Reducing Bed & Breakfast Risks through Full Disclosure Marketing

With holidays right around the corner, and an expected uptick in traveling, many Bed & Breakfast owners are preparing their Inns for guests. Staying transparent to your customers and showcasing the protective actions taken at your Inn will be a crucial marketing strategy moving forward. With an Inn filled with guests, highlighting how you clean and the precautions you take to provide a safe and secure environment are just a few things that should be detailed on your website.

Tips to Help Mitigate Potential Incidents: 

Be Transparent

Now more than ever, you need to be accurate and transparent about your Inn. This means that your website and social media need to be a clear representation of what your property is like. Paint a full picture of what staying at your Bed & Breakfast is like and the cleaning measures you are taking in light of COVID-19. Detailed information about how often the property is cleaned, how linens are washed, and what products you are using will be the top priority and what guests want to know. Your response to COVID and other related information can be placed on a separate page on your website. Never mislead potential travelers … it will likely result in negative reviews, preventing other guests from staying at your Inn.

Just like Fred Barnard’s famous saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” it can also be worth the cost of a potential guest booking your property. Avoid this by including high quality, current images of your beautiful Inn on your website or booking site of choice. Additionally, posting pictures of your cleaning staff will go a long way toward helping them feel safe.

Don’t forget that showcasing high quality images not only helps market your Bed & Breakfast, but also assists you in the event an insurance claim becomes necessary.

Amenities Come with Risk

When you manage a Bed & Breakfast and have guests staying on the premises, any number of things could go wrong. Many Inns provide amenities like hot tubs, saunas, and exercise equipment. You know how to operate these things, but will your guests know how to safely do so?

If there is a pool or a hot tub on the grounds, there has to be correct signage detailing age limits, hours of operation, and any other rules you may have. These signs have to be placed by the pool and/or hot tub. Additionally, any lifesaving equipment is also required and should be accessible at all times. For more mitigation ideas, download our loss control questionnaire at the end of this post.

If you have placed a coffee maker, television, or provide free Wi-Fi in each of the bedrooms, do not forget to inform your guests on how to use these items.

Respond to Reviews

Many people heavily rely on reviews to determine which accommodations they select. Reach out to previous guests and encourage them to leave you an honest review. If someone happens to leave you a negative comment, respond and answer how their problem or complaint was addressed. Potential guests will feel a sense of relief reading reviews about your Inn and how you have handled issues. It shows you care about them and want to give them the best stay possible. 

Preventive Measures + Innkeepers Insurance = Extra Peace of Mind

Remember, building trust is the key for turning a traveler into a confirmed, booked guest. Owning a Bed & Breakfast comes with risks, but you can help mitigate risks by taking preventive measures and purchasing insurance coverage. Insuring your Inn through CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance can give you extra peace of mind. If damage or injuries occur, you have insurance protection to help pay for losses. Rest easy and request a consultation today from our CBIZ Innkeepers team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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