You bet! Despite
their down-home demeanor, the typical B&B is exceptionally attuned to
the benefits of the Internet. The B&B industry is closely linked up via
the World Wide Web. Searchable B&B directories make it convenient for
tourists to locate exactly what they require in faraway destinations,
and book it with confidence.
Travelers can find even the most "tucked away" inn online, before they
leave home. Almost all B&Bs have a Web site. These abundantly
illustrated sites provide detailed information about: rates and
policies, local tourist attractions and surrounding vistas, photographs
of the inn (including each room), as well as contact information (with
directions and maps).
About 20% of the bookings we receive are made online, using our
availability software. But 85% to 90% of our businesscomes from the
Internet, either by a direct email or by phone call.
Business travelers have different needs than tourists do
A person traveling on businessisn’t there to take
pleasure in a romantic getaway, golf vacation, or local sightseeing.
They want businessaccommodations with the comforts of home and modern
conveniences like Internet access. According to a recent study by
Travelocity, the amenity that road-weary businesstravelers value the
most is comfortable bedding - a concern that B&Bs take very seriously.
The B&B industry is promoting business -traveler friendly practices.
Nowadays, most inns are eager to serve up the additional services
businesspeople require.
Top ten essentials for businesstravel
1. Flexible cancellation policy
2. Acceptance of all major credit cards
3. Special midweek rates for businesstravelers
4. In-room telephone/data port with fax machine availability
5. Well-lit, in-room table or desk with appropriate seating
6. Well-lit private bathroom with hair dryer.
7. Flexibility on late check-ins.
8. Early and/or healthy breakfast options; private table if preferred 9.
In-room television. 10.Real-time online reservations or availability
calendars
B&Bs deliver the extras prized by businesspeople on the road
B&Bs cater to businesstravelers by providing them needed services.
These are the kinds of extras and fees that can really jack up the cost
of a hotel bill. Yet B&B owners include them for free, or for a nominal
charge. That makes a B&B stay a relative bargain.
Free businessservices and benefits
- Breakfast - always included
- Local and toll free calls - free, no charge for long distance calls
made on a calling card
- Convenient Internet access to send and receive email
- Ability to send and receive faxes
- Concierge services like reservations or local resource recommendations
- Parking
- No need to tip the owner for every little assistance provided
Providing the comforts of home and the office
The B&B I operate is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, next to
Pike’s Peak and the Rocky Mountains. It’s a romantic Victorian property,
that’s in demand year round - http://www.lennoxhouse.com. Tourists come
from all over to see the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Garden of the Gods,
and the Olympic Training Center.
As spectacular as such attractions are, businesspeople seldom have time
to enjoy them. They’re focused on the job
at hand and want to get done and back home ASAP.
But because of my background in banking software, I used to travel two
out of four weeks each month on business . So I totally understand what
businesstravelers require in accommodations. And I’ve made sure they’re
all included in my inn. We want businesspeople to keep coming back to
Lennox House whenever Colorado Springs is on their route.
The extra services and friendliness travelers can expect from their B&B
hosts provides a homey note. Between that and the availability of
necessary online access, businesses travelers can "tend to business "
with minimal hassles. And get back home.
©Lisa Kolb, 2004
--Lisa Kolb combines innkeeping and Web development at Lennox House,
http://www.lennoxhouse.com in
Colorado Springs, CO, at the base of the Rocky Mts. Acorn Internet
Services, http://www.acorn-is.com serves the hospitality industry.
(877)226-7699
