How to Increase Bookings for your Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

Owning and Bed & Breakfast establishment, whether you’re renting out your spare bedroom or you run a property offering 50 rooms, can be a hard job. There is so much to think about, and with the recession biting hard it is even more important to guarantee bookings and make sure you fill space up. This article will offer you some tips to increase your bookings over the coming holiday season.

1. Offer a discount on repeat business

Exactly what it says on the tin! Offering a discount on repeat business will entice those holidaymakers who have had a good time at your establishment to re-book for the future, especially if you are offering a discount! Even a small discount such as 5% (possibly increasing to 10% for the third booking) will entice most people to re-book with you. Of course, your impressive local knowledge and impeccable attention to detail during their stay with you will certainly help to secure future bookings too.

2. Get a website

A good quality website can be created these days for very little money. Whatsmore, if you can offer online booking or at least an availability calendar on the website then you will be much better positioned to satisfy your users needs. Basic websites can start from as little as £99, or you can make your own using readily-available software. Ensure that your pictures are well-lit and show your property off to the best of their ability, and make sure your text is error-free, descriptive and honest.

3. Spruce up your rooms

This may seem to be a basic, obvious point – but you would be surprised at how many people don’t take heed! Make rooms look light, fresh and airy – decorate in light, pastel colours to make rooms look larger and if the weather is nice have the windows open when your guests arrive. You can also consider fragrancing your rooms subtly using either fragranced candles or pot pourri.

4. Get an Official Rating from the Tourist Board

Having a Star Rating will give you numerous benefits, not least a license to use the official logo on your website and any other promotional materials. It can cost from as little as £247 for one property for one year which includes the joining fee and participation fee. Properties in England are assessed and accredited by Quality in Tourism, Scotland by Visit Scotland and Wales by Visit Wales. 

5. Advertise

A lot of accommodation owners overlook this point and rely on word-of-mouth to secure their bookings. However, advertising can be good value and have high rewards. Look around for the best deals, and next time a salesperson cold-calls you listen to what they are offering or at least ask for an email to be sent with the details. This month The B&B Directory (www.thebandbdirectory.co.uk) are offering Standard, Value and Extra Value Packages starting from just £39 for one year.