Is the BnB industry dying?

[Michelle C]

I’m doing research for a new bed and breakfast industry digital news site and wanted to check in with the members of this forum about some questions we’ve been throwing around the research department. It would be very helpful if you could help us out with answering a couple of questions for us. We really appreciate your help – thank you!
1. Do you think there is a need for a dedicated publication devoted to the bed and breakfast hospitality sector?
2. If you do, what topics would you like to see covered? What burning issues do you want more information on?
3. Given that much of the news, technology, and resources are aimed at the larger chain hotels, not to mention the disruptions in the hospitality industry in general (think Airbnb and the push amongst the larger venues toward more intimate personalization) do you think the traditional bed and breakfast is a dying breed?
4. Where do you see the bed and breakfast industry heading in the next few years?
Again, thank you!

 

[user 26]

What is the name of the digital news site?

 

[Generic]

There are already many resources. I wouldn't bother reading another website. Sorry. Also, some of it is too specific to one country. B&Bs here are below hotels, have room limits, etc.
I pay very little attention to Air, especially since it is essentially illegal here and pursued by the tax department and the licencing authorities. In the long run, I don't think they will exist as they do in the future as more cites step up and realize it's hurting the city and it's tax avoidance.

 

[Michelle C]

What is the name of the digital news site?.

We're in the early stages of developing and need information about what innkeepers are interested in. We're just doing market research to decide whether or not this is a viable option.
The news and information would be very specific to bnb innkeepers and would cover such things as integrating technology, operations, staffing, guest services and a host of other information relevant to the running and owning a bnb.
It just seems like to the few of us who are looking into this that the majority of the information out there is aimed at the larger hotels and lodges. So the basis of this potential news website would be how can bnbs compete against the larger venues and do so smartly. The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.

 

[Momma Smurf]

What is the name of the digital news site?.

We're in the early stages of developing and need information about what innkeepers are interested in. We're just doing market research to decide whether or not this is a viable option.
The news and information would be very specific to bnb innkeepers and would cover such things as integrating technology, operations, staffing, guest services and a host of other information relevant to the running and owning a bnb.
It just seems like to the few of us who are looking into this that the majority of the information out there is aimed at the larger hotels and lodges. So the basis of this potential news website would be how can bnbs compete against the larger venues and do so smartly. The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.
.

The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.

And from what sources would this info come from? Do you have experienced innkeepers on your staff?

 

[Michelle C]

What is the name of the digital news site?.

We're in the early stages of developing and need information about what innkeepers are interested in. We're just doing market research to decide whether or not this is a viable option.
The news and information would be very specific to bnb innkeepers and would cover such things as integrating technology, operations, staffing, guest services and a host of other information relevant to the running and owning a bnb.
It just seems like to the few of us who are looking into this that the majority of the information out there is aimed at the larger hotels and lodges. So the basis of this potential news website would be how can bnbs compete against the larger venues and do so smartly. The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.
.

The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.

And from what sources would this info come from? Do you have experienced innkeepers on your staff?
.

I was an innkeeper for 12 years. We also have freelance writers who specialize in the travel industry as well as other industry specialists who are interested in research and writing articles for this website.

 

[Morticia]

What is the name of the digital news site?.

We're in the early stages of developing and need information about what innkeepers are interested in. We're just doing market research to decide whether or not this is a viable option.
The news and information would be very specific to bnb innkeepers and would cover such things as integrating technology, operations, staffing, guest services and a host of other information relevant to the running and owning a bnb.
It just seems like to the few of us who are looking into this that the majority of the information out there is aimed at the larger hotels and lodges. So the basis of this potential news website would be how can bnbs compete against the larger venues and do so smartly. The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.
.

We're in the early stages of developing and need information about what innkeepers are interested in. We're just doing market research to decide whether or not this is a viable option.
The news and information would be very specific to bnb innkeepers and would cover such things as integrating technology, operations, staffing, guest services and a host of other information relevant to the running and owning a bnb.
It just seems like to the few of us who are looking into this that the majority of the information out there is aimed at the larger hotels and lodges. So the basis of this potential news website would be how can bnbs compete against the larger venues and do so smartly. The idea is to offer the kind of information that innkeepers can use to make better decisions.

There are already a few online publications for this info: PAII, AIHP, acorn marketing website, I love inns. All of them share this info on a weekly or monthly basis. There are others but there's only so much a person can take in in a month!
They review multiple online sources and show how smaller properties can take advantage of trends and resources.
Plus, local and state organizations also bring in experts to help. I have access to free classes on relevant topics every month thru my state organization.
You'd have to build a better mousetrap to get the readership you'd need to survive.

 

[An Old Tavernkeeper]

1. Do you think there is a need for a dedicated publication devoted to the bed and breakfast hospitality sector?
No
2. If you do, what topics would you like to see covered? What burning issues do you want more information on?
N/A but in general BnB issues are local. Having been an innsitter at dozens of BnBs just in the Eastern US, no two are even remotely similar in their needs. A general purpose forum like this site is infinitely more valuable than any publication.
3. Given that much of the news, technology, and resources are aimed at the larger chain hotels, not to mention the disruptions in the hospitality industry in general (think Airbnb and the push amongst the larger venues toward more intimate personalization) do you think the traditional bed and breakfast is a dying breed?
4. Where do you see the bed and breakfast industry heading in the next few years?
Certainly not in central VA. Our business is growing and has for 16 years straight. When the Marriott this Friday (April 13, 2018) sold out their rooms at $500 to $750 it is pretty easy for me to fill up at $250.
The days of taking any old house and turning it into a viable BnB are gone. But if you have a reason for people to come they will flock to your doors. We are right by Monticello and UVA as long as they exist our BnB will thrive. So BnB's will continue to attract the person that doesn't want to stay in the Marriott and wants the attention that Airbnb hosts generally don't provide. As long as I can find six couple per night looking for what we have then we will be fine.

 

[MidwestBB]

I get all the info I need, in terms of running a B&B, from here and from facebook groups.
The only value I would see in a digital news site is a source of news rather than a place to go for how-to information. I'm interested in hearing what other states are doing to in terms of reigning in airBNB, changes to google B&B listings, etc. News.
I visit this site (https://www.phocuswire.com/) for that sort of news.

In terms of the B&B industry whatever happens will have no effect on us. We have a niche that hotels and other B&B's in the area can't compete against.