How to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Holiday Cottage
Naming your holiday cottage isn’t just a fun task—it’s a strategic move that can set the tone for your entire letting business. A catchy, memorable name makes it easier to market your property, build a brand, and stick in the minds of potential guests. In this guide, you’ll find creative tips and smart strategies to help you pick a name that truly stands out and grows with your business.
Why Your Holiday Cottage Needs a Name
When guests are exploring new places, they’re often already planning their next trip. If they pass by your charming cottage with a scenic view, great location, and curb appeal—one with a name displayed out front—they’re more likely to remember it and search for it later.
Even better, guests who search for your cottage by name are usually looking to book directly. That means fewer fees, more profit, and the ability to provide a smoother, more personal customer journey without relying solely on third-party booking platforms.
Tips for Naming Your Holiday Home
1. Make It Memorable
A beautiful name won’t help if no one can recall it. Think about word-of-mouth marketing—if a guest is raving about your place, they should be able to share the name easily. Simplicity sticks.
2. Keep It Easy to Say and Spell
Choose a name that can be spoken out loud and spelled without a second guess. Avoid obscure or tricky words that might confuse people when typed or said.
3. Be Unique
While traditional names like “Rose Cottage” or “Seaview House” are popular for a reason, a more unusual or creative name can pique interest and help you stand out. Try something like “The Cosy Peacock” or “Starlight Haven” to intrigue potential guests.
4. Add Meaning
Think about the emotions you want your guests to associate with your property. A name that evokes a story, mood, or memory helps build connection and reinforces your brand.
Where to Find Inspiration
- Location: Is your cottage near a landmark, natural feature, or scenic spot? Use that! For example, if it overlooks the Menai Strait, try “Menai View.” On a hill? “Hilltop Retreat.” Near a village green? “Duck Pond Cottage” could work perfectly.
- Local Culture: Embrace the heritage of your area. In the Lake District, for instance, using words like “tarn” (small mountain lake) or “ghyll” (ravine) adds authentic flair.
- Flora, Fauna & Wildlife: Nature is a rich source of ideas. Think “Lavender Lodge,” “Yew Tree Cottage,” or “Swallow’s Nest.” These names instantly conjure up idyllic images.
- Property History or Features: If your building has a past, highlight it! “The Old Post Office,” “The Forge,” or “The Rectory” suggest character and charm.
Do Some Name Research
Before you settle on a name, check what other holiday cottages in your area are called. Browse booking platforms or search online to make sure your choice isn’t too similar to a competitor’s. The last thing you want is a guest accidentally booking somewhere else because of a name mix-up.
Choosing a Domain Name for Your Cottage
Now that you have the perfect name, it’s time to claim it online.
1. Be Consistent
Try to make your domain match your cottage name as closely as possible. If rosecottage.co.uk is taken, go for something like rosecottageyork.co.uk instead.
2. Keep It Short
Shorter domain names are easier to type, share, and remember—and they look great on business cards or flyers.
3. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers
They’re harder to say out loud and easier to mess up when typed. For example, “cottage-in-st-ives.co.uk” is a mouthful. Keep it clean and simple.
4. Watch Out for Double Letters
A domain like lilaccottage.com has double C’s, which can confuse users. Stick to clean, straightforward spellings.
5. Stick With .co.uk or .com
These are the most recognized and trusted domain extensions. If you can, buy both the .co.uk and .com versions and set one to redirect to the other for extra security.
Struggling for Ideas?
Use a domain name generator tool! Just pop in your chosen words, and it’ll suggest available options for your domain.
🔐 Pro Tip: Register your domain under your name—not your web designer’s—and enable auto-renew to prevent accidental expiration. Also, enable domain privacy to keep your personal address hidden from public searches.
What If You Don’t Have a Website (Yet)?
Even without a website, your domain is still valuable. You can redirect it to your listing on a booking site like Airbnb or VRBO. Your domain registrar can help you set this up quickly.
Don’t Forget Social Media
Check whether your chosen name is available as a social media handle. Keeping your brand name consistent across Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms makes you easier to find—and remember. If your exact name is taken, go for the closest variation and use the same version across all channels.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right name for your holiday cottage is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about building a brand, telling a story, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. With the right name, you can boost bookings, increase word-of-mouth referrals, and set your property apart from the crowd.
So go ahead—get creative, stay strategic, and find the name that brings your holiday home to life.