With so much competition out there, it’s so important to make sure that your accommodation stands out, whether that’s your online presence or when the guests are staying with you. We asked independent hosts and hoteliers to give us some tips on what they do to make sure their business stand out, and here’s what they told us:
It’s all about those great reviews
“Encourage guests who have enjoyed their stay to leave feedback. And you should try and be flexible and work around guests and their requirements” – Heather Bray-Moran Sportsmans Lodge.
“Look at guest reviews for all local competition, to learn what NOT to do” – Jane Hogg, Magpies
“You have to do well on TripAdvisor, so follow up with guests to ask them to review you. Let them feel that they are part of your success – Hazel Goldman, Grove Guest House
Making sure that you go that extra mile
“Go that extra mile for people. You could help with a wheel chair, offer a packed lunch instead of breakfast if they’re leaving early. Holding the baby so mum can eat her meal, offer a lift to the station/coach. You also need to know the area that you live in, become your guests tourist information centre. And finally, keep smiling” – Mrs Michelle Reid, The Beach House.
“Offer something better than your competition, even if it’s customer service or better still a really good bed!” – Caz, Two Hoots
“Offer Fresh drinks and homemade cake on arrival and extra items in the room such as fresh milk, bath robes, reading material and you can offer the use of a fridge and the dining room outside of breakfast times. You can also provide picnic breakfasts to take with them” – Gail Amos, Willow Springs B&B.
Figure out what you’re best at
“Do what you do best very well and accentuate the positives. We over deliver on the quality of breakfast and the snacks we leave out – making people’s stays memorable” – Greg White, April Cottage.
“Check out the local competition and see what they are doing, and do it better. You need a really good eye for detail” – Sam Ferguson, Crowfield Country House.
“According to VisitEngland, we stand out for our commitment to local food; just pick something – anything – and take it to its logical extreme. If it’s sheets, make sure you have the BEST sheets; if it’s singing your guests to sleep, make sure you have full operatic accreditation, etc.” – Jill and Rupert Richarsdson, Dowfold House Bed and Breakfast.
Offer something different
“Offer something different. My husband does sheepdog demonstrations, we are very flexible and try hard to please our guests” – Jean Pedgrift Northlees Farm.
“Have something different from anyone else. We have a hot tub with jets. This attracts people but they don’t always use it.” – Shona Turner, Shire Lodge.
“Find a niche. This can be service, standards, pricing or style. Find what makes your establishment so much better than the rest and exploit that” – Georgina Bearman, The Sea Croft.
It’s all about your online appearance
“To stand out against your competition, I would recommend making sure your photos are good quality on your website. Your furnishings and decor are good quality. Provide little extras, a welcome pack and flowers etc” – Sue Pember, Ironbridge View Townhouse.
“You need to offer quality and value with great pictures! Don’t rely on customer photos, take some time and stage it right. You need to ask yourself, would you stay there?” – Kevin Gibson, The Royal George.
“Professional photography for our website and to use on the travel websites. Plus getting consistently good reviews on TripAdvisor” – Vanessa Gummer, Rosslyn House.
And most importantly, Michael Oliver from Seaview Inn said to “be yourself.” Which is important, as the guest is staying with you, and you are what makes their stay so unique.
And eviivo can help to stand out against the competition by helping you to run your business your way. We connect you to all the leading travel websites, allowing you to manage ALL bookings from one leading-class diary. With one click you can update your content, your rates and your policies, so you’re always 100% in control. We can even give you a FREE website that is google-friendly and mobile-friendly and ready to take bookings online.
Find out more by clicking here.