CBIZ INNKEEPERS INSURANCE BLOG

Natural disasters can have severe impacts not only on your physical property, but they may also directly affect your business operations (including weeks without guests or rescheduling major events) and lengthy, costly repairs. It is an unfortunate fact that one in four businesses that shut down due to a natural disaster never reopen. 

With decades of experience helping owners insure their most prized assets, we have seen it all and spoken to many amazing people. We have noticed they focus their efforts on these 5 perspectives/habits. Follow these 5 insider tips to help run a successful Inn business.

As hurricane season approaches, it’s time to prepare your bed and breakfast business for the unexpected. With climate change and more active weather patterns, hurricane season can last longer or begin earlier. Use the following guidance to stay safe and limit potential damage in the event of a hurricane.

As a result of the pandemic, we are seeing more and more bed and breakfasts using QR Codes to cut down on daily operations and reduce paper waste. QR Codes are starting to take over the hospitality industry by storm, enhancing guest experience and helping your day-to-day functions. 

We are all familiar with the old saying “never judge a book by its cover”, however in the hospitality and travel industry, it couldn’t be more opposite. Not only can good photography help increase your bookings, but it can also help your claim if damage occurs.

Many inn businesses employ at least one individual who is essential to the company’s success. This person may be a partner, owner or another individual who is crucial to the inn. If this person unexpectedly leaves the organization—due to a death, disability or immediate resignation—it may be hard for the bed and breakfast to survive.

When it comes to landscaping your property, many inns go the simple route of shrubs and a few trees. It’s often forgotten that your guests’ experience relates to the gardens, trails, and park areas of the property. The right landscaping could be the deciding factor in the number of bookings you receive. Here are a few suggestions to make your inn go green with plants and potentially add green to your wallet. 

Offering employee benefits can be extremely beneficial to your inn business. Though they may sound complicated or even expensive, they have the ability to improve several areas within your business such as hiring and retaining employees. The process of selecting, implementing and administering a benefits program can take time, however, once you get it right, it can actually help you in more ways than one.

We have all heard about them, we may even know a few, but handling demanding guests can be a difficult and overwhelming task. When customer reviews have a direct impact on your inn’s business, it can be difficult to establish boundaries with them. You never want an unsatisfied customer, but at what point do you draw the line?

As the warmth of spring approaches, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have done to your inn. A bit of spring maintenance now can prevent costly repair bills later and there is no better time to take a look around and see how best to beautify and protect your property from hazards. Review these tips for spring maintenance to avoid any unwelcome surprises.