The world travels constantly. At any given time, millions of travelers check into rooms that were recently used by someone else. It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? Social media has played an important role in influencing consumers to be much more informed about the quality of the accommodation they choose. Consumer sites like TripAdvisor, Google, and B & B.com, to name a few, provide quality insights into consumer experiences that are governed by true content before being published.
Of increasing popularity are small business entrepreneurs who own and operate bed and breakfast places. The reason the individual business owner is emphasized is that they are often the operator too and closely involved in the day-to-day procedures that affect the quality of the amenities the next guest will occupy. Small Business Innkeepers are a group that prides itself on providing service that will make a lasting impression on customers. These consumers are more likely to take the time to submit an honest review for future guests.
A bed and breakfast may use more locally sourced vendors to outfit and supply the daily items that are used for the convenience of the guests. Items like fresh seasonal local produce (strawberries, peaches, and apples, etc.) are amenities you won’t find in big hotels. They often employ high-quality chefs to provide a multi-course breakfast that you won’t find anywhere else. In-room amenities are often provided for the convenience of guests and are equal to or superior to premium hotels in much busier, high-traffic locations. The B & Bs alone, while they probably cost a bit more per night, are a good value and offer a quality breakfast; probably cooked fresh.
Consumers planning travel accommodations will benefit from consulting multiple reviews over a period of time; not just the most recent. Travelers who leave reviews often comment on the quality of cleanliness, hospitality, and the overall quality of their visit. While recent reviews are good, if they are consistently favorable, it is a good indication that the facility is maintaining good practice.
Many locations have convenient booking services on the home page of their website. While this is efficient, taking a few minutes to speak to someone (such as the owner or general manager) is also a good indicator of quality. It’s okay to ask detailed questions if you want to know their cleaning practices. For example, if guests have dietary preferences, communicating with management prior to arrival can often accommodate their needs, making their visit that much more enjoyable and memorable.