It’s time to kick off your shoes and grab the slippers, for 60 seconds with Fiona Craster from Craster Towers Penthouse Apartments.
What advice would you give someone before they took a leap into the accommodation business?
You definitely need a sense of humour, and to be prepared that your beloved property may get treated not as you would treat other people’s. You will meet some delightful groups of charming people and others… you would not wish to see again. But we never regretted letting and are thrilled when people like our place and return again and again – that is what makes it a very rewarding hobby which gives us great pleasure!
What do you think is the most important thing about being running your own B&B, guest house or small hotel?
We have a self catering apartment and I think it’s important to give as much information as possible and to let guests know they can always come and ask for anything (we live next door!) And obviously, to make them feel comfortable and welcome and to know if they like to be left alone or whether they like to be sociable and hear about the area and the history. We supply lots of maps and tourist information; and if they ask we recommend local pubs and restaurants. You also need a high level of cleanliness and comfort, a good mattresses, soft fluffy towels and nice soaps – to make visitors feel a bit pampered.
What’s the funniest thing that a guest has requested?
They asked for a housekeeper to wash and iron his shirts daily.
What is one thing you wish you knew before getting into this industry?
Nothing really, we love doing it !
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