It’s that time again… shut the door and grab a beer for 60 seconds with Rupert from Dowfold House Bed and Breakfast.
What advice would you give someone before they took a leap into the accommodation business?
You need to examine carefully whether they actually like interacting with people. If they do, the the rest will naturally follow and they will have a rewarding time; if they don’t really like people, it’s the worst job in the world.
What do you think is the most important thing about being running your own B&B, guest house or small hotel?
Meeting guests’ needs with a smile.
What’s the funniest thing that a guest has requested?
One guest asked for 10 pillows – to put on top of the mattress to sleep on.
What is one thing you wish you knew before getting into this industry?
How large my laundry is now.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Paperwork!
What is the best part of your job?
Chatting with guests, and entering into a benign conspiracy with them to ensure they have a good time.
What tips do you have to make sure guests book with you directly?
A good web-site; offers which entice people to book directly; a high level of repeat business.
What is the nicest thing a guest has said about their stay with you?
“Jill & Rupert at Dowfold House Bed & Breakfast are a class act. They offer bed and breakfasting in grand style, but somehow make it friendly and intimate.”
Why did you choose to get into the accommodation business and what career did you have before?
I was at IT market analyst, in Windsor. We chose this business so that we could live in a lovely house that would pay for itself – and, we’ve always liked people, in all their manifest glories.
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