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Business Travelers Turn to Bed and Breakfasts for their Internet Savvy and Extra Value
By Lisa Kolb
Business Travelers Turn to Bed and Breakfasts for their
Internet Savvy and Extra Value
Lisa Kolb
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are Plugged In
People expect a B&B to radiate charm and coziness. Travelers
seek them out for their distinctive character, along with
the personalized attention thrown in. But high-tech savvy?
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 business
comes from the Internet, either by a direct email or by
phone call.
Business travelers have different needs than tourists do
A person traveling on business isn't there to take pleasure
in a romantic getaway, golf vacation, or local sightseeing.
They want business accommodations with the comforts of home
and modern conveniences like Internet access. According to a
recent study by Travelocity, the amenity that road-weary
business travelers 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 business people require.
Top ten essentials for business travel
1. Flexible cancellation policy
2. Acceptance of all major credit cards
3. Special midweek rates for business travelers
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
Courtesy of http://www.BedandBreakfast.com, the leading
online B&B reservation network, listing over 27,000 B&Bs
and inns
B&Bs deliver the extras prized by business people on
the road
B&Bs cater to business travelers 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 business services 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, business people
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 business travelers require in
accommodations. And I've made sure they're all included in
my inn. We want business people 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.
ŠLisa Kolb, 2004 About the Author --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
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