The hospitality industry is ever-evolving and bed and breakfast businesses are no exception.
As a bed and breakfast, it’s unlikely you’ll have the big budgets of chain hotels to embrace all of these trends. But just incorporating one or 2 small changes a season can help enhance the customer experience.
The first trend is an increase in online presence. In order to succeed, bed and breakfasts must have an online presence to draw in customers and showcase your products and services. Having a quality website, being active on social media, and optimising your online presence with SEO will continue to be essential for B&Bs moving forward.
Tip – with all the different social media platforms out there it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Choose one platform such as Instagram and learn to do it well. Post consistently and be yourself.
The second trend is the embrace of technology. Technology can be used to streamline the customer experience, and it can also help B&Bs save time and money. From automated check-in systems to online booking platforms, technology can make running a B&B easier and more efficient.
Tip – many of the booking platforms such as Freetobook & Eviivo have different features suitable to automate systems for small B&Bs. Take a fresh look around the platform you use and see if there’s one new feature you could adopt.
The third trend is personalisation. Customers want to feel special and unique, and B&Bs can provide this by crafting experiences tailored to the individual. Adding an extra special touch to a room, customising the amenities offered, or providing personalised recommendations for local restaurants and attractions can help set a B&B apart from the competition.
Tip – Review your website, social media and in room information to see if what you supply is really helping the guest make the most of their stay. Posting videos taken on your phone on social media is a great way of giving your guests mini glimpses of the experience they’ll have whilst staying with you.
Personalisation can also be as simple as leaving a handwritten note welcoming repeat guests back or leaving a card if guests have told you in advance that they’re there for a celebration.
The fourth trend is sustainability. With more and more customers looking for eco-friendly options, B&Bs that embrace sustainability will gain an advantage. From using renewable energy sources to offering organic food and drinks.
Sustainable design is also becoming increasingly popular in UK B&Bs. This could mean using materials that are sustainably sourced or using low-energy lighting
Sustainable design can help B&Bs reduce their environmental impact while also creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests.
Tip – Identify small changes that you can make, such as installing smart light bulbs. Then highlight what you are doing to make your business more sustainable in your marketing materials.
Finally, The fifth trend is about design. One design trend that is becoming increasingly popular is the use of natural elements. Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and brick can help to create a sense of warmth and comfort in a space.
Tip – if you already run a B&B and don’t want to do a full redesign, then consider adding more throws, blankets, rugs, indoor plants and greenery, which can all help to make a space feel more inviting and cosy.
These are just a few of the trends that will shape the bed and breakfast industry in 2023. By keeping up with these latest trends, you can stay ahead of the competition and ensure your success.
In brief:
- The hospitality industry, including bed and breakfast businesses, is constantly changing. To enhance customer experience, B&Bs can adopt a few trends:
- Increase online presence, with a quality website, social media and SEO.
- Embrace technology, with automated systems and online booking platforms.
- Personalization, by tailoring experiences and adding special touches.
- Sustainability, by reducing environmental impact and using eco-friendly options.
- Design, by incorporating natural elements for warmth and comfort.
- Stay ahead of the competition by keeping up with these trends in 2023.
