Innkeeping and Bed & Breakfast Inns for Sale Blog

Pop-Up Dinners at Your Bed and Breakfast

June 27th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Presentation is Everything-Make it Instagram Worthy!

Ever thought of doing Pop-Up dinners at your bed and breakfast? If you love fun food experiences, this is a great way to express that love. It is also another way to expose your Inn to a wider audience. In addition it is an opportunity to invite your community, business friends, and locals to your property. A great way to connect.

Once again, I found a great source for information. From Eventbrite:

“Pop-up dinners are one-time food events that offer guests a taste of something different. Whether it’s an unexpected location, a personal interaction with the chef, or a unique menu or theme, these events cater to the ‘Experiential Diner’ — who craves not just an amazing meal, but a new and exciting dining experience.”

Zucchini Blossom Salad-From June 24th English Meadows Supper Club

The “unexpected location” could be your Inn! The Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunk, Maine started doing Pop-Up dinners this year.

They have grown in popularity and are now offering them monthly. Featuring sous chefs from your favorite restaurants is a great way to promote local chefs. They have the opportunity to create their own menus, do their own thing. A win-win collaboration.

“There are so many chefs out there — they have their restaurants, their day jobs, but they’re looking for something more. That’s what the pop-up culture offers them. They are able to take over someone’s space for only a few hours and convert it into their own identity. It’s not just about the food, it’s about creating a memorable experience for the guests.” Chef Melissa King, Top Chef Season 12

Eventbrite has a free download guide that gives you some good tips for pricing, promotion and general industry tips. Worth downloading to get some good insight.

Pop-Ups are one of the fastest growing food trends, experiencing an 82% growth.

And don’t forget the cocktails!

Creation and Photo by Alex Parisi-Curate Maine

“Locally made bitters, local honey, simple syrup, infusion kits, Mule Mugs or antique cocktail glasses.” Curate Maine.

I’ll drink to that!

There are many articles and blogs out there with tips on taking good food photos with your I Phone. Take a look at this one from New York Times. 11 Way to Take a Better Food Photo on Instagram.

Some advice before you start. Find out IF you can offer expanded food service like a Pop-Up at your Inn. Remember, assume nothing and ask everything when it comes to regulations.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: bed and breakfast, Curate maine, English Meadows Supper Club, Instagram, pop-up dinners
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Mobile Bookings are Growing Fast-Are you getting your share?

June 22nd, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Mobile Bookings are Growing

“…according to eMarketer’s latest forecast on digital and mobile travel. This year, digital travel sales in the US will reach $189.62 billion, 40.0% of which will come from mobile devices.”

Now not all of those billions are room rentals. This includes airlines, cruises, all travel related bookings, including AirBnB.

More stats for those who love this stuff:

“US mobile travel sales will total $75.85 billion in 2017, up 16.7% over last year. On the flip side, desktop and laptop travel sales will decline 1.6% this year to $113.77 billion.”

What does this mean for our industry? If your website is not responsive, you run the risk of being deemed irrelevant. Ouch!

“Google holds nearly 70% of search market share, so when Google talks, we listen. Google states that responsive web design (RWD) is its recommended mobile configuration and an industry best practice. Google prefers RWD because content that lives on one website and one URL is much easier for users to share, interact with, and link to than content that lives on a separate mobile site. It also makes managing your site and SEO easier, as you have one site to maintain and market.” InsideOut Solutions.

Responsive website design has been a ‘must do’ upgrade for a while. Nothing new but…with the newest stats like the 16.7% increase in mobile bookings, the importance of a good responsive site just keeps growing.

“It’s important to have a responsive website, one that can adapt to screens of any resolution, for several reasons. The most obvious reason is that it allows guests who found your inn on their mobile device or tablet to easily navigate your website. If they can navigate your site, they will stay on your website longer. They will learn more about your accommodations and will be more likely to make a reservation.” Q4Launch

The most important point I want to make in this post going forward is: GO WITH WEBMASTERS WHO KNOW THE LODGING INDUSTRY. I know I just shouted at you, no apology, because this is important!

“Keep in mind, “Local” webmasters who are not well-versed in the Lodging industry simply do not have the knowledge to build a Website and include all the necessary parts required to make it into a successful online presence.” Acorn Internet Services, Inc.

“We take a holistic approach to bed and breakfast marketing, but a key tool for success is a professionally designed website that converts “lookers into bookers.” White Stone Marketing

The folks I have quoted here know their stuff. They have all been working with and for our industry for quite a while (except for Q4, the newbies… but good!) They are all knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate about our industry as are we at The B&B Team.

You want your share of the $75.85 billion US travel sales in 2017. If you are not responsive your share will be miniscule. You want those lookers to become bookers but…if they can’t even look on a mobile device. Ouch!

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Acorn Internet marketin, InsideOut Solutions, mobile bookings, mobile devices, Q4 launch, The B&B Team, White Stone Marketing
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Urban Bed & Breakfasts for Sale-Interested?

June 13th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Urban Bed & Breakfasts for Sale-Philadelphia’s Cornerstone Inn

Did you know The B&B Team conducts around 30 ‘Better Way to Learn Innkeeping’ Seminars annually? Many aspirers sign up to learn the “ins and outs” of starting a bed breakfast. In addition we also learn from them, something very important. Where do they want to live? Location WILL affect your business and lifestyle.

We ask…

Is it in the country with some acreage?

Is it on the shore, beach or lake?

In a quiet country village?

Or…an urban setting?

Urban Bed & Breakfasts. Large cities or smaller metropolitan cites. Let’s take a look at some advantages.

Can have higher occupancy rates. Why?
- Oodles of corporations that bring their travelers to town.
- Typically enjoy mid-week business travelers.
- Usually have colleges and universities…always magnets for parents, future student families, reunions and corporate guests working at the school.
- Colleges and universities build repeat guests for 4 years with each entering class.
- Less year-round occupancy volatility. Typically weather does not affect urban travel.
Average Daily Rates (ADR) can typically be higher in a city. Why?
- Higher occupancy rates allow for effective revenue management practices.

Thank you Marilyn and Scott Bushnell, members of The B&B Team for their insights, cited above. As innkeepers (in their former life!) their Inn was located in a vibrant urban location.

“We realized that the value of multiple types of travelers would provide better occupancy, stronger income, and lower our risks in the marketplace. And, we had the personal conveniences of access to all that in town inns have to offer (dining, shopping, culture).”

Another feature is that they are often located in beautiful renovated in-town historic manses, homes where prominent families lived before suburban sprawl. In addition, it is not all cement and asphalt; there are often secret gardens and patios, even swimming pools.

Here are a few examples of successful urban Bed and Breakfasts The B&B Team is currently offering for sale.

Cornerstone Inn-Urban Bed & Breakfast for Sale

Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast, Philadelphia PA. Walk to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, fine dining and events. Yes…it’s urban!
- Located in University City adjacent to both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel.
- Occupancy exceeds 70% (national average for B&Bs of this size is about 41%.
- ADR is over $190 (national average for B&Bs of this size is about $160).

The Cornerstone Inn is a beautiful 1865 Victorian ‘painted lady’ set on a quiet Philadelphia street among towering trees and other historic buildings. Highlights of the Inn include original architectural carpentry, original wood flooring and 7 glorious stained glass windows.

Urban Bed & Breakfast in the Lehigh Valley

A Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Inn. 18 guest room Georgian Mansion Inn located in an historic neighborhood in Eastern PA.
- Near a world renowned liberal arts college. Includes all the advantages an urban property can offer.
- Occupancy and ADR plus complete financials are available to qualified buyers with a signed NDA.

An elegant Georgian mansion originally built in 1895. In 1986 the building was fully restored to its former glory and has welcomed guests ever since. Over the years it has evolved into what is now the stately eighteen-room Lehigh Valley urban Bed & Breakfast.

Take a look at The B&B Team’s additional Urban Bed & Breakfasts for sale offerings.

Downtown Pittsburgh Bed and Breakfast.

Historic Mansion with 9 guest rooms in the middle of this dynamic city. A few blocks from Heinz Field, PNC Park, and Andy Warhol Museum. Urban neighborhood at it’s best.

Downtown Pittsburgh Urban Bed & Breakfast for Sale

Annapolis Maryland Bed and Breakfast

Amid dozens of diverse area attractions that bring visitors to town such as the Naval Academy, St. John’s College, city Dock with its showcase Harbor, the State Capital and surrounding businesses, plus boutique shopping, pubs and eclectic dining offerings that are ALL within a short walking distance. In the historic district of Annapolis.

Annapolis Maryland Urban Bed & Breakfast for sale

Still interested? Follow the links and give us a call. We can help.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Annapolis Maryland, Better Way to Learn Innkeeping, Philadelphia inns for sale, Pittsburgh B&B, The B&B Team, urban bed & breakfasts for sale
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Duluth, Minnesota-Best Beach Town?

May 19th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Duluth Minnesota-Best Beach Town?

Beach Boys didn’t sing about it but Duluth was recently listed by Tasting Table as one of 11 Best Beach Towns in America. Yes, Duluth Minnesota on the North Shore of Lake Superior. There are sandy beaches complete with a picturesque lighthouse, piers and wind filled sails on blue waters. And surfers.

Lake Superior Surfers

Along these shores they sing, ‘I wish they all could be Minnesota girls!’

You can imagine that Tasting Table (one of my new favorite websites) focuses on food and food travel. Besides the beaches, Duluth has some great food choices, innovative and fun.

Sample #1

When a man falls in love with smoking meats and fish, the result is Northern Waters Smokehaus. “Along with kippering and smoking fish, Northern Waters Smokehaus has continued to push the food envelope with a pioneering and award-winning charcuterie program and a variety of cured muscle meats and fresh sausages.” In 2016 a restaurant was added. Picnic on the beach with one of their smoked meat filled sandwiches? OK

Northern Waters Smokehaus, Duluth Minnesota

Sample #2

Drive along the North Shore of Lake Superior between Duluth and Two Harbors and you will run across a “cozy building nestled behind a gorgeous garden filled with herbs, vegetables and fragrant flowers.” The place is the New Scenic Café. Located along the North Shore Scenic Drive, one of the most scenic roads in the country. Often called the All-American Road. The café’s menu looks exceptionally creative and scenic! You know you eat with your eyes first.

New Scenic Café-Innovative Sashimi Tuna Tacos

I am pleased that Duluth has been touted as a ‘beach town’ but if you stay at the A. G. Thomson House Bed and Breakfast you can learn about and discover the four season Duluth. The A. G. Thomson House is a beautiful stately Inn located in a quiet historic district neighborhood on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. Getting to know and experience Duluth is what it is all about at the A. G. Thomson!

A. G. Thomson House Bed and Breakfast

The Duluth Experience is an incredible website that shows and tells it all. Experts lead tours of all kinds, outdoor adventures, indoor and up in the air. It was recently voted Outside Magazine’s best city to live in!

“Duluthians have a tenacious ‘make it happen’ attitude. One commenter on the Outside Magazine contest page stated, “you can’t be a wimp if you live here”.

“The city of 86,000 stretches for 26 miles along the westernmost tip of Lake Superior and has 6,834 acres of city parkland, 178 miles of wooded trails, and 16 designated trout streams.”

So what do tourists to Duluth want after all that activity? Ice Cream. It all comes back to food doesn’t it? At least in many of my blogs! Innkeeper at A. G. Thomson informed me that The Portland Malt Shoppe has lines around the block. How about a Hot Fudge Raspberry Malt and then a stroll on the Lake Walk!

The Portland Malt Shoppe, Duluth

Looking for Minnesota Inns for sale? Our Duluth Inn for sale listing is a wonderful choice which may work for you. The B&B Team can help you with your search here, right now! If you have any questions or even doubts about our services, please take a look at our testimonials page.

“Your insight was very valuable– you were able to paint a very realistic picture of the goals we need to meet to make purchasing a B&B a reality.”

Surfs Up! and…Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

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Pennsylvania-Heritage Tourism in the ‘Welcome’ State

May 8th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Pennsylvania-Heritage Tourism Welcomes You

Pennsylvania has a sizable number of B&Bs. You may ask why? There are many reasons to travel to the ‘Welcome’ state. Pennsylvania-heritage tourism is widespread as well as the state’s dedication to historic preservation. The B&B Team has 10 properties for sale in the ‘Welcome’ state of Pennsylvania. In this writing I will focus on a selection of heritage destinations near a few of our current bed and breakfasts for sale in PA. More to follow in future blogs.

First let’s take a look at the definition of ‘heritage tourism’.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past,” and “heritage tourism can include cultural, historic and natural resources.” Got it? Good. Here we go…

Gettysburg National Park

Gettysburg National Military Park. 3.8 million Visitors per year. That is powerful. Touring trough the battle site is a very sobering and haunting experience. Using a Licensed Battlefield Guide, in my opinion, is essential. You can learn from these passionate and knowledgeable guides 10 times more than you learned from your High School history books! A visit to this National Park is on many bucket lists. Rick and I visited and took the guided tour, twice!

The Gaslight Inn is located in downtown Gettysburg. And the town is charming. I know that word is used way too much. But…it really is. Walk to everything downtown from the Inn. Guests love that.

N.C Wyeth Home & Studio ‘where time stands still’ Heritage Tourism

N.C. Wyeth Home & Studio, Chadds Ford in the Brandywine Valley. “Everything in Chadds Ford is linked to the past.” Makes sense, the town was established in 1684. The rolling hills are dotted with well-preserved buildings. Many have become museums like the artist N.C. Wyeth Home & Studio. The location of the home and museum overlooking the valley is glorious. Touring this heritage treasure tells a story of ‘once upon a time’ in the valley. Thanks to excellent preservation, time stands still. This is on my bucket list.

Pennsbury Inn is located in Chadds Ford on eight acres of landscaped grounds and flower gardens bordered by woodland trails. The building, built in 1714, is a beautiful example of colonial American architecture. Just across the road is Longwood Gardens.

Longwood Gardens Hydrangea Walkway

Longwood Gardens. Over a million visitors per year. “The Gardens are a living expression of all that our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, found inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful. From the intricate fountain systems to the meticulous gardens to the architectural grandeur, awe-inspiring discoveries await at every turn.” Open year round and dedicated to horticulture, education and the arts.

Fallingwater House. Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece is located in southwest Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands and 90 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. “Why is it so famous? It’s a house that doesn’t even appear to stand on solid ground, but instead stretches out over a 30’ waterfall. It captured everyone’s imagination when it was on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.” A true heritage destination with a glimpse into Wright’s genius.

Inn at Watson’s Choice is located in Uniontown in the Laurel Highlands. The inn is comprised of multiple historic and contemporary buildings situated on 41 acres of rolling countryside. Innkeepers have put together a very complete Tourist Guide Book with over 100 places to visit. Fantastic!

I have said this over and over, but the more I research areas of our beautiful country, the more I am amazed at the amount of fascinating places to discover. That is why staying at a bed and breakfast with local experienced innkeepers is so meaningful.

Heritage tourism is thriving in Pennsylvania. If owning an Inn and living the innkeeping lifestyle is something that you are seriously considering, take a look at our Pennsylvania bed and breakfasts for sale.

The B&B Team® can help! We invite you to start your search for bed and breakfasts for sale in Pennsylvania with us. There may be other inns for sale in Pennsylvania we are aware of. Learn how to get in touch with a specialist in finding Pennsylvania inns just right for you.

The B&B Team and Pennsylvania welcomes you to explore. Want to learn about innkeeping? Take a look at our Seminars for aspiring innkeepers. ‘We don’t sell the dream. We help you live it.’ ™

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Pennsylvania bed and breakfasts for sale, Pennsylvania heritage tourism, Pennsylvania inns for sale, The B&B Team Inns for Sale
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Blackmail! What You Can Do Before It Happens?

May 1st, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Blackmail! In today’s world of social media.

Just say the word, blackmail, and it brings to mind evil images and dark thoughts.

The definition of blackmail: ‘…the action, treated as a criminal offense, of demanding money from a person in return for not revealing compromising or injurious information about that person.’

For innkeepers today, it isn’t the demand for money. Blackmail in today’s world of social media and transparency means a threat of a bad review! Yes, evildoers with the opportunity of damaging your good reputation.

Rick and I were invited to TripAdvisor’s headquarters recently to meet with multiple groups of TripAdvisor employees in different departments. We were pleased that The B&B Team had the opportunity to represent the interests of B&Bs at these meetings.

Among many subjects discussed relating to issues B&Bs have with TripAdvisor, the issue of blackmail came up. A few years ago TripAdvisor added a way for business owners to report blackmail threats. In our canvasing of innkeepers only one innkeeper brought up this topic. I thought I would share this information for those of you who may not be aware of this tool.

As a business representative, how can I report that a guest threatened me with a bad review? “Here are some best practices for submitting reports of potential blackmail to TripAdvisor before the review is submitted.”

The key word here is before. Being proactive is important. If you get a threat, report it immediately. Save the paper trail of emails and voicemails. As much detailed information you can report, the better.

What if a fraudulent review is posted and you were not aware of any threats? This can and has happened and unfortunately can be a bit more difficult to prove. It must violate TripAdvisor’s review guidelines.

As an owner or manager, how do I report a review that violates your guidelines?

As innkeepers, working through the process of reporting blackmail or fraudulent reviews can be frustrating and time consuming. But at least there is a process with guidelines provided by TripAdvisor. And if the results end with a removal of the review, definitely worth it!

Tip: Posting a management response to a fraudulent review is also very important. Respond as soon as possible!

As an owner or manager, how do I respond to a review on my listing?

Even if you have not had a threat of blackmail or received a fraudulent review, it is a good idea to read through these guidelines. Have the knowledge before, and you have the opportunity to head the evildoers off at the pass!

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: blackmail, The B&B Team, Trip Advisor
Posted in Innkeeping Business | 2 Comments »

Where Can You Find Old Florida?

April 14th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Where can you find old Florida? I mean Florida locations with classic old world charm and nostalgic local character. I don’t mean the Golden Girls, even though they did have lots of character! Dig deep and you can find it from Jacksonville to Key West.

I discovered there are websites and blogs devoted to old roadside attractions like alligator farms, greasy fired chicken diners and Shuffleboard Clubs. Fun stuff and a good source for travelers to Florida seeking unique experiences beyond Disney.

I dug a little deeper and discovered another spin on old Florida. Renovating old Florida vintage hotels as well as bed and breakfast inns and motels into smarter and hipper places to stay. An ongoing trend for a new generation of travelers. Yet keeping the authentic vibe, identity and charm.

If these properties are located in neighborhoods that pride themselves in preserving their historic districts, all the better for the guests. Towns like St. Augustine and Amelia Island Fernandina Beach are prime examples.

Old Florida Charm-Addison on Amelia Island Bed & Breakfast

Amelia Island and specifically downtown Fernandina Beach is a mix of upscale and down-to-earth old Florida charm. Picture brick lined streets with palms and ancient moss draped live oak trees. Southern classic homes in the plantation and Victorian style complete the package.

Example of real down-to-earth…1903 Palace Saloon. The oldest continuously operating bar in Florida. Known as the ‘shipcaptains’ bar in old Florida days when Fernandina’s docks were the busiest in the South. Of the 20 odd saloons, the Palace survives and thrives. Yes, a place where everybody knows your name.

Palace Saloon, Amelia Island

Now if you are visiting Amelia Island and happen to stop by the Palace Saloon for a Pirates Punch you may see Innkeeper Bob and his fury friends. Barkeeps there know everybodys dogs names too! They don’t get punch, bar biscuits are the preferred fare.

From Bob’s blog…Yesterday, for a short time, there were more dogs in the Palace Saloon than there were people. That is Maggie at the front, Louie to the left and Sam at the rear, all sitting nice and quiet, waiting for a treat.

Oh but I digress, cute dogs will do it every time.

Innkeepers Bob and Shannon own the Addison on Amelia. An upscale luxury bed and breakfast with down-to-earth charm, that perfect mix I mentioned before. To get a glimpse into what life was like in old Florida, all you need to do is walk into the front parlor of the Addison’s original building. A welcoming gas fireplace greets you in the cooler winter months. Guestrooms feature four-poster beds, rich hardwood floors, and ceiling fans stirring a cool breeze. The color schemes are fresh, bright with hints of the tropics, just what guests are seeking in a seaside Florida bed and breakfast. The B&B Team is proud to introduce you to this Amelia Island Florida Inn for sale.

Looking for bed and breakfasts for sale in Florida? Start your search here. If you don’t find the B&B you’re looking for, we can help you identify and search for inns for sale in Florida.

By the way, the mayor of Fernandina Beach is also the daytime barkeep at the Palace Saloon. Now wouldn’t that be a great town to live and own a business in?

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, inns forsale, Old Florida
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Service with a Smile ;>}

April 4th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Service with a Smile

As innkeepers we always provide service with a smile, right? In The B&B Team’s Aspiring Innkeepers Seminars we spend a good deal of time discussing service. We ask our attendees questions like…

Is the customer always right?

After some discussion, our response is NO, the customer is not always right. Thankfully that rude and offensive guest does not rear its ugly head often at bed and breakfasts. But when that occasional guest appears, it is memorable as well as challenging.

When a guest insults you or a member of your staff, makes unreasonable demands and complaints and all with the use of offensive language. Is this person always right? Of course not.

The fact is that some guests are just plain wrong and your business is better without them.

Today innkeepers can flag guests in their property management systems, making sure you or your staff doesn’t make the mistake of booking them in the future.

But how do you handle those guests during their stay? And how do you ‘encourage’ them to remove themselves? Service with a smile?

Firmly explain that you do not tolerate certain kinds of behavior at your Inn.
Suggest that if they are so unhappy with their stay they can leave and will not be charged.

OK, you may not be smiling during this conversation but you will be calm, collected and professional. As innkeepers, Rick and I only had to ’explain and suggest’ twice. Once to loud and intoxicated couples traveling (or should I say partying?) together. And once to a guest who made a very offensive and discriminatory statement in front of us and other guests. They both took our ‘suggestion’ and departed.

We recently had a conversation with Siobhan Kelly, innkeeper with partner Katja of the Towne Motel in Camden Maine. She told us a great story. Her mother owned the High Tide in Camden on the coast of Maine in the 80’s. Siobhan helped her Mom at the inn during the summers while in grad school. She remembers the method her Mom used when dealing with unhappy guests at check-in. She would simply take an eraser (remember those?) and erase the reservation in the ledger right in front of them. …

“Mom would try to work with them–offer a different room if she could, for example–but if they couldn’t be pleased, the eraser came out, Mom handed back their deposit, and said she’s sure they’d be happy elsewhere. Backtracking at this point was in vain: they weren’t staying there!”

Smiling innkeeper, Siobhan Kelly

Read more in detail about the legality of Guest Removal in an article from US Legal.

As I mentioned before, the rude and offensive guest appears rarely. Good innkeepers have a caring attitude, are flexible and have a genuine commitment to the guest. Offering genuine service with a smile means your guests are smiling too. And in 99.9% of the time, they do.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: aspiring innkeeper seminar, service with a smile, The B&B Team
Posted in Innkeeping Business | 3 Comments »

Are You a Luxury Bed & Breakfast Inn?

March 28th, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Are You a Luxury Bed & Breakfast?

Are you a luxury bed & breakfast inn? Luxury means different things to different people. If you brand your inn as a Luxury Bed & Breakfast Inn… one size and look does not fit all today.

A whirlpool tub, a fireplace, champagne and those oh, so predictable chocolate covered strawberries. Guests may be saying: “Is that all there is”?

Going beyond the expected and predictable is what we are talking about here.

If you are going to charge luxury prices, then you need to offer something that no one else can offer. In my research, I found many articles and blogs on this subject. What I discovered was once again it is not about the ‘things’ but about the experience. This does not mean the luxury amenities, updated décor, latest technology and yes, an outstanding breakfast are not important. Guests still want (and expect) this. But…

“It’s clear that experience is winning out over the material when it comes to the kind of luxury that consumers prefer.”

“To really have a competitive edge, hospitality providers need to facilitate branded experiences that extend beyond the walls of the room or property.” 10 Hotel Trends that Will Shape Guest Experience in 2017 Deanna Ting, Skift. Jan. 30, 2017

Your luxury Bed & Breakfast Inn charges luxury prices. As a result that WOW factor needs to include something no one else offers. Experiential travel, ‘live like a local’, curated experiences…call it what you will. It is what hospitality and travel writers are talking about today. There must be a reason.

Some examples:

Street food & beverage tours. Rick and I were in Brooklyn with our son and daughter-in=law and took a whiskey tasting and distillery tour followed by a walk to a bakery that only bakes and sells key lime pie! Their frozen chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick! Unique…you bet.

Van Brunt Stillhouse, Red Hook Brooklyn, NY

Exclusive behind the scene museum tours. The Inn at Cooperstown has been offering one of the best behind the scenes tours of The Baseball Hall of Fame for many years. The innkeepers created the package, partnering with the museum and they ‘own it’. Exclusive and packed full of experiences…you bet.

Ultimate Baseball Hall of Fame Package Experience

Now you may think trekking the streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn and paring whiskey with key lime pie is not luxurious. But it sure was memorable. Remember, one size does not fit all.

A behind the scene tour of your favorite baseball team’s artifacts in places the public is not privy too, priceless. Possibly a memory of a lifetime to serious baseball fans!

Coming up with an experience that is unique to your property’s location may not be as difficult as you think. What is your community’s story? It may be historical or a new emerging business trend. Do a bit of research and think ‘out of the box’.

From the Skift article. “This isn’t to say people don’t want opulence or extravagance anymore. For some travelers, that’s still an integral part of what defines luxury. We’re not saying luxury is transforming into something more Spartan, or more minimalistic, either. Instead lean luxury is about the new luxury, about offering travelers a more authentic, genuine luxury experience unfettered by specific brand or quality standards like thread counts.”

I think a branded luxury Bed & Breakfast Inn has the opportunity to provide this better than the large hotel brands, way better.

Looking for a luxury bed & breakfast for sale? Become a part of the ‘lean luxury’ trend.

Lead photo. Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn, Hermann, Missouri. ‘Where the Missouri and Memories Meet.’

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn, Inn at Cooperstown, luxury bed & breakfast inns, The B&B Team, Van Brunt Stillhouse
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Snowfall Equals Dollars-White is Green in Vermont and New Hampshire

March 21st, 2017 by Janet Wolf

Okemo Mountain, Vermont-Snowfall Equals Dollars

Yes…for innkeepers in the Northeast, snowfall equals dollars. A crystal white covering is green for innkeepers in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Facts:

“Northern New England Gets Buried in Snow, and Skiers Love It” US News article.
“Visits to Cannon Mountain Ski Area in White Mountains, Franconia NH, are up by 65%.”
“Good morning skiers and riders and happy first day of spring! I hope you love spring conditions as much as I do, because today’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies and soft snow! We’ll be working on our goggle tans as we make buttery turns all day long.” Mount Snow Vermont Report-6:33 AM Monday, March 20, 2017

Reports like this come in daily and skiers, snowmobilers and snowboarders use them to help make their plans. Staying at a Vermont and New Hampshire country inn or lodge has historically been an excellent way to stay for lovers of winter and everything that beautiful snowfall has to offer.

Bernerhof Inn, Jackson NH

Jackson NH, Bernerhof Inn partners with cross country and alpine ski resorts in their White Mountains location. Near Attitash Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Bretton Woods Ski Resort and Jackson Ski Touring. Quite a list! After a day on the slopes the Bernerhof offers great pub food at the Black Bear Pub and martini bar and an onsite spa. Spacious recently renovated guest rooms. Winter packages that bring in the green!

Cozy up and relax before dining-Sugar Hill Inn

Sugar Hill Inn, White Mountains of NH. A classic country inn and restaurant. The Inn is centrally located in the Franconia Notch region in the heart of the White Mountains. The rural beauty of the location is a real draw that includes winter sports on nearby Cannon Mountain Ski Area. Sugar Hill offers not just skiing packages but tubing, dog sledding and winter hiking. The restaurant offers fine dining yet is relaxed in a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Apres-Ski at the Parker House Inn & Bistro

Parker House Inn and Bistro in Quechee VT has a relationship with Quechee Lakes Country Club that offers winter activities that include an illuminated ice skating pond, horse drawn sleigh rides and snowshoeing. The Quechee Ski Hill is a great place for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The Parker House has a great lively apre-ski atmosphere. Great food and cheer and updated contemporary guest rooms. Great place to chill from the chill!

Bromley View Inn Labrador Lounge & Tavern

Bromley View Inn is minutes away from Bromley Mountain which boasts the only New England ski area with southern exposure. Known as ‘Sun Mountain’. Bromley View Inn is perfectly situated between two wonderful mountains… Stratton and Bromley. Long known for family skiing. The Bromley View Inn is perfect for multigenerational gatherings. A growing travel trend which has the color of green all over it. The Labrador Lounge & Tavern is a wonderful addition to the Inn’s friendly atmosphere. The circular gas fireplace with surround seating is a favorite gathering spot.

Kitzhof Inn Lounge

Kitzof Inn is located near Mt Snow. Recall what was said about spring skiing? “goggle tans as we make buttery turns all day long.” Location is key! Walk or ride to restaurants and bars in West Dover village. The free ‘MOOver Bus’ takes you directly to the lifts at Mount Snow just 2 minutes away. Return to the Inn, enjoy their Hot Tub, Fireplace Lounge, BYOB Bar, Games Room and Wifi. Dinner is available to groups.

Chester VT country inn blanketed in snow. Watercolor by Debra Webster Irons

Okemo Valley VT is location of the Village of Chester and the Fullerton Inn and Restaurant. A country inn and a Vermont classic. Okemo is in south-central Vermont, featuring southern Vermont’s highest vertical drop and vast trail network that spans five distinct alpine areas, an exceptional skiing and riding experience for all ability levels. Also close to Stratton Mountain and Magic Mountain Ski Resort. The casual restaurant is a central hub for locals and inn guests alike.

Interested in these Vermont and New Hampshire Inns for sale? Give us a call. In New England resort areas the green doesn’t stop when the snow melts. If you have ever spent any time in Vermont and New Hampshire in the summer and fall you know what I mean.

A great winter season brings in the green but just around the calendar corner is spring skiing, warmer sun and longer days and March maple sugaring. Followed by summer hiking and biking, fall foliage and that crisp air with the hint of winter to come.

Question? Do you know what ‘stick season ‘ is? That brief time after fall foliage when the trees are bare and innkeepers can take a brief break!

Vermont and New Hampshire are not the only winter wonderlands. Maine winters are prime time for winter lovers. Next blog will feature the green that comes from the Camden Hills, Rockland, Bethel, Fryeburg, Moosehead Lake and more. Stay tuned.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Tags: Country Inn, inns forsale, New Hampshire, The B&B Team, Vermont
Posted in Innkeeping Business | 1 Comment »

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