Where should I advertise my holiday let in Aberaeron and Cardigan Bay?
In short
For most Cardigan Bay holiday lets, the best setup is a mix: one or two big booking channels for reach, plus a direct booking route that builds repeat guests. Where you list matters less than how well the property is presented, priced and looked after once guests arrive.
The options, honestly
Airbnb and Booking.com on your own
Huge reach and easy to start. The trade-offs are guest fees and commission, little control over who the guest is, and you doing all the messaging, pricing and calendar work yourself. Good for reach. Risky as your only channel.
A national holiday cottage agency
Big marketing budgets and established brands. In my time as New Business Director at cottages.com I saw what they do well. The trade-off is that your property is one of thousands, and the contract terms, commission and flexibility won't always suit you.
A local agency
Someone who knows the area and the property. The quality varies a lot, so ask how they market properties, which channels they use, and what happens on changeover day.
Your own website
No commission and full control over your guests. But a website on its own rarely gets found. It works best for repeat guests and word of mouth, alongside other channels.
A mix (what usually works best)
Reach from the big channels, repeat guests through direct bookings, and one connected calendar so you never double book.
What actually moves bookings in Cardigan Bay
- Photos that show the location. Guests here are booking the bay as much as the cottage. Show the view, the walk to the beach, the harbour.
- A description that sells the area properly. Dolphins off New Quay, the harbour at Aberaeron, the coves at Llangrannog and Tresaith. Specific beats generic.
- Pricing for the season. Summer sells itself. Spring and autumn are where good marketing earns its keep.
- Fast replies. Guests book the place that answers first.
- The 182-day rule. In Wales, a holiday let needs to be let for at least 182 days a year (and available for 252) to be rated for business rates rather than council tax. A longer season isn't just nice to have.
Where StayGentic fits
StayGentic is an independent holiday letting agency for West Wales. We market properties across Ceredigion, take bookings direct and through Airbnb, Booking.com and other channels with one connected calendar, and look after your guests from enquiry to checkout. You keep your own cleaner or housekeeper for changeovers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb or Booking.com better for a Cardigan Bay holiday let?
Both can work. Airbnb tends to suit couples and characterful properties. Booking.com reaches more international and short-break guests. Many owners use both, with a connected calendar.
Should I build my own holiday let website?
It's worth having for repeat guests, but don't expect it to bring new bookings on its own. It works best alongside other channels.
Do I need an agency in Aberaeron or Cardigan Bay?
Not necessarily. If you have the time to manage pricing, listings, guest messages and changeovers yourself, you can. An agency earns its keep when it brings more bookings, better rates or time back.
What does StayGentic charge?
A flat 12% commission on each booking, direct or through a channel like Airbnb or Booking.com. One rate, no extra fees.