Featured content
Somerset is a hugely popular tourist destination in the UK – and it’s easy to see why. From the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park to the beautiful beaches and charming towns, there’s a lot to enjoy on a trip to the county.
If you’re keen to capitalise on high interest by opening a bed and breakfast in Somerset, here are several tips to help make it a success.
- Choose a strong location
One of the most important decisions when opening a bed and breakfast is choosing the right location. It’s essential to pick a popular and convenient spot that will appeal to tourists wanting to see the highlights of the area on their trip.
Think about places that attract high numbers of visitors – such as the coast, areas of outstanding natural beauty or popular towns. If you can, choose somewhere within walking distance of tourist attractions, easy access to public transport, or with plenty of parking.
- Adhere to rules and regulations
When setting up your B&B, make sure you adhere to all rules and regulations in the UK and more locally, if applicable. If you plan to remodel your property before opening your doors, you may need to get planning permission. Alternatively, if you’re converting an existing home into a B&B, you’ll need to apply for a change of use – so check this with your local planning authority before you move forward.
You’ll need to carry out a fire risk assessment, follow fire regulations and adhere to gas safety requirements. You should also consider any licenses you may need, such as TV, music and alcohol, as well as the appropriate insurance for your B&B.
- Provide great customer service
The key to any successful business is providing great customer service. Many travellers will check sites like Tripadvisor before booking, to see how other people found their stay. The better your reviews, the higher the chance that people will book with you – plus, those who have stayed and had a great time are more likely to return in future.
To boost your reviews and reputation, provide a warm welcome for your guests and try offering personal touches that make people feel valued. Invest time and energy into staff training to make sure your employees know how you expect them to interact with your guests.
- Make sure comfort is king
Want to entice people to book with you? Then put customer comfort at the forefront of your mind when setting up your B&B. What little touches can you add that will ensure they enjoy their stay?
For instance, could you provide a hot drink station in each room with a range of options to suit all tastes? Could you invest in extra comfy beds and pillows? As well as these details, you should make cleanliness your top priority by putting in place a strict and thorough cleaning procedure.
By choosing a strong location, adhering to regulations, offering exceptional customer service and making comfort king, you can forge a path to a successful bed and breakfast in Somerset.
Pictured above: Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay
