When running a bed and breakfast, it’s vital to keep an eye out for competition, both new and established. All bed and breakfast owners are aware that a reputation spread by word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. It goes without saying that you need to keep your quality up to maintain your position. By constantly monitoring and improving standards and quality, you will ensure that your guests’ expectations are met and your reputation is maintained. This means that all the time you must be determined to improve things in each area, so that the chances of something going wrong or not meeting the expectations of your guests are as minimal as possible.
One way to monitor the standards at your bed and breakfast and determine if improvements or changes are needed is to invite friends or family to stay for a quiet period. They can test guest rooms and common areas to make sure everything is as great as it should be. This can help uncover irritating issues that you were previously unaware of. For example, although you might clean the shower every day, it’s only when you use it that you’ll discover that the water might suddenly get cold or the shower door might be leaking. If it’s not possible to invite friends or family, you can try using one of your own guest suites. This will give you additional perspective on the quality of the room. It’s the little things that matter and you need to be as critical as possible. Have towels seen better days? Is there enough shelf and hanging space? Would the bathroom use an extra towel rack or a hook on the back of the door? Do all drawers open smoothly?
Don’t forget to critically evaluate the exterior of your bed and breakfast. Does your property have a good external image? Is the paint peeling or the windows rotting? Has your sign seen better days? Don’t forget to keep the grass cut, the edges clean and free of weeds and excessive vegetation, and the parking areas in good repair. Good lighting is essential for guests arriving in the dark. Add some potted evergreens for year-round color, as well as cheerful window boxes and hanging baskets in spring and summer. Remember that the trade of your way may be your next paying guest, but only if your bed and breakfast has curb appeal!
The other area that is important to check is your advertising. Remember that every establishment, whether it is a bed and breakfast in Leicester or a five-star hotel in London, needs to have a corporate image. This is more than just the sign outside your property. Pay close attention to the brochures and advertisements you are placing in tourist spots, print media, and online. A recognizable logo and printing style will help establish your brand, and remember to use it on your letterhead and other stationery. Check all your print media for grammar, spelling, and layout; any mistake contributes to a bad brand image and looks unprofessional.
Above all, remember that customers come first. Make your guests feel welcome and treat them with courtesy and respect. His good reputation will continue to spread and this will be the most powerful tool in maintaining your position in the market, whether you are the owner of a bed and breakfast in Leicester or the manager of a five-star hotel in London.