March 18th, 2013

A survey of adult internet users throughout the US was recently undertaken on behalf of the MidAtlantic Innkeepers Conference to ascertain how they would find and choose a B&B.

The key findings were that almost half would rely on search engines (particularly Google) to start their search for a bed and breakfast, but that offline word of mouth, online reviews, travel sites (such as 1BB.com), and a B & B’s own website were all potentially important elements in making a final decision as to where to stay.

Stirling House Bed & Breakfast, Long Island, New York

As a very telling sign of the times, less than 7% of those surveyed would now use a printed guide, and while social media is still an insignificant contributor, it is considered critical for customer relations and there are clear indications that it may be a more dominant source for visitors in the future.

If you are interested in a more in-depth analysis, you can read a report from the conference here. Or go here to see the complete survey results including age and gender and location details.

 

February 27th, 2013

The lovely city of Gardiner in central Maine is so desperate for quality accommodation that they are offering a $2,500 reward to the first real estate agent who can bring a successful bed-and-breakfast to one of the town’s historic buildings.

Read the story in Maine’s Morning Sentinel here.