Most bed and breakfast guests could have chosen to book a hotel chain but instead chose a B&B for its warmth, character, and local hospitality.
Rather than trying to make your B&B look and feel like a five-star hotel, focus on creating a clear identity and offering superb little touches that’ll attract new and repeat guests.
To easily compete with nearby hotels, local B&Bs, and Airbnbs, read the following advice on how to make your B&B stand out.
Identify What Makes Your B&B Different
Separating your B&B from nearby rivals could help you secure many more bookings.
To do so, identify what makes you different from other local accommodations and tap into a niche. For example, your B&B could primarily cater to:
- Couples
- Dog owners
- Walkers
- Cyclists
- History lovers
- Foodies
- Small families
You should then use your niche to define your B&B’s interior design, breakfast, and marketing.
Serve a Breakfast to Remember
A delicious breakfast will keep guests coming back for more. Confirm they made the right choice by serving great-tasting dishes using local and seasonal produce.
A great signature dish or two, with every supplier named on the menu, will encourage word of mouth, leading to many bookings and positive reviews.
It’s also essential to consider guests’ dietary needs and offer alternative options to ensure everyone feels welcome and valued.
Improve Accessibility and Comfort
People from all walks of life with varying needs are likely to stay at your B&B throughout the years, including people with mobility issues and older guests.
Unless you have rooms available on the first floor, some guests may struggle to walk up and down the stairs in your B&B.
If you have a large B&B with many rooms on various floors, you may attract more customers if you have ADA stair lift systems, which are suitable for older properties. This means many guests with mobility issues won’t have to struggle with stairs during their stay.
Also, it might be helpful to provide mobility-friendly rooms that offer grab bars, walk-in showers, and good lighting.
Elevate Your Rooms
Most B&B guests aren’t looking for a hotel experience. However, many are hoping to stay in a beautiful room with high-quality beds and linen, which is why you cannot afford to disappoint.
Spend a little time creating a sophisticated interior that will encourage guests to choose your B&B over a nearby competitor. Stand apart from the crowd by ensuring every room is unique, steering away from a generic hotel-room style.
Guests will also remember thoughtful touches during their stay, such as delicious local snacks, home-baked treats, a helpful guidebook, or a sleep mask.
Focus on Local Hospitality
Those who appreciate a personal touch typically check in to a B&B on their travels. Provide every guest with a friendly, warm welcome and spend some time introducing them to the property.
Little details will go a long way, from a cheerful “good morning” to remembering their preferences at breakfast.
You could also partner with local restaurants or attractions to provide your guests with a superb discount, which provides another reason to choose your B&B over a local rival.