Doom and gloom. It is everywhere…cable news, local tv, magazines, newspapers and every genre of radio. Even blogs will tell you just how bad the economy is. Many small businesses are suffering. Many will not survive.
I talk to a lot of innkeepers, all across the United States, and for many of them, business is good. Yes, many have seen better years, but for a large segment of the Bed and Breakfast industry, business is good….and getting better. Although a number of innkeepers report a slow and disappointing spring 2011, they are thrilled that summer business did pick up and guests are returning and new people are discovering the delight of staying in a bed and breakfast.
So, in today’s doom and gloom economy, why are our innkeepers staying busy, when other businesses are closing, laying off employees or cutting back in 2011.
1. Local travel. Considering the escalating costs of air travel and the average price at the pump fluctuating daily, many people are choosing to travel local, often times driving less than 2 hours from home. Guests are discovering the beauty and charm that is literally “in their own backyard.” Local travel is less stressful, more cost effective and promotes your local economy. Bed and breakfasts are located in some of the most beautiful small towns, bustling urban centers and pastoral centers in the country.
2. Personal service. After wading through refinancing their mortgages, performance reviews at work, balancing and re-balancing the family budget, people want personal service. They want someone to help: help make room choices or dinner reservations. After making countless critical decisions in day to day life, they want someone to hand them a map, offer helpful hints and assist them with a stress free getaway. Innkeepers chose this business because they love to help. Introducing guests to their local restaurants, parks and favorite spots is a favorite task of bnb owners. They are the experts and want to share their best with you…and they won’t charge you extra for it.
3. Exceptional value. Bed and breakfasts have always offered real value for your hard earned dollar, but today, more than ever, they strive to make your trip “worth it”. These are hard working, small business people that understand how important every dollar is. Innkeepers take great time and care in creating your breakfast, preparing your room and having plenty of local information at your fingertips. They work hard to make your stay not just enjoyable, but memorable.
Speaking of all those $$$…. Although you will find that many innkeepers offer last minute values or special packages, you probably won’t see the same type of deep, deep last minute discounts offered by large hotel chains. Remember, a bed and breakfast is just one inn, usually family owned and operated. Every dollar counts to them….just like it does to you. They can’t depend on the profits of one set of 100 hotels in one part of the country offsetting losses in another. There is no big corporate office to manage profits and losses across 1000 hotels. They work hard daily to offer you freshly brewed coffee, delectable breakfast offerings, unique amenities and truly personal service. This is their job and oftentimes their only source of income. One big difference between your local bed and breakfast and a chain hotel…if you have a question, need something special or just aren’t pleased with some part of your stay, you don’t need to send an email to customerservice@a majorhotelchain.com. Just ask the innkeeper. Just tell then what you need. Give them your opinion. Ask them for information. They are there, ready and willing to make your stay more than just a value. No far off corporate office here. At a bed and breakfast you always know that your are valued by those “at the top”….the owners!
In today’s world, people need a break. In today’s economy, more than ever, they need a value. Visit a local bed and breakfast. Take a break and discover real value. Discover why there is no doom and gloom at your local bed and breakfast. The pillows are fluffed, the coffee is fresh and hot and the cookies just popped out of the oven. What are you waiting for?
