Holiday Tips for Innkeepers

* DECK THE HALLS With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to start decking the halls and preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. Follow these tips to make sure you are prepared for the season! MARK YOUR CALENDAR Below are the maln hollday dates to be aware of when preparing for guests: Thanksgiving: Christmas: NOV 28 DEC 25 November 28 December 25 TIP: Make sure to mark a day Inthe fall for your personal shopping. Once Thanksglving hts, you won't have much time for hollday shopping! Hanukkah: NOV 27 November 27 - December 5 WINTER TRAVELER PROFILE Get to know winter travelers and attract more business during the holiday season! 24% of people are 70% of holiday travelers will book a stay at a B&B they have never been to before; 30% will return to a favorite B&B planning a holiday getaway 57% of travelers plan to stay 62% of travelers prefer to receive B&B gift at a bed and breakfast this winter cards over other types of travel-related gift cards including hotel, airline, and gas gift cards. Reasons for staying at a bed and breakfast this winter: 52.1% 14% Looking for a romantic Not enough room at escape for the holidays relative's/friend's home 22.0% Want to get away from the holiday | hustle and bustle 12.8% Prefer to have a place to get away from | family/relatives If you were to splurge on a weekend getaway and stay in a high-end/luxury B&B, what is the maximum nightly rate you'd be willing to pay? $150 - $200 50.8% O0 $200 - $300 40.7% O O0 $300 - $400 7% O000]0 400+ 1.5% WEATHER TRANSPORTATION In the winter months, It's always best to be prepared for bad weather. Making sure to have the followIng on hand wll ensure your roads are safe for arriving guests: Keep In mind how your guests will provide proper arrangements for parking or plck up. be arriving so you Traveling during the holidays is 3% Salt 6% bus, train, or other mode of transportation Sand Shovel 91% vehicle HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Seasonal decoratlons can make guests feel welcomed and festive. Inviting guests to share thelr traditlons Is a good way to make them feel right at home and ensure they return for future holldays. Some favorite decorations include: Wreaths Menorahs Ornaments Ribbons Christmas tree Holiday lights TIP: "Be authentic and provide an experience that is typical for your region/country." - Ruth Henley, Old Doctors House Bed and Breakfast TIP: Offer speclal guest packages or add-ons based on popular hollday activitles to get guests In the spirit of the season such as a sleddlng package or boutique shopplng tour. Some other favorite holiday activities include: 2.6% Building gingerbread houses 79.5% Sitting by a fire 3.9% Ice skating 4.4% Sledding 9.5% Drinking hot chocolate HOLIDAY MENUS & TREATS Offer hollday treats that wll keep your guests warm and Jolly throughout thelr visit. Guests love belng treated to freshly baked cookles & seasonal drinks such as clder and splced teas. Roll and cut out cookie dough to freeze before the holidays. This allows you to easily bake fresh cookies every day and keep your kitchen smelling dellghtful. Finalizing your menus early will allow you to buy the groceries in advance. Festive Favorites : Sugar cookies Hot chocolate Gingerbread men Eggnog Pumpkin desserts Mulled wine Spiced nuts and crackers PROMOTING YOUR INN With out-of-town travelers unfamlllar with your local chams, the holldays are a great time to let people know about your business. A few ways to advertise your Inn: Offer deals Partner with local businesses Facebook ads List on travel websites TIP: Promote through the Local Convention and VIsitor's Bureau website. We offer special discounts to anyone attending cultural attractions throughout the city. -Melissa Feher-Peiker, Castle Marne Bed & Breakfast BedandBreakfast.com