With the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, it’s likely that 2023 will maintain the popularity of family staycations as household belt-tightening takes importance.
One of the top places to stay will likely be bed and breakfasts. According to ONS statistics reported by the B&B Association, there were 35,000 establishments in the UK in 2019, making it an industry worth £3.6 billion per year.
If you own a B&B and want to rise above the competition or are launching a new business and want to do so the right way, it’s important your B&B is positively memorable so that it encourages repeat custom, word of mouth, positive reviews and much more. Here’s how.
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Invest in quality beds
Guests will quickly forget your fantastic customer service and the beauty of your grounds if they can’t get a great night’s sleep. As such, it’s very important you invest in quality beds.
From the mattresses to the linen you dress them with, make sure you’re providing a quality sleep experience. Consider a memory foam mattress or one that’s topped with foam, and choose high-quality 100% cotton sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers that feel great for guests.
Consider your communication
According to the renowned hospitality university, Les Roches, communications can make and break a business in the sector.
From the moment a guest books their stay until the weeks after they’ve left, keeping a line of communication open between yourselves is a great way to ensure all goes well during their stay and they’re left feeling happy after.
Be sure to provide both a text and email confirmation when guests make a booking. Let them know who to contact during their stay should they have problems. And follow up after they leave asking for feedback and responding to their review positively and constructively.
Be mindful of your legal requirements
Not only do guests need to feel comfortable during their stay, but they should also feel safe and have no worries about staying in your B&B. To make sure they feel content, clearly signpost fire exits, hang up licenses, and have allergy information available in your breakfast rooms.
Additionally, take some time to look into the varying levels of insurance for B&B businesses. Displaying any cover you do take out on your website can boost customers’ peace of mind.
Define your place in the market
As we mentioned earlier, there are tens of thousands of B&Bs in the UK, which means a hugely diverse range of people use them. Instead of pitching your business to everyone, focus on a subsection of the market and own it to ensure success.
To do this, create and highlight your B&B’s unique focal points clearly on your website and advertisements. What these are will be specific to you, but consider taking cues from your location (historical, seaside etc.), or owning a certain type of design (modern, kitsch, and so forth).
What do you look for in a B&B? Is there something you think B&B owners should always remember when welcoming new guests? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
