The statistics say that hotel and B&B bookings are on the up – and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. On top of this, a whopping 50% of Brits preferred staying in the UK over international holidays in 2022 – which means that there’s never been a better time to embark on a bed-and-breakfast venture or propel your existing accommodation forward to ride the wave.
It’s also evident that being able to stand out from the crowd is key as your competition also aims to take advantage of the boom. Here are some simple steps that you can take which can add value to your B&B.
Offer promotions and package deals
Holidaymakers love a deal – if the right offer comes along, it could be enough to secure that all-important booking. You might run offers during a typically quieter season or in line with an upcoming occasion such as Valentine’s Day. Either way, a tempting deal can help to get your B&B noticed.
Safety and security
Your guests need to feel confident in your establishment, placing trust in your services and the safety of the building itself. Clear markers to prevent guests from areas like the kitchen or any storage rooms will help to keep everyone out of less secure parts of the B&B, therefore helping to reduce the number of accidents. Other options include video surveillance in permitted areas and exploring appropriate levels of bed and breakfast insurance.
Provide excellent amenities
After a long day of sightseeing, guests will appreciate coming back to a tranquil setting with plenty of amenities to help them to relax. This might take the form of high-quality bed sheets plus plenty of soft furnishings, as well as a television. A strong Wi-Fi connection will also keep guests happy.
Customer service
Ensure that you guests leave with a positive, lasting impression by upping your customer-service efforts across the board. Aim to provide a polite and attentive service that respects guests’ boundaries. If you can offer insight on local transport and things to do, that will also help them to get the most out of their stay.
Hospitality
As the name suggests, the food is just as important as your guests’ quality of sleep. Providing a variety of breakfast options that cater to different dietary requirements will help to set them up for the day. Make sure that you have a good range of hot and cold drink offerings, too.
Emphasise sustainability
Expanding legislation and overall awareness of our impact on the environment means that businesses are stepping up when it comes to sustainability. For a B&B, this might involve simple greener decisions, from switching to energy-saving lightbulbs to reducing the amount of physical paperwork involved in your admin. Share steps that you’ve taken with your guests so that they’re clued up on your efforts to make a difference.
Adding value to your bed-and-breakfast establishment doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. It simply involves putting yourself in your guests’ shoes to help to set your business apart from the rest.