Tag Archives: luxury

Popular Guest Room Amenities

Posted on by Leave a comment

popular-guest-room-amenities

Popular guest room amenities attract potential bed and breakfast guests.  Bed and breakfast guests are willing to pay more for bedrooms offering more amenities.

Some bed and breakfasts have a room comparison chart that lists the guest room amenities available and then puts a dot or check by the amenities that correspond with each particular guest room.  This makes it easy for online visitors to see a room comparison and the price differences since there may be some rooms that have more amenities than others within the same bed and breakfast.

The amenities bed and breakfasts offer often depend upon the location and size of each bed and breakfast.  Geographical location plays a role in choosing guest room amenities (fireplaces usually more common in climates with cooler weather).  Likewise, the size of the bed and breakfast matters.  Typically the more rooms an inn has, the higher the likelihood of upscale amenities.

The amenities at bed and breakfasts range from small things (like an alarm clock and stationery) to big things (like wi-fi internet access and a large flat screen television). There are certain amenities that are usually standard.  For example, almost every bed and breakfast offers a private bathroom to their guests.

Other amenities in bedrooms are less common place.  For example, in-room hot tubs are seen as an added luxury.  This is typically found in bed and breakfasts that cater to those seeking a romantic destination.

The following is an alphabetical list of some guest bedroom amenities and features your bed and breakfast may offer:

  • Alarm clock radio
  • Antiques
  • Bathroom (private and connected)
  • Beds (oversized and comfortable)
  • Bedside table on each side of the bed
  • Blankets (extra)
  • Books
  • Bottled water
  • Ceiling fan(s)
  • Chairs
  • Chocolates
  • Coffee maker
  • Coasters
  • Coat rack
  • Comforters (extra)
  • Desk
  • DVD player
  • Ear plugs
  • Evening sweet treat
  • Fireplace (hand carved wood or marble)
  • Flowers
  • Furniture (such as antique or leather)
  • Guidebook with local maps and restaurant menus
  • Hair dryer
  • Handicap accessible amenities
  • Hangers
  • Hot tubs
  • Ice bucket and glassware
  • Individual climate control
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Lamps (such as Tiffany lamps)
  • Lighted make-up mirror
  • Luggage racks
  • Magazines
  • Microwave
  • Mini-Bar
  • Mini-Fridge
  • Mints
  • Mirror (full length)
  • Outlets with USB ports
  • Pillows (extra)
  • Pictures
  • Plants
  • Postcards
  • Private balcony, deck, patio, porch, or veranda
  • Private entrance
  • Reading lamps
  • Refrigerator (small)
  • Robes
  • Rose petals on your bed
  • Rugs
  • Separate sitting area
  • Sink (in the bedroom)
  • Slippers
  • Snacks or evening dessert in your room
  • Sofas
  • Stationery
  • Table
  • Tablet computer (stays in the room)
  • Technology charging stations
  • Television (large flat screen) with premium cable channels
  • Windows showing a breathtaking view
  • Wine and cheese
  • Wireless internet access (complimentary)

We did not include things that are typically found inside guest bathrooms which are additional amenities.  Bed and breakfasts may suggest a packing list to help their guests prepare for their visit.

Bed and breakfasts are wise to point out exactly everything that is included in the stay at their luxurious bed and breakfast versus what guests may have to pay for if they chose to stay at a hotel (concierge, breakfast, parking, free wi-fi, wine and cheese, and much more).  By offering popular guest bedroom amenities, bed and breakfasts can separate themselves from other lodging destinations and host more guests.

 

Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography

Posted in Amenities, Decorating, Food, Guests, Marketing

Bed and Breakfast Promotions

Posted on by Leave a comment

bed-and-breakfast-promotions

Bed and breakfast promotions include marketing special deals and packages throughout the year. These opportunities include various holidays, seasons, and other special times.

This can be a chance for your bed and breakfast to stand out and show its own personality.  Innkeepers who are creative and thoughtful can really improve the experiences of their guests.

The benefits of staying at a bed and breakfast include your guests getting a break, reducing their stress, and focusing on strengthening their relationships.  Guests also experience the beauty of your local area as well as enjoy the luxury of your gourmet breakfasts and plush amenities.

We have talked about the advantages of offering guests special packages.  Now we will concentrate on developing specific promotions.  You can entice with discounts (lower price), complimentary services (free massage or tasting hour), and free upgrades (such as rooms with more amenities).  It is important to create a sense of urgency and give a call-to-action:

  • Hurry!  Offer ends…
  • This weekend only!
  • Back for a limited time!
  • Last chance to…

Your promotions can be put on your website and blog as well as social media and email marketing.  If you assign promo codes, you can track how they found about the promotion.  A bed and breakfast can have the same promotion, but give it different promo codes depending upon where the guest saw it.  For example, if it were a patriotic holiday promotion (Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veteran’s Day), it could have the following festive PROMO CODES to indicate the place they found your promotion:

  • “Red, White, and Blue” (website/blog)
  • “Let Freedom Ring” (Facebook)
  • “Home of the Brave” (Google+)
  • “Star Spangled Banner” (Twitter)
  • “Lady Liberty” (Pinterest)

Guests will enjoy holiday promotions and themes throughout the year:

Season promotions could be titled:

  • “Spring Forward” or “Have a Spring Fling”
  • “Summer Sun Adventure” or “Dog Days of Summer” (for pet friendly B&B’s)
  • “Fall Back in Love” or “Autumn Leaves”
  • “Winter Wonderland” or “Ski the Slopes” (for ski lodges)

Promote during special times:

  • Last Minute Promotions (keep rooms consistently booked)
  • Midweek Discounts (encourage guests to stay during the week)
  • Weekend Deals (popular time for guests to visit)

Bed and breakfasts that have blogs can write a blog post to explain more of the fun details associated with your specific promotion.  The fresh content from regular blog posts offers a great way to become more visible online.  Greater online visibility means not only more web visitors, but also a consistent source of regular bookings. Innkeepers who do not have the time for (or interest in) writing a blog can contact Kristi Dement of Bed and Breakfast Blogging.

 

Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography

Posted in Blog and Social Media, Kristi, Marketing, Promotion

Bed and Breakfast Bathrooms

Posted on by Leave a comment

bed-and-breakfast-bathrooms

Bed and breakfast bathrooms can really enhance the experience of your appreciative guests.  Your unique decorations, attractive colors, magnificent materials, fancy fixtures, luxurious linens, and plush amenities all make a big impression on them.  Likewise, it is important to have complimentary bathroom supplies made available in each guest bathroom.  Your guests will remember your attention to the details.

This blog post features links to our corresponding Pinterest pages.  These Pinterest boards show photos from a variety of bed and breakfasts as well as of various products and ideas.  Given its visual nature, Pinterest is a great way to showcase your bed and breakfast.  Share pictures of what your inn looks like (both inside and outside) as well as share pictures of your delicious food and special events you host, such as weddings and tea time.

Be sure to decorate your bathrooms in a way that complements the look of the corresponding bedrooms and overall theme of your place.  Guests will expect the décor of bathrooms to be different depending upon the style or location of your bed and breakfast.  The following are just a few suggestions and there are many more decorating options available to the bed and breakfast owner.

  • Beach bed and breakfast bathrooms
    •  feature shells, starfish, sand dollars, sea horse, fish, coral reef, a captains wheel, anchor, or surfboards
    • have water, sand, or coral colors
  • Farm bed and breakfast bathrooms
    • feature roosters, cows, horses, gardens, corn stalks, or seeds
    • have farm colors like grass green, barn red, or sunflower yellow
  • Historic bed and breakfast bathrooms
    • feature pictures of previous residents, antique furniture, vintage signs, or a claw-foot tub
    • colors like black and white (like old photos) or rust

There are a variety of materials used in bathrooms, including:

  • Brick
  • Carpet
  • Glass
  • Rugs
  • Stonework
  • Tile
  • Wallpaper

Fixtures, such as:

  • Cabinets
  • Lights
  • Mirrors
  • Showers
  • Sinks
  • Towel bars and hooks
  • Tubs
  • Vanities

Linens:

  • Robes
  • Towels (double loop with high thread count)
  • Washcloths

Luxury amenities and other extras like:

  • Candles
  • Columns
  • Fireplace
  • Flowers
  • Furniture
  • Heated bathroom floors
  • Jetted tub
  • Lounging area
  • Murals
  • Plants
  • Shelving
  • Skylights
  • Television
  • View
  • Wine (chilled)

Guests will be thankful for complimentary bathroom supplies, such as:

  • Bath gel
  • Bath mats
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Drinking glasses
  • Hairdryer
  • Lotion
  • Make-up remover pads (to avoid stains on your washcloths and towels)
  • Mouthwash (travel size)
  • Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
  • Shower cap
  • Soap (soap bars should be individually wrapped)
  • Tissues (with lotion)
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste (travel size)
  • Toilet paper (individually wrapped rolls)
  • Waste basket (with throw-away liner)

You may want to reward your guests by having a frequent stay and referral program and give discounts for those returning again and recommending your B&B to their friends.  Keep in mind the image your bed and breakfast seeks to portray to your guests: comfort, luxury, eco-friendly, and more.  The possibilities are endless as to how you decorate your bathroom and what amenities you offer to your guests.

 

Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography

Posted in Amenities, Decorating, Guests

Bed and Breakfast Linens

Posted on by Leave a comment

bed-and-breakfast-linens

As owners of bed and breakfasts, you build your brand based on the quality and level of hospitality you offer to your guests.  This includes guests’ first impression of your place and their individual guest room down to the look and feel of your sheets and linens.

As many of you know, the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) is an organization for bed and breakfast owners and innkeepers as well as vendors in the hospitality industry.  The following are a few of the companies that fall into the PAII Vendor Membership Category of “Linens, Bedding, Towels, and Accessories”:

  • Berkshire Amenities Group (Gene Faul)
  • Comphy Co (Mia Richardson)
  • Turkish Towel Company (Barton Brass)

Innkeepers should strive to provide an experience above and beyond their guests’ expectations.  Thus, choosing quality linens for your bed and breakfast is of great importance.  Create an environment where your guests will not want to leave.  This will encourage them to come back as soon as they can return.

Here are some tips to help guide you when selecting your linens. Before you start buying linens for each bedroom, make note of how many beds you’ll be fitting within each room as well as their respective sizes (twin, queen, king, etc.). Make sure you have extra pillows for your guests as well as a couple quality blankets for each bed.  One blanket can be placed on the bed between the comforter and the top sheet while the other blanket can be put in an accessible guest drawer or closet space.

When choosing the quality of your bed linens, ensure that the material is 100% natural content featuring a thread count of at least 500. Consider choosing white to avoid any fading colors. White also has the advantage of looking crisp and clean while giving an airy and welcoming feel to the room.

When selecting your bathroom sets, make sure you select plush, 100% cotton towels with a dense loop. Anything below these quality standards can detract from the guest experience. Also ensure that you have the correct sizes, including bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.

Coordination is key. Colors should play off each other to give a natural flow from the bedroom to the bathroom.  What matters is the perceptions of each guest. Whatever you end up choosing, make sure the bedroom and bathroom colors complement each other.

Be sure to provide a generous number of towels, to give your guests the feeling of comfort and luxury.  By having an extra amount of linens and towels, they will last longer.  When your towels are plush and sheets are smooth, your guests are more likely to remember their positive experience (including restful sleep) and return to your inn for another visit.

 

Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography

Posted in Amenities, Associations and Ratings, Decorating, Guests

Gilchrist and Soames

Posted on by Leave a comment

BeeKind Shampoo, 236mlSpa Liquid Soap, 300ml.

Gilchrist and Soames offers luxury and eco-friendly bath amenities such as high-quality shampoos, conditioners, soaps, shower gels, and body lotions.  Gilchrist and Soames is based in Indianapolis, Indiana and Peterborough, London, England.

Their popular BeeKind Collection features honey and certified organic extracts of red clover, calendula, lemon grass, and chamomile.  A portion of the net profits from these products supports honey bee and sustainable pollination research.

Verde Gift Set

Gilchrist and Soames collaborated with master perfumers to capture their Essential Elements Bathe Collection’s distinctive spirit and essence.  The fresh neroli fragrance will keep guests coming back for more, while high-performance antioxidants rejuvenate and nourish people’s skin and hair.

Their English Spa Collection encapsulates their company’s London heritage, infusing refinement and purity in an immaculate blend of English botanicals.  Natural oatmeal, aloe, lemongrass, and seak kelp are classic and timeless.

One of their newest collections is the Reserve Collection.  Innovative ingredients of at least 95% natural origin are expertly blended with high-performance botanical extracts to nourish and pamper.

Gilchrist and Soames is committed to protecting the environment.  Safeguarding their delicate ecology is deeply rooted in their business philosophy.  They pursue new materials and technologies to make their packaging as recyclable/re-usable as possible.  Their products are never tested on animals.

Clean the World | Recycling Soap. Saving Lives.

Gilchrist and Soames supports Clean the World’s Parnership Recycling Program to advance the global hygiene revolution.  Did you know that today in the United States alone we will throw away 1 million bars of soap?

With the donation of your discarded soap and shampoo products to Clean the World, they will be closer to their goal of saving at least one million lives each year.

Donating unused soap as well as plastic bottles:

  • Reduces the spread of illnesses and deaths related to a lack of proper hygiene
  • Reduces waste
  • Minimizes environmental impact
  • Promotes a sustainable future
  • Creates “green” jobs across North America
  • Impacts those suffering domestically and globally

Value to participating hotels and bed and breakfasts:

  • Receive valuable recognition and positive guest perception by working with Clean the World
  • Spread the word with web content, newsletters, articles, and press releases
  • Appeal to the meeting and event planner industry by attracting professionals who are seeking to book with properties adopting sustainability initiatives
  • Reduce waste disposal and recycling fees

Hospitality recycling partners will receive:

  • Clean the World Collection/Shipping bins
  • Transportation of donated items from your property
  • Access to online training materials.
  • A customer service representative for support
  • Quarterly, detailed goods donation reports
  • A framed certificate that can be proudly displayed in the lobby area to inform guests of your bed and breakfast’s participation in their program

Program pricing:

  • Sixty cents per room per month for non-Gilchrist and Soames customers
  • Fifty cents per room per month for Gilchrist and Soames customers
  • $50 minimum monthly fee applies

Gilchrist and Soames not only has excellent products, but they support green initiatives such as soap and bottle recycling, eco-friendly packaging, and no testing done on animals.  Clean the World is an affordable way to positively impact the environment as well as aid people in need of hygiene products.  See the video below for more information.

Hospitality Partner Program from Clean the World on Vimeo

Posted in Amenities

Why Bed and Breakfasts are Better Than Hotels

Posted on by Leave a comment

bb-better-than-hotel

Staying at a bed and breakfast can be better than staying at a hotel. Your B&B could be located in a restored old home or even a mansion with antique furnishings.  Your gardens may be lush and offer comfortable seating, and your rooms range from cozy to luxurious. Staying in your B&B can be a really unique travel experience and not one to be missed. Here are the top 10 benefits you can emphasize to your bed and breakfast guests.

  1. Their bed and breakfast is included.  While this may seem obvious, it’s actually a wonderful amenity in terms of convenience and cost savings. B&B’s offer anything from a continental spread to a hot gourmet meal. As a special touch, you can even bring guests their breakfast in bed.
  2. You can give them the privacy and peace and quiet they desire.  As a B&B, you can be more exclusive with fewer guests. You often have guests looking for a place to spend a quiet weekend.
  3. They’ll get more personal service.  With fewer guests than a hotel, you can give your guests a much more personal experience. Wanting guests to return, you are invested in making sure you have a great stay.
  4. Your bed and breakfast may be located in a less traveled area.  Unlike hotels, your B&B could be located off the beaten path. This provides your guests with a great opportunity to see less traveled parts of your community that they would otherwise miss.
  5. It is the perfect romantic getaway.  In fact, B&B’s have become so popular for couples that you may cater to this romantic angle, offering special romantic packages. These may include events planned ahead or excursions that are included in their stay.
  6. Your bed and breakfast is more secure.  At a B&B, there are fewer people coming and going. With less going on, as a B&B owner, you can keep a much better eye on their property than a typical hotel staff can on a hotel.
  7. Your guests can get a taste of the local culture and style.  Your B&B has its own character. Even better, you have lots of advice for your guests concerning the best things to do and see in the local area.
  8. You can offer extra activities.  You may be one of the many B&B’s that offer additional recreational activities in your regular packages. Depending on the location, your guests may be able to enjoy biking, hiking, canoeing, golfing, or skiing.
  9. Your guests will encounter unexpected luxuries.  B&B’s tend to offer all those extra special touches that can make your guests’ stay pampering and luxurious. Luxury bed linens and bathrobes, organic food, and locally roasted coffee are only some of the many perks that you may offer. You may even stock snacks and drinks in the common areas and rooms in case your guests get hungry.
  10. You provide a great value.  Although B&B rooms tend to be priced higher than hotels, usually your place offers a better value overall than hotel rooms. More amenities are included such as free phone calls and Internet, you get much better service, and the experience tends to be much more unique than an average hotel stay.

So, as the bed and breakfast owner, be sure to emphasize (on your website, blog, and your other marketing) the unique benefits that guests will receive when they stay at your bed and breakfast and why staying with you will give them a better experience than if they were to go to a local hotel.  You can focus on how your B&B gives that extra special personal touch.

 

Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography

Posted in Amenities, Food

AAA Diamond Rating

Posted on by

 

AAA-Diamond-ratings

Today, AAA Membership has grown to over 53 million, with more than 1,000 offices and 38,000 employees throughout the United States and Canada.  To get your Bed and Breakfast evaluated by AAA, click on this Application for AAA Lodging Evaluation.

 

What the Diamond Ratings Mean:

One Diamond

These establishments typically appeal to the budget-minded traveler. They provide essential, no-frills accommodations. They meet the basic requirements pertaining to comfort, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Two Diamond

These establishments appeal to the traveler seeking more than the basic accommodations. There are modest enhancements to the overall physical attributes, design elements, and amenities of the facility–typically at a moderate price.

Three Diamond

These establishments appeal to the traveler with comprehensive needs. Properties are multifaceted with a distinguished style, including marked upgrades in the quality of physical attributes, amenities, and level of comfort provided.

Four Diamond

These establishments are upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail.

Five Diamond

These establishments reflect the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication.  Accommodations are first class. The physical attributes are extraordinary in every manner. The fundamental hallmarks at this level are to meticulously serve and exceed all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence. Many personalized services and amenities enhance an unmatched level of comfort.

Importance

Being able to say that you have been rated by AAA and indicating how many diamonds are in your rating lets people know what to expect from their stay at your Bed and Breakfast.  It is truly an honor (not to mention very hard work) to achieve a five diamond ranking.

Posted in Associations and Ratings