11.01.2024
Simple Ways to Upgrade your Guest Accommodation in 2024
We're working with Karen Thorne from The B&B Academy to bring you helpful tips and advice for your guest accommodation. In this article, we will look at simple yet effective ideas you can enlist to refresh and update your guest rooms in 2024.
As we begin a new year, it's a perfect time to start thinking about changes to your B&B Guest House, Hotel or Holiday Let. Even if you are not planning to go as far as renovating your rooms, there are no doubt things you can do to stay on trend and to improve the smooth running of your hospitality service.
'Where do I start?'
Karen recommends ways to implement small changes that in her experience, have gone down well with her guests. As she puts it: "None of the changes were huge or costly, but my guests told me it showed that I was constantly thinking of my customers’ comfort and looking for ways to improve."
If you are stuck for ideas, make use of this handy guide below:
- Guest feedback is often a great place to get ideas. For instance, following guest feedback at her B&B, Karen added a footstool and nesting tables by the sofa in the room.
- Problem solving. Take stock of how your business has operated over the last 12 months. Has there been a recurring problem, or is there an aspect of your day-to-day activities that you would like to make easier? Perhaps you are short on space on your tea tray, so why not install a floating shelf for mugs and glasses?
- Reviews. This sounds simple but reviews are a great way to glean ideas for changes you can make to your guest accommodation. Also pay attention to reviews of other B&Bs that are similar to your own. "Look at both positive and constructive feedback." Karen advises, "Can you enhance what guests already like or borrow ideas from other places?".
1. Add New Cushions and a Bed Runner
"Introducing new scatter cushions is a fast, easy, and budget-friendly method to freshen up your B&B" says Karen. Her personal favourite runner/cushion combo are these Catriona Runners and cushions paired with hare cushions
2. Enhance Room Ambiance with Lighting Adjustments
One of the easiest ways to upgrade your guest rooms is by enhancing the room ambiance through lighting adjustments. By creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, you can instantly make guests feel more comfortable and relaxed, especially in winter. Karen shares her experience: "When guests arrived during the darker months of late autumn and winter, I made it a point to switch on the side lamps, creating a welcoming atmosphere with a warm and cosy glow."
Consider upgrading the lighting fixtures to ones that offer dimmer switches with a range of brightness levels "This allows guests to set the lighting to a low level for a relaxing mood or turn it up for easy reading." says Karen.
If you have space, adding a freestanding floor lamp can make a huge difference in enhancing the overall feel of the room.
3. Upgrade Your Refreshment Welcome Tray
Is it time to reconsider the offerings on your welcome tray? Karen certainly thinks so, "If you currently provide instant coffee, consider upgrading by including a cafetiere along with user-friendly coffee sachets.
"Alternatively, improve the experience for tea lovers by placing a small teapot in the room. This provides a more traditional tea-drinking experience compared to brewing a tea bag in a mug."
Checkout our stubby teapot, perfectly sized to brew tea for two people.
4. Upgrades for the Tech-Savvy Traveller
As technology continues to evolve, so do the expectations of your guests. As more guests travel with their indispensable phones and tablets, consider implementing the following upgrades at your B&B or hotel:
Ensure High-Speed Internet Connectivity
In today's digitally connected world, high-speed internet connectivity is a must-have for tech-savvy travellers. Upgrade your Wi-Fi system to provide reliable and fast internet access throughout your B&B or hotel.
Add Smart Devices for Convenience
Charging Stations
Why not impress your guests with a stylish wireless charging station like this Cubie Duo Alarm Clock. The Cubie Duo comes with an anti-theft security C-clamp for your peace of mind. The inbuilt Qi wireless charger is suitable for modern Qi-enabled smartphones and it also features two USB ports for wired charging.
Maybe you can take it a step further by adding smart speakers to your guest rooms. These devices, like the Amazon Echo or Google Home, can provide guests with instant access to a wide range of information and entertainment. From playing their favourite music to providing weather updates or even ordering room service, smart speakers can greatly enhance the convenience and comfort of your tech-savvy guests.
5. Easy Wins with Small Bathroom Upgrades
Small changes to your guest bathrooms can make a big impact. "Guests really notice these thoughtful touches." says Karen. When you are upgrading your bathroom, consider adding the following:
Karen's Tip: If you offer non-washable slippers, leave a note encouraging guests to take them as a souvenir to reduce waste.
With washable slippers, do the opposite, and make sure guests don't slip them into their suitcase. I placed mine in a cloth bag, hung it next to the bathrobes on the bathroom door, and included a laminated note explaining that we laundered them for the next guests, offering to sell a pair to if they wanted to take them home.
6. Add Plants That Are Easy to Care For
Adding plants to your guest rooms can create a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. Not only do they bring a touch of nature indoors, but they also have numerous health benefits such as reducing stress and improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
When selecting plants for your guest rooms, Karen suggests low-maintenance options that are fairly hard wearing and don't need much attention. Consider spider plants or succulents which require minimal watering and can thrive in various lighting conditions.
Karen’s Tip : If you welcome pets and/or children to the B&B, double check that any plants you put in the rooms aren’t toxic.
Check out these websites for more info >>
7. Introduce a Snack Station
Who doesn't love a snack? Introducing a snack station in your bedroom can be a delightful surprise for your guests.
Consider adding a basket with a variety of snacks like sweets, chocolates, nuts and mini bottles of water. Out of Eden have a great variety of miniature treats that are individually wrapped for freshness and hygiene. They also have a selection of vegan and gluten free snacks to ensure no-one is left out.
Karen’s Tip: Consider putting together a little bag of treats and water to give to guests upon departure for their journey. It's a simple gesture that creates a lovely lasting impression.
As an extra touch, you might want to include a postcard. It could ask for a review, offer a discount for a repeat stay, or encourage guests to join your email list and follow you on social media. It's a small effort that can go a long way in keeping your guests engaged and coming back for more.
8. Change your artwork
Art can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and aesthetic of your guest rooms. Consider changing the artwork in your rooms to give them a fresh look and feel. You can choose pieces that reflect the local culture or showcase local artists to add a personal touch. "It's a conversation starter" says Karen.
Art doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive. A few carefully chosen pieces can add character to your rooms. Think about asking local artists, or artists you know, to exhibit their art on your walls. You could offer to sell the pieces for them through your business.
Improving your B&B doesn't necessarily mean undergoing major renovations. Small, thoughtful upgrades, can make a significant difference, making guests wanting to come back for more.
As the founder of Bed and Breakfast Academy, Karen has been providing training and ongoing support to both aspiring and existing B&B owners since 2006. Her training covers everything from starting up and managing, to marketing a successful bed and breakfast. Karen ran her own B&B, Hopton House, a successful bed and breakfast in Shropshire, for 17 years. To contact Karen and to find out more about Bed and Breakfast Academy, check out Karen’s website (www.bandbacademy.co.uk), podcast and blog.
