I chatted with author, Laura Bly, for an hour and a half the other night. 

What do you think about a review site made up of reviews solely from the web site’s employees who visit the properties?  Even though it doesn’t seem as though they’re interested in covering B&Bs, do you think consumers would see these kinds of reviews as more valuable than peer travelers?

BedandBreakfast.com’s release focuses mostly on why a stay at a B&B is more valuable than a stay elsewhere. In particular, I liked how they draw attention to the “free” value-added services, which would not likely be free when staying at a hotel:

• Free breakfasts for two (all B&Bs): $25
• Free Wi-Fi access and/or guest computers (nearly 90% of B&Bs): $10
• Free afternoon refreshments, wine and cheese and/or evening dessert for two (94% of B&Bs): $20
• Tip-free help with luggage and concierge services (over 65% of B&Bs): $5
• Free local telephone calls (75% of B&Bs) plus free long distance calls (25% of B&Bs): $5
• Free parking (over 95% of B&Bs): Up to $25

bnbfinder.com helped to jump start industry promotions recently that focused on saving gas. The “One Tank Trip” promotion is a neat idea, reminding people that a commute to a wonderful vacation spot doesn’t have to cost a lot of time or money. I particularly like how they listed the number of B&Bs within about a half-tank drive (175 miles) from some major destinations. It’s amazing that over 400 B&Bs are within a half tank from Boston.

Their efforts have paid off with a good bit of media pick up. Check out media results from BedandBreakfast.com and bnbfinder.com.

A press release from ILoveInns.com also highlights the soaring gas prices and how staying at B&Bs can be a great choice for saving at the pump. I like the term “staycation” as the idea of staying closer to home, but still vacationing (that’s very appealing to folks like me with little children staying at home with the sitter while we’re away). Who coins phrases like “staycation”? I really like the Thomas Shephard Inn promotion they spotlight, which pitches the idea of parking your car at the inn and leaving it parked there until you’re checking out, because there is so much to do within walking or biking distance of the inn.

Innkeepers should follow their lead and develop your own message on why staying at your inn is a fantastic value versus alternatives…and if you can come up with creative ways to show potential guests they’ll save on gas by staying at your inn, I think an email marketing campaign would be timely! Take the guess work out for your customer.

Happy Summer.

Jay

Here’s the article.

It’s very complimentary of our industry and the product we offer! BedandBreakfast.com also contributed to this piece – thanks guys!

That’s two-for-two with Peter Greenberg this month. The first “basehit” was in his interview with Matt Lauer on The Today Show several days ago.

As you may know, Peter is a well-known journalist and authority on travel. You can read more about him and his work by clicking on the photo.

Jay

You can view the interview by clicking here.

B&Bs are mentioned as an economical possibility for Sunday through Thursday lodging needs.
I’m not necessarily the biggest fan of our industry being presented as an economical alternative, but the fact is most innkeepers do have lower rates during weekdays as part of a yield management strategy. And dollar for dollar, you bet a B&B is a better choice than the big-box guys! If this spurs any business at all for even one innkeeper, fantastic!

My friends at the B&B Team have also blogged about this.

Peter Greenberg’s office contacted PAII a few weeks ago, asking for information on staying at B&Bs for a piece they are planning for their website. I will spread the word once (if) something gets posted online.

Jay Karen