What is the meaning of Value?

This has been a big debate online over the last few days as one of our problems is the confusion between Value and Cheapness. Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it is good value and vice versa. Also I don't think the customer has a true basis for value due to all the insane discounting done by the hotel chains over the years they have been trained to always be looking for the "better" deal. Someone I spoke to this week had an amazing review from a customer and he had chosen her B&B over all other places to propose to his now fiance due to the ambiance and so on yet marked her down on Value despite her being comparable with other lodging establishments in the area. I pointed out they may be confusing value for cheapness or don't want you to be lumped in with motel $40 type places. In B&B's value is in all the little things we do that hotels don't - for example free range local eggs - in a hotel you scrambled will be from powder as that is the cheapest way. Other ways that a B&B has built in Value - fresh breakfast food, cooked to order not reheated on the buffet for 2 hours, Beds and mattresses changed regularly, instant management response to problems (ie can make an instant desicion) local knowledge, fresh milk on request, much higher standard and turn over of renovations, in 4 star or above premises free tea and coffee on arrival, free tea & coffee etc in your room and these are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Thinking about lists

Was just brought to my mind by a phone call last night that one of the things it is important to be on is the lists. This may seem obscure but if you have a B&B near a theatre for example you want to be on the Digs list for theatre people and so on. So if you have a events center, army base etc make sure they are aware of you and this is not always easy (Ive been fighting to be on one particular list for 5 years now no joy) but sometimes you have a breakthrough you just have to keep fighting. Also make sure you are offering an appropriate price to the group that you are aiming at.

Procrastination is the thief of time

Isn't it amazing how when you do have a little time on your hands (and believe me it isnt often) I seem to fill my valuable time with rubbish? So any ideas on how to stay motivated? (other than a need to put money in the bank?) LOL I try and set targets and I get a treat at the end ie input all this information eat a chocolate bar or go for a walk. Not particularly working so if anyone has any better ideas?

Prices on Web Sites

This is a matter for debate but today on a web site for a B&B I saw a clear rate table with a set rate chart the same day in day out (ie twin room £90) I wouldn't run with that as if you set it too high you will put people off before you even have a chance to go a bit higher or lower. If it had been a online booking method where you put in a date to find a structured pricing situation but this site particularly struck me as I believe they have set their prices too high and at the moment they are not doing online bookings. I wish them all the best but I hope learning the lesson is not too painful.

Room 1

Also while all this has been going on I have been completely redecorating room 1 though the lining paper was done buy Paul my decorator who was both an amazing price and did all the work in a day and a half! (ie stripping off all the old paper, 3 layers of that, and re-papering) Then I have painted all the walls so frankly I am pooped and sick to death of painting! Mind you it shows what a professional can do as it looks like the room has been re-plastered and at a fraction of the price.

Also have sorted out some black out curtains for room 4 so it is pitch black in there even during the day! Apparently this is vitally important to the Visit Britain people who may be redundant sooner than we think.

Finally it!

Well it is done room 7's bathroom is finally complete! 19 days including today I cannot believe it. Got the last of the painting done this morning and it is let tomorro. Managed to get white plastic beading for where the shower tray meets the lino so saved me a job painting it. Then the plumber had the cheek to say gosh it will all need a lot of cleaning don't think you'll get it ready in time! Everything was coated in brick dust from when he gouged huge holes in the walls to fit all the pipes etc into them. Got it all cleared though and ready for action tomorro.

I like the new radiator expecially (£25 on ebay brand new) as it is not only a radiator but a towel rail as well. Everything looks really clean.