whose full official name is the Pontifical and Royal Congregation of the Most Holy Christ of the Good Death and Souls and Our Lady of the Crowned Solitude, the Most Holy Christ of the Good Death is the patron and protector of La Legión, which is why the legion marches alongside the congregation on that Thursday evening) and the Vera Cruz, amongst others.

• Good Friday is characterised by processions setting out from various historic neighbourhoods, featuring brotherhoods such as La Victoria, La Malagueta, La Trinidad and El Molinillo, and others such as El Amor and Monte Calvario, the Descendimiento, the Soledad de San Pablo and the Piedad, as well as the iconic brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre.

• Following a Holy Saturday without processions, Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday with the procession of the Risen Christ, organised by the Association of Brotherhoods. Each brotherhood offers a unique spectacle at different locations around the city, such as processions and parades, crossing bridges, under the trees of the Alameda, along Calle Larios and at the Cathedral.

Holy
Week in Málaga is a true feast for the senses. Imagine walking through the streets whilst the scent of incense envelops you, mingling with the fragrance of fresh flowers. And let’s not forget the salty sea air, which also makes its presence felt. But it’s not just smells that fill the air; the atmosphere is charged with thrilling sounds: from the heavy footsteps of the processional floats to the processional marches that send shivers down your spine, not to mention the shouts of encouragement for the sacred images – all to the rhythm of bands playing music that touches your soul.

To round off, here’s the itinerary for these days of Passion in the city of Málaga, so you don’t miss a single memorable moment of this great tradition. SEE ITINERARY

If you’d like to experience it up close, take a look at our accommodation options in the city. CUBO’S HOLIDAY HOMES

As well as Malaga city centre, all the towns in the province host some fascinating events; the most notable towns are: 

• Antequera:

Known as the city of El Torcal, it vigorously preserves its religious brotherhood traditions and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Among its unique features are the ‘hermanucos’, who carry the floats on their shoulders, secured with hairpins, during the processions. The statues are raised on spool-shaped pedestals on vertical thrones, with figures of Our Lady of Sorrows at the front, showcasing the characteristic Antequera style.

• Vélez-Málaga:

Holy Week, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, features nineteen Passion brotherhoods which carry out their penitential processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Their processions date back to the 16th century.

• Archidona:

A great wealth of artistic heritage is preserved in the six brotherhoods that make up its Holy Week celebrations. The bell-ringers, dressed in tunics and scapulars, lead the processions to the rhythmic sound of their instruments. In addition, some brotherhoods maintain the Apostolate, a group of twelve members dressed in tunics, sandals, esparto grass belts and crowns of thorns, who carry crosses bearing the name of an apostle.

Traditionally, the Legion escorts the Cristo de la Misericordia, whilst the Civil Guard accompanies and escorts Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Humildad.

• Ronda:

Holy Week has its roots in the conquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs and has been declared an Event of Andalusian Tourist Interest, featuring fifteen processions organised by fourteen brotherhoods. Unlike other cities, in Ronda the floats are carried by ‘costaleros’ or, in some cases, by ‘horquilleros’; of particular note is the Easter Sunday procession, where Our Lady of Loreto is carried exclusively by women.

• Río Gordo (the float):

The procession of the Río Gordo float, recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest, has taken place every Good Friday and Holy Saturday for over half a century. Although there is evidence to suggest it has existed since the 17th century, its current form was established in 1951, featuring a solemn and meticulous re-enactment.

More than 500 local amateur performers take part in this religious ceremony, which is held in an open-air venue.

• Alhaurín de la Torre:

Amongst many activities, on Good Friday, the Legion has a tradition of standing guard of honour for the Cristo de la Vera Cruz in the morning and escorting it in the afternoon during the procession.

• Alhaurín el Grande:

A very special moment in this religious celebration. The Brotherhood of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno (known as ‘los moraos’) and the Confraternity of the Santa Vera Cruz (known as ‘los verdes’) come together to commemorate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Among the highlights are the live re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus, as well as the meticulously organised processions that wind their way through the streets. The rich tradition of Holy Week in Alhaurín el Grande, and its significance for tourism, has been recognised nationally, with the festival being designated a Festival of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia.