B&Bs Welcome the Business Traveler
B&Bs are often thought of only for romantic getaways. But today’s bed and breakfast inns have made in-roads into the corporate traveler world.
The big hotel chains spend plenty to attract guests during off-peak times. If inns are traditionally weekend and vacation spots, with significantly smaller marketing budgets, then how do innkeepers compete with the big hotel chains?
It’s easy. By being who we are AND doing the same things they do – only better. And a little extra marketing never hurts.
Traveling for business often means missing out on conversations. Alone time can be great – being in that work bubble can be kind of nice. But that feeling of being surrounded by lots of people and still feeling alone in a crowded hotel lobby, not so good.
The benefit of staying in a B&B for business travel is having all the comforts of home, only better. This includes people who will make you feel welcome and sit and have a conversation with you. Personal connections, that’s where B&Bs have the big hotels, and short-term rentals, beat.
Plus we’ve got a leg up on breakfast over all of them. No make-your-own-waffles here. As small business owners we are flexible and can meet your needs — whether that’s with a daily early (fresh made) muffin and coffee or an ever changing meeting schedule.
This doesn’t mean you have to run a gauntlet of questions about your day when you walk in the door. But how nice is it to have the option of watching a ballgame in the inn’s living room with, wait for it, other people? Or get the inside scoop on local restaurants and attractions, and maybe even get an invitation to dinner. Not so bad if you’ve spent time on the road eating take-out.
Another way B&Bs compete directly with hotels – corporate and mid-week rates. Companies can even negotiate rates with local B&Bs for incoming travelers. Inns also make great locations for off-site meetings and receptions.
Innkeepers are small business owners who want to make sure their guests have the best experience possible no matter what the reason for the stay. That means B&Bs often have amenities on par with the big hotel chains: WiFi, desks in rooms, and smart TVs that can stream your favorites. Fridges, snacks, and microwaves are also often available to guests. At Georges on York B&B our guests have access to all of this plus a fitness center located right across the street from the inn.
And if you want to combine your business trip with some leisure travel for a little “bleisure” trip, B&Bs are ideal. Whether you travel alone and take some time to unwind or want to enjoy a romantic getaway with the one you love, add that stay onto your business trip and you don’t have to move to a new hotel. Check out what’s nearby Georges on York.
Treat yourself to a B&B stay next time the boss says to get on the road. Or book a room in your local inn for that important customer or potential hire. Inns offer a fresh, local mid-week option to chain hotels and short-term rentals, especially when you want to balance work, time to yourself, and conversation.