by Diann Turner | Aug 8, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Running a B&B can feel all-consuming—but stepping away to attend an industry conference might be the smartest move you make all year.
Whether it’s a state or regional association gathering or a national one, these gatherings are packed with opportunities that can directly impact your bottom line and long-term success.
- Stay Ahead of Trends
From changes in guest expectations to the latest in booking technology, conferences give you a front-row seat to what’s happening now—and what’s next—in the hospitality world.
- Find Solutions Faster
Looking for a new PMS, laundry service, or marketing strategy? Instead of sifting through reviews online, you can talk directly with vendors, ask questions, and compare tools all in one place.
- Learn from the Best
Workshops and keynotes are led by experienced innkeepers, consultants, and hospitality pros who’ve been where you are. Their insights can save you time, money, and headaches.
- Recharge Your Passion
Burnout is real. Connecting with peers who understand your challenges can be incredibly energizing. You’ll return home inspired and re-focused.
- Grow Your Network
The relationships you build at conferences often turn into valuable partnerships, referrals, and support systems throughout the year.
Bottom line? Conferences aren’t time away from your business—they’re time invested in making it better.
by Diann Turner | Jul 10, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
For years, Millennials have been seen as the “sweet spot” for travel brands—and with good reason. As the largest generation in the workforce, they’re projected to spend a staggering $268 billion on travel in 2025 alone.
But there’s another powerhouse demographic quietly—and steadily—transforming the travel landscape: women aged 50 and older.
According to a report sponsored by Collette Travel, Intrepid Travel, and Aurora Expeditions, this group represents a multi-billion dollar gold mine. In the U.S. alone, women 50+ wield $214 billion in travel spending power—a figure expected to soar to $519 billion by 2035. Even more telling: 40% of women travelers today are over the age of 55.
These women are not only traveling—they’re shaping the future of travel.
They’re fueling trends like:
• Cultural immersion over sightseeing
• Off-season and shoulder-season travel for fewer crowds and deeper engagement
• Longer stays and slow travel to connect more meaningfully with destinations
• Exploration of lesser-known locales rather than the typical top-10 list
As Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World, puts it, “Fifty years ago, it was frowned upon for women to travel alone. They were expected to have a companion or husband to look after them. That mindset has changed.” And the travel industry is changing with it.
Today’s 50+ female travelers are confident, curious, and eager to explore on their own terms. They’re less interested in packaged itineraries and more focused on authentic, enriching experiences that connect them to the culture and community of a place.
So, how can you tap into this powerful market?
Start by providing what they value most:
• Personalized, curated local experiences that go beyond tourist traps
• Opportunities for connection—with locals, nature, and culture
• Wellness offerings like yoga retreats, spa services, or healthy culinary options
• Safe, comfortable accommodations with solo traveler-friendly touches
• And most importantly: ease of access to local recommendations and experiences
With the Frictionless Guest App, lodging providers can deliver just that—offering curated, local experiences tailored to the interests of guests, especially those seeking more than just a place to stay.
This is not a niche audience—this is a growing, motivated, and underserved market segment ready to engage, explore, and invest in experiences that matter.
Now is the time to meet them where they are.
by Diann Turner | Jun 13, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Bleisure travel—a blend of business and leisure—is rapidly reshaping the way people travel. No longer confined to strictly work or play, today’s travelers are looking for ways to extend business trips into personal getaways. With this shift, the lodging industry must adapt to meet the needs of this evolving traveler.
According to Expedia, in 2025, 76% of business travelers plan to add personal vacation time to their work trips. Forbes expects the bleisure market to increase by 500% in the next decade. This growing trend presents a golden opportunity for lodging providers to enhance their offerings and attract guests who want the best of both worlds.
How Can You Tap into This Market?
To appeal to bleisure travelers, consider implementing these strategies:
• Offer Curated Tour Packages – Many business travelers don’t have time to research local attractions. Providing pre-arranged tours, whether for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, makes it easy for guests to explore without the hassle of planning.
• Create Pre-Planned Itineraries – Help guests maximize their limited free time by offering personalized itineraries based on their interests. A half-day city tour, an evening at a local theater, or a relaxing spa session can make their trip more enjoyable.
• Provide Quiet Workspaces – Many bleisure travelers need a seamless transition between work and leisure. Ensure you have dedicated quiet spaces for remote work or collaborate with a nearby co-working space to provide a comfortable and productive environment.
• Partner with Local Businesses – Reach out to colleges, hospitals, and other industries that frequently bring in interim workers, guest lecturers, traveling nurses, consultants, or event attendees. By building relationships with these businesses, you can position your property as the go-to place for professionals extending their stay for leisure.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Bleisure travelers tend to spend more on dining, entertainment, and experiences since their company often covers flights and part of their stay. By catering to their needs, you not only enhance their experience but also increase your revenue potential.
By embracing bleisure travel, you position your property as the perfect destination for business travelers looking to turn their trip into a memorable experience. Now’s the time to create offerings that help them blend work and play effortlessly!
Make It Easy with the Frictionless Guest App!
by Diann Turner | May 9, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Inns and B&Bs have always been known for their warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. But in today’s climate, small lodging providers are navigating a tricky balancing act: rising food costs paired with increasingly high guest expectations.
How can you manage inflation without sacrificing quality—or the personalized touches that keep guests coming back? Here are some practical, frictionless strategies for menu planning and cost control.
- Shrink the Menu, Elevate the Experience – A more focused breakfast or snack menu can reduce waste, streamline prep, and highlight your specialties. Instead of offering five different egg dishes, offer one signature frittata made with seasonal veggies and a side of locally baked bread.
Tip: Rotate menus weekly to keep things fresh for longer-stay guests and encourage return visits.
- Lean into Local & Seasonal – Sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets isn’t just trendy—it’s often more affordable and logistically reliable. Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and more flavorful, and it gives your menu a “fresh from the farm” feel that guests love.
Bonus: Guests enjoy stories—highlighting local vendors on your menu or during breakfast builds connection and adds value.
- Embrace Make-Ahead and Multi-Use Ingredients – Ingredients that can be prepped in bulk and used across several meals help minimize both labor and food waste. Think: yogurt that can top granola, swirl into smoothies, or accompany fresh fruit.
Try This: Signature baked goods (like a muffin of the week) that double as both a breakfast item and a welcome snack.
- Get Smart About Portions – Oversized portions can drain your food budget and lead to unnecessary waste. Smaller, thoughtfully plated servings often feel more curated and upscale—and guests will still leave satisfied, especially when quality is high.
Add Value: Offer guests seconds rather than serving large initial portions.
- Offer Add-Ons for Upselling (Strategically!) – Think about offering premium breakfast options or local snack baskets for a small extra charge. Guests who are food-focused or celebrating something special are often happy to pay a little more for a standout experience.
Ideas: Champagne brunch upgrade, charcuterie plate for two, or local honey sampler.
- Be Transparent, Not Defensive – If you’ve had to make small changes due to cost, communicate with authenticity. Guests are generally understanding—especially when you frame changes around sustainability, quality, or supporting local.
Food inflation isn’t going away tomorrow—but thoughtful planning and small adjustments can help lodging providers continue to deliver an amazing guest experience without breaking the bank. By focusing on quality, storytelling, and strategy, you can keep guests delighted while keeping your food costs under control.
by Steve Short | Apr 11, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Cookie-cutter travel experiences are a thing of the past. Today’s travelers want more than just a place to stay—they want to be immersed in the local culture. They crave authentic experiences, from hidden gem eateries to one-of-a-kind attractions, and they rely on lodging providers to guide the way.
According to Euromonitor International, 64% of “cultural explorers” seek travel experiences that offer deep engagement with local cultures, while 47% are interested in arts and heritage activities. This means your guests are looking for personalized recommendations that go beyond the typical tourist spots.
To meet these expectations, consider these ways to enhance your guests’ stay:
• Local Dining Delights – Offer a menu featuring regional ingredients or suggest nearby restaurants that showcase the area’s culinary scene.
• Create Unique Hands-on Experiences – By arranging for guests to spend a morning on a local farm or something similar. Feeding cows, harvesting vegetables, learning beekeeping, offers them a rare glimpse into the region’s agricultural life.
• Guest Speaker Events – Invite local artisans, historians, or musicians to share their expertise with guests. Enhance the experience by serving a local dish or beverage.
• Locally Sourced Gift Shop – Stock your shop with handcrafted items, local honey, or other unique souvenirs that reflect the community.
• Provide Insider Tips – Whether it’s the best spot for a sunset or the go-to place for ice cream, guests appreciate recommendations from those who know the area best.
Incorporating unique, hands-on experiences into your guests’ stays can create lasting memories and set your property apart. These immersive activities not only enrich the guest experience, but also strengthen their connection to the local community and its traditions, while increasing the likelihood of return stays.
by Diann Turner | Oct 3, 2024 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
It’s hard to believe that fall is upon us. It’s time to put away the sunscreen and pull out the sweaters! To many, it will be a welcome relief from those 100+ degree days. There’s nothing better than crisp autumn days and all things pumpkin!
Fall not only ushers in cooler temps and maybe a little snow on some mountain peaks, it also marks the beginning of state, regional and national lodging association conferences. These conferences provide a great opportunity for both aspiring and experienced lodging providers to come together to exchange ideas, learn new business strategies from respected speakers and discover innovative products and services.
The first conference will be here before you know it. So get planning and register for a conference or maybe two! Where will we see you?
For your convenience the following list of upcoming conferences has been compiled for you.
• October 27th – 29th, 2024: Michigan B & B Association at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, MI.
• November 3rd – 6th, 2024: Select Registry at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA.
• November 12th – 13th, 2024: Washington Independent Inns Network at The Winds Casino Resort in Arlington, WA.
• November 12th – 14th, 2024: New England Inns & Resorts Association at the Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick, ME.
• November 18th – 20th, 2024: Mid Atlantic Innkeepers at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster, PA.
• December 3 – 5th, 2024: Midwest Association of Independent Inns at the Holiday Inn & Suites Bien VenU Event Center in Cedar Falls, IA.
• March 24th – 27th, 2025: Association of Lodging Professionals at the Galt House in Louisville, KY.
by Steve Short | Feb 29, 2024 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Attracting new guests and keeping them coming back has always been an ongoing challenge for the independent lodging industry. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it remains true today.
Property owners and managers have to get creative to survive and thrive. One way to do this is by developing unique experiences for their guests that standout from other lodging properties and B&Bs in their area.
For example, Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, have successfully put this kind of practice into place at their charming inn nestled in the beautiful hills of the Berkshires. By partnering with local businesses, here’s what they offered:
- Created a guided horseback trail ride package that provides stunning views of the Berkshire Mountains.
- Brought in local musicians to perform lawn concerts.
- Offered private yoga sessions from instructors from the Kripalu Center For Yoga & Health.
- Hosted kayaking tour down the Housatonic River.
- Created a fun ziplining package that has become quite popular.
Here are some other creative ideas for creating unique on-property experiences from innkeepers we’ve interviewed:
- Christine Boeke, former owner of the Westcott House Bed & Breakfast, would invite people who work at local attractions to have breakfast with her guests, so they could have an intimate conversation about the area.
- Share your passions with guests, and create an offering around it. For example, beer is the central attraction at WildManDan’s Beercentric B&B.
Much of this hard work does pay off. For example, The Devonfield Inn has been a repeated top-rated bed and breakfast by TripAdvisor and Expedia.
To learn more from Doug and Jim on how to create unique guest experiences that will attract and keep your guests coming back, listen to their podcast here.
by Steve Short | Jul 12, 2021 | Frictionless Innkeeper Posts, Frictionless Tips
Whether you are a seasoned lodging professional trying to emerge from the ruins of the COVID pandemic or recently starting out as a new innkeeper, success can seem nearly unachievable. And while the journey may be long and daunting, the good news is that you’re not the first to go down that road.
You can learn, if not be inspired from those who have faced some incredible challenges and emerged with successful lodging businesses. Take the case of Wendy Kelly, who we recently interviewed for our Frictionless Innkeeper podcast series.
Through uncharacteristic circumstances, Wendy and her husband became the owners of the Agate Beach Motel in 1990 with absolutely no experience in hospitality. They soon found themselves faced with one of the biggest challenges of their lives.
At the time, the property was far from being operational, with broken windows in the units, and yellow tape across some of the rooms because of previous drug activity. Through a vision of what she wanted the motel to be and pure perseverance, Wendy was able to turn Agate Beach Motel into an award-winning property. She has since purchased and renovated the Wall Street Suites, a top-rated boutique property in Bend, Oregon.
There are several lessons that we took away from our discussion with Wendy and the story she told us. Here are some that we hope will help and inspire you on your journey toward lodging success:
- A vision is essential: Before you take any journey, you have to know where you want to go. You don’t have to have all of the details but you have to have a vision of what you want your property to be in the future. Without it, you won’t know how to get there or be able to persevere when you face the many challenges along the way.
- Where do you start?: I remember seeing a business documentary where Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies, was being interviewed about his entrepreneurial success. The interviewer wanted to get his advice for people starting out with a new business idea, so he was asked “Where do you start?” and I thought his reply was brilliantly simple: “You start from where you are. You start from right here, right now.” In other words, the current situation is what it is, so get with it and work with what you have. It’s the only way to determine how to overcome the obstacles in the way of executing your vision.
- Process makes perfect: You can’t do it all yourself and the only way you can have others do things the way you want them to be done is to create processes and make them an integral part of your business. In talking with Wendy, it became apparent that she is very process-oriented and that mindset has contributed greatly to her ability to build a successful organization.
- Make incremental changes: You want to create a property fitting of your own unique vision but you don’t need to reinvent the lodging industry. As you “start from where you are”, make incremental changes and keep improving over time. Start with industry norms and tweak them according to your vision of how you want to manage your property.
- Pay attention to the details: You have to prioritize and work on what’s most important first, rather than getting weighed down by the details of insignificant things. As the “7 Habits” author, Stephen R. Covey, once suggested, don’t get mired “in the thick of thin things.” On the other hand, you can’t forget the old adage that “the devil is in the details.” If you implement processes that fit your vision, paying attention to the details allows you to incrementally improve them and get you closer to your vision.
- Hire people based upon “soft skills”: Many of the people working for Wendy’s properties were like her – they started without any experience in the hospitality industry. While experience is sometimes necessary based upon the position, a service-oriented and wanting-to-learn mindset is essential. When hiring at my organization, we call these “soft skills” and have found them to be one of the most important factors in hiring successful people.
- Keep the faith and persevere: Nothing of any real value in life comes easily. But if you stay faithful to your vision, you’ll be willing to persevere when the challenges sometimes seem insurmountable.
Wherever you are in your journey to make your vision a reality, learning the stories of people like Wendy Kelly can help inspire you during the toughest of times. Have a vision, start from where you are NOW, build detailed processes, hire caring people, and keep the faith.
Good luck!
Thanks to Wendy Kelly, the owner of the Wall Street Suites and the Agate Beach Motel – two independent/boutique properties in Oregon – for contributing to this Frictionless Innkeeper TIP during a Frictionless Innkeeper podcast.
by Steve Short | Mar 31, 2021 | Frictionless Innkeeper Posts, Frictionless Tips
It is often the most challenging times that spark a creative movement. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to heavily impact the lodging industry, it presents the opportunity for innkeepers and boutique hotel owners to develop new ways to differentiate their properties.
In late 2020, we published a series of COVID re-opening stories that provided tips and insights from innkeepers on how they have pivoted their businesses during the pandemic in order to survive and oftentimes thrive.
In addition to these insights, Christa Freeland of the Founder House Austin provided some creative tips for property owners in a recent podcast interview we did with her.
“Now is the time to shine,” says Christa. “It’s amazing that we have this golden opportunity to be more creative and different, and redefine hospitality.”
Here are some ideas provided by Christa, as well as some other innkeepers we’ve interviewed, intended to help you get creative and try to differentiate your property:
- Find the one thing that makes your property special, and fully leverage that to current and prospective guests.
- Host live music events.
- Hold socially distanced spin classes outside.
- Project creative visuals on your property to draw attention to it.
- Find your passion and focus your property’s offering around it. For example, Dan Tatarka loves to brew beer, so he and his wife Terri have made beer the central attraction to the guests they host at WildManDan’s Beercentric B&B.
- Hire video jockeys to hold socially distanced electronic music/art events.
- If historic sites are close by, host a knowledgeable tour guide for breakfast with your guests and have them talk about it.
- Partner with local crafts people and have them hold exclusive classes for your guests.
Thanks to Christa Freeland, an entrepreneur, former tech venture studio executive, and the manager of the Founder House Austin, for contributing to this Frictionless Innkeeper TIP. Be sure to also listen to our first podcast with Christa where she discusses how the Founder House Austin shifted from solely being a Bed and Breakfast to being part of a co-working and co-living space for entrepreneurs.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
by Steve Short | Nov 20, 2020 | Frictionless Innkeeper Posts, Frictionless Tips
As the United States experiences a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, many innkeepers are hoping to keep their properties open, as long as guests are willing to travel to their destination. Having experienced an initial COVID wave, guests are likely more conscious and knowledgeable than ever about finding lodging providers that are committed to cleaning and disinfecting to make their stay as safe as possible.
While all innkeepers have become more aware of the importance of cleaning because of the pandemic, it’s always worthwhile to continue learning about the topic. In addition, it’s essential to communicate your knowledge and how you apply it at your property when marketing to prospective guests through your website and other channels.
Showing that you understand some of the science behind your cleaning approach may actually differentiate your property from others and result in more bookings, as well as positive reviews if guests see your commitment to their safety in action during their stay.
So, to pass on some knowledge and suggestions that you may not have heard before, we’ve tapped Teresa Luttrell, owner of Enliven Bed and Breakfast. Teresa has done a few podcasts with us and we’ve been amazed with the depth and breath of her knowledge on the subject of cleaning and disinfecting.
That should come as no surprise, since Teresa is passionate about keeping her property safe for medical travelers staying with her while getting their respective treatments. She has also established chemicalfreeinns.com to advocate for chemical-free cleaning and help innkeepers interested in finding ways to do so. In other words, Teresa is a true hygiene expert – so much so that we’ve given her the endearing nickname of the “Queen of Hygiene”.
We have taken what we’ve learned from Teresa’s most recent podcast and condensed it into some basic ideas and suggestions, with the hope that you can use them to increase your knowledge, improve your cleaning processes, and better market your approach to prospective guests. Here they are:
- Remove Biofilms: Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and protists, which can grow on wet surfaces. They can be removed through rigorous surface cleaning/disinfection, and keeping these surfaces dry to prevent biofilms from repopulating.
- Use Steam Vapor Systems: Ladybug steam vapor systems from Advanced Vapor Technologies can also destroy biofilms through the use of steam and vapor heat. Lab tests have shown that this type of solution to be highly effective for cleaning any surface – killing germs in seven seconds.
- Use Hypochlorous Acid: The BRIOTECH Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) solution is a bio-compatible sanitizer and disinfectant that’s been approved for use by the EPA in 34 states. It is completely safe for use – so much so that it is also effective for healing wounds, because it is the substance white blood cells produce to fight off infections.
- Tips for Disinfecting the Air: Since there’s concern about the air-borne spread of COVID-19, Teresa recommends the use of IQ air filters, which are used in hospitals. She also recommends using an ultrasonic humidifier, and run HOCI through it to clean the air.
- Don’t Forget Overlooked Areas: Don’t forget to clean and sanitize TV remotes, light switches, doorknobs, coffee machines, shower heads, drains, and buttons on security safes. All of these areas are often overlooked and can be cleaned with steam vapor.
- Hygiene is the New Luxury: Be sure to market your next-gen cleaning efforts to your current and prospective guests because “hygiene is the new luxury,” according to Teresa. Imagine how positive prospective guests might feel about your commitment to their safety if they read about some of these ideas on your website!
Thanks to Teresa Luttrell, owner of Enliven Bed and Breakfast, and “Queen of Hygiene” for contributing to this Frictionless Innkeeper TIP by sharing insights during a Frictionless Innkeeper podcast.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash