Tag: Bed & Breakfast

Is your guest WiFi offering good enough?

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

Recent research across the UK and USA consistently highlights how vital it is for hotels and other tourism businesses to offer free, good WiFi.

A few research findings

  • The poll of 2,000 people for online retailer Pixmania revealed that 31 per cent of Britons regard access to WiFi as the second most desired ‘comfort’ while on holiday, ahead of having a clean room!

In fact, the top Top Five most desired holiday ‘Comforts’ were found to be:

  1. A nice view
  2. WiFi access
  3. Clean hotel
  4. Good mattress
  5. A Great hotel restaurant
  • HotelChatter found that 94% of people cite WiFi as the most important amenity with 38% of hotel customers say they would book elsewhere if there was no WiFi available.
  • A similar survey amongst Americans found that WiFi was more important to hotel guests than breakfast and parking; and here WiFi came in second only to cost when choosing which hotel to book.

Business travellers want WiFi in order to stay connected on the road; whilst millennials like to stream music or play video games – so whichever way you look at it, high speed WiFi is an important attraction for guests, whether you are offering hotel, B&B or self-catering accommodation.

Are you WiFi savvy?

If you are engaged in a hotel property search, researching the quality of the local broadband available is a must these days and should be researched thoroughly.

And once, your hotel is up and running then good connectivity will allow you to be pro-active about communicating with (and promoting your services to) your guests, including:

  • Using social media channels to promote your business, research your customers to make your marketing more targeted and effective, identify your repeat customers etc.
  • Using your WiFi to see where your customers spend most of their time e.g. café, reception, gym, garden, restaurant etc.
  • Encouraging social media referrals – create a simple way for customers to provide referrals through Facebook or Trip advisor with the aim of increasing word of mouth.
  • Make sharing easy – encourage customers to share pictures and experiences with friends via social media promoting your company and raising brand awareness.
  • Keeping your customers up to date through your WiFi landing page. Use this to publicise upcoming events and offers e.g. timetable of kids activities, evening entertainment, restaurant offers

Need to look at your hospitality finance options?

Whether you run a hotel, a B&B or self-catering accommodation, if you are looking to purchase a upgrade your WiFi offering to guests (and/or invest in digital marketing) you may well be needing to source finance and we, at Stewart Hindley & Partners, specialise in the hospitality finance sector.

So, whether you are needing hotel finance or B&B finance, we can advise you on the best deals to suit your individual business circumstances.  Take a look at our online Business Mortgage calculator for an initial guide to how much hospitality finance you might be able to raise or call our friendly expert team now to explore the possibilities further.

Sources: 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2654182/WiFi-access-important-holiday-requirements-British-tourists.html

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article90435.html

 

Are you dog friendly yet?

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

If you run a hotel or B&B and you don’t currently allow your guests to bring their dogs, you are potentially missing out on a rapidly growing market in pet travel. British dogs are increasingly regarded as a member of the family, with many owners seeking to take their four-legged friends with them when they go away.
Continue reading “Are you dog friendly yet?”

Are you dog friendly yet?

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

If you run a hotel or B&B and you don’t currently allow your guests to bring their dogs, you are potentially missing out on a rapidly growing market in pet travel. British dogs are increasingly regarded as a member of the family, with many owners seeking to take their four-legged friends with them when they go away.
Continue reading “Are you dog friendly yet?”

What’s the secret of the great British B&B?

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

British Bed and Breakfasts have never been more popular and in a competitive market, the most popular are the ones with attention to detail, personal service and really make the most of their locations and history to develop their own style.

Look at the Daily Telegraph’s recent Top 10 and the combined selling points that make them stand-out B&Bs:

  1. Cuil an Duin, near Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross

This B&B is praised for its:

  • Beautiful setting – great mountain views, is surrounded by woodland, and set in 20 acres of its own stunning gardens.
  • Attractive elegant rooms furnished with Persian rugs, modern art, flowers and a gleaming Bechstein piano and the bedrooms are luxurious and comfortable
  • Breakfast eggs from the owners’ hens with artisan shops supplying the trimmings
  • Its charming hosts – Sally and David and not forgetting their Jack Russell Teddy and Chloe the cat who stay behind the kitchen door until given the all clear.

  1. The Control Tower, near Walsingham, Norfolk

This accommodation offers:

  • a unique slice of history – a beautifully restored RAF squadron control tower with remarkable modernist and Art Deco detail.
  • House tours include the open roof deck
  • Guests outdoor lunch al fresco in the two-acre wild flower garden
  • Nearby wide beaches of Wells-next-the-Sea and seal spotting trips to Blakeney Point.

  1. Botelet near Liskeard, Cornwall

This offers:

  • The chicest of shabby chic style farmhouse accommodation
  • In a quiet location the end of a wild-flower strewn lane
  • Opportunities to explore the farm and walk the wooded valley
  • A treatment room therapeutic massage in the treatment room
  • A quirky, friendly, artistic and fun vibe
  • Cottages, amazing yurts and a campsite are also available

  1. The Linhay, near Crediton, Devon

  • A peaceful hideaway close to Dartmoor and Exmoor
  • Beautiful setting in an open valley with a running stream with orchard views.
  • Accommodation with a quirky, natural feel to the B&B accommodation in a lovely old barn with its own little kitchen area
  • The owners also run Start a Smallholding courses.

  1. Wickton Court near Leominster, Herefordshire

  • A rambling old place steeped in history – a former courthouse that dates from the 15th century (complete with a wig room)
  • Many local sights close by
  • Cosseting bedrooms with generous curtains and big bathrooms
  • Characterful – with wonky floors and ancient beams; one room even has a wood-burner.

  1. Westbourne House, Cowes, Isle of Wight

  • An elegant Georgian townhouse on the waterfront with stunning sea views
  • Cosy well-dressed beds.
  • Close to Cowes’ attractive High Street full of desirable shops, bars and restaurants
  • Lovely walks along the sweeping promenade.

  1. Waterlock House, near Canterbury, Kent

  • Another stylish Georgian town house
  • Guests get an airy loft apartment on two floors with its own entrance with a vast bedroom/sitting room
  • Furnished with quirky French antique pieces, a painted black and white diamond floor, a sink-into sofa and a very comfortable big bed.

  1. Primrose Hill Farm, near Banbury, Oxon

  • A peaceful spot on the edge of the Cotswolds
  • Farm setting in 80 acres dotted with sheep and horses
  • Immaculate interiors with calm and inviting bedroom, deep beds, fat feather pillows, pretty lamps and vases of flowers
  • Elegant sitting and dining rooms look uphill to the woods
  • A warm welcome from all including Trouble the terrier also helps guests to feel at home.

  1. Ponden Hall, near Haworth, West Yorkshire

  • Huge history – Said to be the inspiration for Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights
  • Period style including mullion windows, huge flagstones, period pieces and original paintings.
  • Bedrooms balance luxury and individuality – two rooms have log-burning stoves
  • Lots to see and do – Nearby is the Pennine Way, the steam train at Keighley and the Brontes’ home at nearby Haworth.

  1. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, Flintshire

  • Steeped in history – Founded by the politician William Gladstone
  • Not just a B&B, but also a peaceful, restorative retreat: Guests have a choice of 250,000 books in the reading room, silence, space, convivial company if they need it
  • Also offers a programme of optional talks and courses
  • Theatre Clwyd and the city of Chester only 15 minutes away
  • Cosy not Techy – A ‘Roberts Radio’, rather than HD TV, sort of place.

Looking to finance your own B&B?

Do you have what it takes to run a great B&B?

If you are considering starting a B&B or are looking to invest in improving or expanding your existing B&B business, then chances are you will need B&B finance and it makes so much sense to go to people, like Stewart Hindley and Partners, who understand the business through and through.

We are long-established specialists in securing B&B mortgages.  Our experienced team will be able to offer you friendly and informative advice to help you succeed in your business.  Browse our site for case histories and more information about the process involved in securing B&B finance or call us now to speak to our team of experts.

How to find the best Bed & Breakfast finance advice

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

Ask The Experts At The B&B Show
22-23 February 2017 Bristol

Stewart Hindley & Partners, leading specialists for Bed & Breakfast finance, will be exhibiting at The B&B Show in Bristol later this month.

The Show provides a unique one-stop opportunity for Bed and Breakfast, Guest House, and small Independent Hotel owners to build up their knowledge of the latest techniques, innovations, issues surrounding this industry and to network and meet other people operating in the same sector.
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The best B&B courses available for prospective owners

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

If you’ve dreamed of owning your own bed and breakfast or guest house for a while, you’ve no doubt read many wonderful books, blogs and guides on how to make it happen. However, you still haven’t taken that first step yet – perhaps your confidence is holding you back, or maybe you have questions you need answering.
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Did You Know You Can Attend a B&B Course?

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

When starting a new venture it is always a good idea to get as much information on the area in which you choose to go into.  You probably think that running a B&B or Guest House is fairly straightforward and on the whole it is, however, it is not just cook a breakfast and change some beds.

Continue reading “Did You Know You Can Attend a B&B Course?”

Britain’s favourite seaside destinations

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

Whether rain or shine, we love the seaside and in the UK, we’re fortunate to possess some real gems; the kinds of charming, stunning and exciting spots that attract scores of holidaymakers to B&Bs and guest houses by the coast.

We asked you what your favourite British seaside destinations were and here are your answers:

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12 places in the UK which will make you feel you are abroad

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

British staycations are on the rise, not purely for Brexit or financial reasons, either – many of us are (re)discovering the UK’s incredible landscape, beautiful beaches and exciting cities. Hence it could be a good time to go into the B&B, guesthouse or hotel business.
Continue reading “12 places in the UK which will make you feel you are abroad”

How to turn your home into a successful bed and breakfast

Posted on by Stewart Hindley

You’ve got a large property, the children have flown the nest and now you’re just rattling around in it. Or perhaps you and your partner have inherited a house but it’s costing the earth to maintain. Wouldn’t it be great if your home could actually make money for you? Converting it into a bed and breakfast could not only enhance its value, but provide an income, offering you a completely new way of life and the means/motivation to keep the property in good condition.

It sounds like such a simple idea, maybe too good to be true, but it’s one which many people have opted for and they’ve never looked back. Here are some points to consider if you’re thinking about turning your home into a B&B.

1. Could you attract business?

The trend for ‘staycation’ holidays is not diminishing. With affordability still the biggest issue for British holidaymakers, not to mention security fears, research reveals that some 77 per cent of UK adults either went on or planned to go on a staycation in 2015. It’s looking good for 2016, too – which is good news for those that run B&Bs and guesthouses.

Before getting on to the subject of B&B finance, one big consideration and contributing factor towards your success is location. It’s vital that you are situated somewhere that would attract guests. HuffPost Travel named among its top staycation destinations the Lake District, the Norfolk Broads, Edinburgh, Cornwall and North Wales. Big towns and cities are similarly a good option. Just consider your situation – is there enough in the vicinity to attract guests?

2. Decide if running a bed and breakfast is for you

In our blog: Why owning a B&B can be a dream come true, we explore the best bits about leaving the nine-to-five and changing your life. You get to be your own boss and meet endless numbers of interesting people.

If you’re seriously considering converting your home into a B&B, ask yourself whether you’d feel happy about having other people coming and going through your home. Also, think about the lifestyle. While many B&B owners say they love their new business, it does require hard work and commitment. However, if you’re fine with all of that, let’s talk money.

3. Know what you’ll need finances for

When arranging B&B finance, in addition to paying the mortgage, remember to allocate sufficient funds for renovating the house into guest accommodation. This covers furnishings, decorations, refurbishments and countless other tasks that will need to be completed before you can open. Then there’s advertising, creating a website and potentially paying staff wages, too.

It’s pertinent you keep funds in reserve to cover all eventualities, as there will be changes in demand and economic circumstances. However, if you get the right advice and choose the best mortgage deal, you should be able to keep a tight control over your cash flow.

Buying a B&B
4. Choose the right bed and breakfast mortgage

One of the questions we’re most often asked by people who are ‘new to trade’ is: ‘Can I get a residential mortgage on a to trade as a B&B?’ The answer is no. Running a B&B requires a commercial mortgage. In fact, using your existing residential mortgage can actually get you into trouble with your lender owing to the differences in rates between residential and commercial mortgages.

You’ll therefore need to replace your existing residential mortgage to a commercial one. As this is a business, there are many more, and different, conditions that need to be taken into account by both lenders and you. However, an advantage of commercial mortgages is that the repayments can track the season, meaning you can pay more during peak times and less when it’s quiet.

5. Get good advice

Running a bed and breakfast is a huge undertaking, so it’s important to do your research and speak to the experts. With regard to finance, contact a broker that specialises in the industry – like us at Stewart Hindley and Partners, who can identify the most appropriate solution to suit your individual situation. We can advise on other aspects of the business, too, helping you to create a business plan and secure a mortgage which allow you to realise your dream.

Another good idea is to contact other B&B owners, or read case studies, so that you can gain first hand insight into the everyday operation of such a business. Learn from their experience, take advantage of their knowledge and see your own business thrives.

Providing you satisfy all of the personal and financial criteria and are sure that this is the move for you, then there’s no reason why you can’t turn your home into a bed and breakfast, enjoying a way of life that so many others can only envy. Why not give it some thought?

If you’d like to discover more about B&B finance, we’d love to help.

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