Hospitality Archives - Page 4 of 5

What is the difference between a guest house and a hotel?

Posted on December 20, 2021June 29, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

When choosing somewhere to stay, many travellers automatically think of hotels. But there are a whole host of other accommodation options available, including guest houses.

The boundaries between a guest house and a hotel can sometimes be blurred; after all, both are based on the same principle of providing accommodation to paying guests.

However, there are a number of key differences that differentiate these two types of accommodation.

What is a guest house?

A guest house is a private house, which provides accommodation for guests. Guest houses are usually owner-operated, with many hosts actually living on the premises. The vast majority of UK guest houses have no more than 5 bedrooms and offer a distinctly home-from-home feel.

What is a hotel?

A hotel also caterers for customers who require overnight accommodation. However, the hotels are typically bigger than guest houses, have more facilities, and can accommodate more guests. They can often hold hundreds of guests at any one time and are frequently part of larger chains.

What are the differences between a guest house and a hotel?

The key differences between a guest house and a hotel are:

Size

Guest houses tend to be a lot smaller than hotels. Even though they can accommodate fewer people, guests still enjoy a comfortable stay and appreciate the many personal touches that come with guest house stays.

As guest house owners usually live on the premises, they are incredibly attentive and often go above and beyond to ensure that their guests have a great stay.

Price

Generally speaking, guest houses are cheaper than hotels. They can also work out more cost-effective for guests staying for longer periods as they may have access to facilities such as kitchens to cook meals in rather than always dining out, as well as clothes washing facilities.

Ownership

Across the hospitality sector, you will find that the vast majority of guest houses are run as family businesses and tend not to have a reception desk or a concierge service. This means guests usually receive a more personal level of service.

On the other hand, hotels are commercial businesses that employ full-time staff with dedicated roles, operate around the clock and always have lots of facilities and amenities on-site to enhance their guests’ stay.

Facilities

Guest houses tend to have comfortable but basic, home-style facilities. Hotels, on the other hand, typically have more facilities, including in-room mini-bars, bar and restaurant areas, gyms, and more.

Buying a guest house or hotel?

If you’re considering buying a commercial property, such as a guest house or hotel, it’s important to speak to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you.

Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding commercial mortgages.

How to start a guest house business

Posted on October 5, 2021June 29, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Running a guest house cannot only be extremely profitable, but it is also a life-long dream for many people. And, with more of us holidaying in the UK, there’s never been a better time to start a guest house business.

Although exciting, establishing any business can be incredibly daunting. So, before you start your guest house business, it’s important that you familiarise yourself with the process.

Is running a guest house for you?

First and foremost, you should ask yourself whether or not this is the right decision for you. After all, running a guest house is a huge commitment and it’s important that you understand what to expect from the role. You should spend some time researching the market to determine whether or not there is a gap, or demand, for what you plan to offer.

Find a property

To run a guest house, you’ll of course need to have the house itself. Think about where you want to set up your guest house business – location is everything and it’s important you set up your business in a place that people want to visit.

Many people choose to buy an existing guesthouse as it will be all set up and ready to go, rather than having to convert a property.

Research the market

It’s important to consider the market to ensure there is a demand for your offering. Is there a demand for a guesthouse in the area? Who is likely to stay at your guesthouse? What services and amenities will they be looking for?

Develop a business plan

The next step to starting a guest house is to develop a business plan. A business plan is vital when it comes to starting a guest house, as it will outline the measures you will need to take to make your business a success. It’s also important if you are making a credit application to obtain funding for your guest house. If you’re applying for a commercial mortgage, for example, your lender will also ask to see a business plan.

Having a sound business plan will help to keep you on track when it comes to achieving your business goals and, of course, it will also give you a clear indication into operating costs.

Generating interest in your guesthouse

If you’re starting a guest house from scratch, you will need to start by drumming up as much interest as possible in your new business venture.

You can do this by…

Investing in a website showcasing your guest house – integrating a booking system within your website is also a great idea.
Create a customer database from the offset.
Hire a marketing team to design a powerful logo and any other marketing materials you might need.
Advertise using all available platforms.

Ensure you meet regulations

If you are starting a guest house in the UK, you will need to comply with all fire safety laws and legalities. If you are altering a property or building a guest house from scratch, you will also need to obtain planning permission.

Why choose Stewart Hindley for your guest house finance?

If you’re considering buying a commercial property such as guest house, it’s important to speak to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you. Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding guest house commercial mortgages.

How to find a good location for a bed and breakfast business

Posted on October 5, 2021June 29, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Choosing the right location for a bed and breakfast is an incredibly important decision. After all, it can make or break your business.

The right location for your B&B depends on the vision you have for your venture, your target market, and your own personal preferences. When you’re looking for a good location, you should also think about local amenities, whether the location is attractive to potential customers, as well as the property’s proximity to landmarks and attractions.

Here’s our guide to everything you should consider when looking for a good location for your bed and breakfast business.

The location’s USPs

What makes the location unique and special for choosing to run a bed and breakfast? Why would it appeal to guests?

Think about the amenities in the area, transport links, and things to do and see. Are there landmarks that offer guests a unique experience, exciting activities, or restaurants nearby?

Cater to your target market

When choosing a location for your B&B, you should ensure that you are able to cater for your specific target market.

For example, if you are reaching out to families, the area should not only be accessible by different transport links, but you should also look out for family friendly activities, amusement parks, nature reserves, and other attractions.

On the other hand, if you’re catering for young professionals in a city centre location, you should consider bars, restaurants, spa days, landmarks, shopping facilities, and any popular events or festivals that take place in the area.

And make sure there are activities for your target market to enjoy all year round – you want to attract guests 12 months of the year, not just around a certain date or event.

Has the area got a good reputation?

You can get a good feel for an area by walking around speaking to other residents and business owners. Asking simple questions about the area’s footfall, crime statistics, what type of people visit the area, as well as the area’s reputation can give you a good insight into whether it would be safe and attractive for guests.

Competition from other accommodation

When considering a location for your B&B, look for competition in the area. Starting a bed and breakfast in an area without lots of other hotels and guest houses could be a good call as the competition will be minimum. However, it’s also important to consider why there are no other similar businesses in the area – is there no demand?

Is location everything?

Location is incredibly important when searching for the perfect B&B. After all, you could stumble across the most perfect bed and breakfast. But if the location isn’t right or fails to impress your guests, you won’t generate enough bookings.

People want a reason to visit an area and what an area has to offer can really enhance your marketing efforts, optimise sales and inspire people to book and stay with you.

Why choose Stewart Hindley for your B&B finance?

If you’re considering buying a commercial property, it’s important to speak to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you. Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding commercial bed and breakfast mortgages.

Thinking about buying a B&B or Guest House in Scotland?

Posted on July 27, 2021May 9, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Why bed and breakfast purchases in Scotland are different.

There is a considerable difference when you come to purchase a B&B in Scotland, or a guest house. For instance, Scotland has its own judicial and legal system which differs from the rest of the UK which often results in confusion, expense and sometimes frustration when compared to English law and procedures.

One of the most notable is the commercial land tax known in England as SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) whereas in Scotland this is known as LBTT (Land and Buildings Transfer Tax) which is charged at a higher rate to comparable SDLT. Another higher cost are legal fees which are generally 50% higher than comparable English legal fees for commercial conveyancing.

And it doesn’t stop there. Energy Performance Certificates have different ratings in Scotland to those in England and can often lead to confusion as lenders will only lend on commercial properties that are EPC compliant.

And finally, Scottish lenders and other UK lenders who operate in Scotland also have different lending criteria which can be more onerous than UK lenders so nothing is a given.

We at Stewart Hindley, operate throughout the UK, and have considerable experience assisting prospective purchasers who are buying properties in Scotland with their commercial mortgage requirement.

If you are considering buying a property your first port of call should be Stewart Hindley as we’ve funded many a Scottish B&B and Guest House not only for UK wide purchases but for Scottish Purchasers too.

For more information please get in touch

How much deposit will I need to buy a Bed & Breakfast, Guest House or Hotel?

Posted on June 24, 2021June 29, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Deposits for commercial mortgages higher

Raising a deposit for a B&B, Guest House or Hotel can be challenging at the best of times, let alone in the height of a global pandemic when lending sentiment is risk adverse.

Unlike residential mortgages where a deposit can be as little as 5% of the purchase price, commercial mortgages require a higher deposit contribution which is typically 35% to 40% of the purchase price, dependent on the lender’s appetite.

In addition to the capital required for your deposit, there will be other costs to consider such as SDLT (Stamp Duty), Valuation Fees, Solicitors Fees and Broker Fees.

Don’t forget extra costs

As a rule of thumb, when you are considering purchasing a B&B, Guest House or Hotel, you’ll need to make an allowance of circa 47% of the purchase price, as your total capital contribution, which will include all costs such as SDLT, and then you won’t go far wrong.

As with all purchase considerations, there is generally a deal to be done at a 10% discount or more off the vendors’ guide price, so don’t always limit your search to your budget.

Contact us for help with your commercial mortgage

For more advice on how we at Stewart Hindley can help you achieve your life style business, with commercial mortgage solutions for bed and breakfast, guest house and hotel purchasers, offering the best terms and lowest capital contribution, then don’t hesitate to get in touch for no obligation, impartial advice.

How to start a bed and breakfast in the UK

Posted on June 23, 2021June 29, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Are you looking to open a bed and breakfast (B&B) in the UK? Wondering where to start when it comes to securing the finance you need to purchase a bed and breakfast? If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place.

Many people dream of owning their very own bed and breakfast in the UK, but they don’t know where to start. The process can seem daunting, particularly if it’s the first time you’ve bought a B&B or hotel.

We’ve created a helpful guide outlining everything you need to know about starting a bed and breakfast in the UK.

Is owning a bed and breakfast right for you?

The first thing to consider is if running a bed and breakfast is right for you. Why are you thinking about buying a bed and breakfast? What are you hoping to achieve? And do you have the skills and qualities you need to run one?

Starting a bed and breakfast is a massive commitment and can be life changing. So, think about what your expectations are and consider all the pros and cons of running a bed and breakfast. You should also think about whether it’s truly the lifestyle you want – it might seem idyllic, but running a bed and breakfast can be a lot of hard work, including early mornings, late nights and very few days off.

Consider the following points:

Are you familiar with the location of the bed and breakfast?
Have you got a strong support base around you?
Are you a multi-tasker?
Are you good at coping
Do you like the idea of being self-employed?
How do you cope with routine?
Do you cope well under pressure?
Do you love people and enjoy being around them on a daily basis?

Choose your bed and breakfast property carefully

If you’re certain that owning a bed and breakfast is right for you, it’s time to start looking for the right property.

Think about the location, how many bedrooms you want, and if you want a property that’s ready to go, or one you can work on as a project before you launch your business.

What type of mortgage do you need to purchase a bed a breakfast?

The next step in setting up a bed and breakfast is to secure a mortgage. You’ll need a commercial mortgage for this type of purchase.

Many commercial mortgage lenders are happy to lend on bed and breakfast properties and these are available as fixed and variable-rate loans that usually have a repayment span of one to 25 years. Remember that deposits for commercial properties tend to be around 35% or 40%.

Budgeting and planning

You’ll need to plan your budget to ensure that the bed and breakfast business is actually viable. Remember to allow for seasonal peaks and dips, and ensure you can cover all your costs.

Marketing

Consider how you will market your business. Who is your target audience? And how can you reach them?

From social media platforms and websites, through to traditional methods such as flyers, advertising and more, there are plenty of ways to promote your new bed and breakfast business. You may also decide to advertise via an online booking site.

If you’re considering buying a commercial property such as a bed and breakfast in the UK, it’s important to speak to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you. Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding commercial mortgages.

How to buy a hotel

Posted on June 23, 2021July 28, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

For many people, owning their own hotel is a life-long dream. A dream that can bring much fulfilment, new opportunities, and happiness.

However, when it comes to tapping into the hotel sector, there is a range of factors you need to consider and address before buying a hotel, and during the purchasing process.

Here’s our guide to buying a hotel.

What type of mortgage do you need to buy a hotel?

If you’re considering buying a hotel, renovating a hotel, or expanding any commercial property, you will need to apply for a commercial mortgage.

Many lenders offer a variety of commercial mortgage deals, with the majority available as fixed and variable-rate loans. You should always shop around to find the best deal and keep in mind that most commercial mortgages have a repayment span from one to 25 years.

What deposit do you need to purchase a hotel?

Deposits for commercial properties such as hotels are generally 30 or 40 percent of the total value of the property – a lot higher than residential properties.

The amount you can borrow will depend on a number of different factors, including:

The price of the hotel
The type of hotel
How much deposit you have
Current market conditions
Your credit score and financial situation

Whether you are eligible to purchase a hotel, will depend on the above factors and whether or not you meet the criteria set out by the lender you choose. Ultimately, it comes down to how much of a risk you are financially and whether you are in a sound financial position to be able to pay back the money you have borrowed.

Applying for a mortgage for a hotel – what do I need?

When applying for a mortgage for a hotel, you will be required to complete the relevant paperwork and also supply a sound business plan. During the process, you will be asked questions relating to your business and financial situation so that lenders can understand how you intend to pay back your loan. An affordability check will then be completed and you will receive an agreement in principle.

Why choose Stewart Hindley?

If you’re considering buying a hotel, it’s important to speak to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you.

Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding hotel finance or commercial mortgages.

Staycations to dominate the UK hospitality sector

Posted on May 26, 2021July 28, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

UK hotels to benefit from staycation surge

A staycation surge is expected in 2021 across the UK due to ongoing international travel restrictions and successful domestic vaccine rollouts. This presents a promising opportunity for UK hoteliers to attract people who would previously have chosen to travel abroad for holidays and weekend breaks.

Domestic travel received 70% of hotel clicks on TripAdvisor in January 2021, where the summer months proved to be the most popular for bookings. VisitBritain predicts a recovery of £61.7 billion in domestic tourism spend in 2021, up by a staggering 79% compared to 2020.

VisitBritain’s October 2020 survey also suggested a 33% increase in domestic interest in short stay UK breaks, compared to 2020.

Glamping, holiday lets, caravan and camping searches at a high

Many travellers are turning to both weekly and weekend holidays across the UK’s wide range of leisure parks, from touring caravan sites to seaside static caravan parks, and from countryside lodges to mountain “glamping”. A turning point for many was when self-contained and self-catered accommodation was allowed to re-open to family bubbles from 12 April 2021 a full month earlier than traditional hotels.

Looking at Google search trends, the topics ‘glamping’, ‘holiday lets’, ‘caravan’ and ‘camping’ have all seen a record number of searches during the pandemic and are expected to increase even further in 2021, especially during the warmer months.

How easy is it to get the hospitality finance you need?

The last year has been very challenging due to the pandemic resulting in reduced appetite and lower LTV’s, however at Stewart Hindley, we have successfully completed numerous cases where prospective purchasers have either had their loan applications declined via other non-specialist Finance Brokers, or they assumed because they had a good relationship with their bank, they would get their loan application approved, unfortunately more often than not this is not the case.

Why use a specialist hospitality finance broker?

By engaging with a specialist hospitality finance broker, such as Stewart Hindley & Partners, you can be assured that if there is a deal to be done, we at Stewart Hindley will get it done in the shortest time possible on the best rates and terms given the for the prospective purchaser with an assured and timely outcome.

But don’t just take our word for it – visit our website to view some of our many clients’ finance testimonials.

To have an initial discussion with us, please get in touch on 01488 684834. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hotel Finance Guide

Posted on May 7, 2021July 28, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

When it comes to securing hotel finance and fulfilling your dreams of running a successful and profitable hotel, there are a number of different finance options available.

Running a hotel opens up a host of exciting opportunities, allowing you to provide a unique, enjoyable and comfortable stay for your guests. Running a hotel can also be profitable, providing you invest in the right things.

But, to bring the vision of your hotel to life, you’ll first need to secure the necessary finance.

What is hotel finance?

Hotel finance refers to the funds you’ll need to invest in your hotel and get your business off the ground. This type of finance is designed to support the plans you have for your hotel and provides you with the cash you need to make your business a success.

As with any type of finance, there are a number of different hotel finance options available, including commercial mortgages and business loans for hotels.

However, in order to obtain funding for your business venture, you will need to present a robust and credible business plan to your lender, along with a sound financial model, a targeted marketing plan, and feasibility reports. This will help your lender to feel confident in your ability to be able to pay the loan back.

What options are there for financing my hotel?

Commercial mortgages for hotels

Just like residential mortgages, commercial mortgages for hotels allow you to borrow the money you need to buy your hotel business and pay it back over an agreed term.

Many lenders are happy to provide commercial mortgages for hotels so it is important to shop around to find the right deal for you. This is where a commercial mortgage broker can be incredibly helpful.

Keep in mind that deposits for commercial properties are a lot higher than residential properties, with lenders usually asking for between 30 or 40 percent of the total value of the hotel.

Business loans for hotels

Business loans are another option for financing a hotel, whether you’re expanding, renovating, or just starting out.

Providing an invaluable source of income when you need it the most, business loans for hotels are available from a range of different lenders. Again, the loan that is right for you will depend on your individual financial circumstances.

Any kind of hotel business can apply for a business loan, but the rates and terms will vary depending on your circumstances. You should be aware that you will be expected to present your business plan, projections, financial forecast and more when applying for a business loan for your hotel.

Why choose Stewart Hindley for your hotel finance?

If you’re considering buying a commercial property, such as a hotel, it’s important to talk to someone experienced in the sector to ensure that you are aware of all the funding options available to you.

Get in touch to speak to one of our skilled and experienced team. We are always on hand to answer any of your queries regarding commercial mortgages for hotels.

Turned down by the bank for a commercial loan – what next?

Posted on April 14, 2021July 28, 2022 by Stewart Hindley

Who do you turn to when your bank says no?

If you are reading this blog right now, then it is very likely that you’ve been declined by the lender you have approached, or your search for a suitable commercial mortgage wasn’t successful.

Finding a commercial mortgage to realise your dream of buying your own Guest House or Bed and Breakfast can be a complex and time-consuming process and your chances of being successful with your own loan application are marginal to say the least, especially when hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts have all but been closed for the last 12 months.

So, the question is, how can how confident can I be that once I’ve made an offer to purchase a Guest House or Bed & Breakfast, that I can secure a commercial mortgage on the most competitive terms in the short time possible, and convincing the sales agent and ultimately the vendor that I’m a credible purchaser.

The first step would be to engage with a firm of specialist brokers such as Stewart Hindley & Partners who specialise in guest house and bed & breakfast finance who’ll provide you with a lenders in-principle decision within 48 hours.

Assuming a positive result, this will then give you the confidence to make an offer via the sales agent that should be made subject to valuation and finance which is the norm when purchasing a guest house or bed & breakfast.

Once your offer has been accepted, Stewart Hindley will then review the trading accounts and present a full business plan and undertake all the lenders due diligence to facilitate a formal loan application to ensure a satisfactory and timely outcome, whilst providing regular up-dates to the sales agent, who in-turn will be able to fully support your offer to the vendor, on the basis of Stewart Hindley’s track record of providing guest house and bed & breakfast finance solutions.

In summary, when searching for a commercial loan for a guest house or bed & breakfast don’t be tempted by headline rate and loan to values as these are often seen as attention grabbers when in reality it is never about borrowing the money it’s all about managing the lenders’ risk and trading expectations.

For further information on how we at Stewart Hindley can help you with your guest house and bed & breakfast financing go to our web site www.stewarthindley.co.uk and review our case studies.

Remember, we can provide you with a lenders’ in-principle decision within 48 hours so you can proceed with confidence in a particularly challenging market.