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Frictionless TIP #12: Create Unique On-Property Guest Experiences

Frictionless TIP #12: Create Unique On-Property Guest Experiences

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.

#063: Money and Water-Saving Shower Heads from an Aerospace Engineer Turned Solopreneur with Craig Steele, President and CEO of Samson Shower Systems

#063: Money and Water-Saving Shower Heads from an Aerospace Engineer Turned Solopreneur with Craig Steele, President and CEO of Samson Shower Systems

A number of years ago, aerospace engineer Craig Steele’s frustration over a malfunctioning hotel shower head led him on a journey to design a better version of a device typically taken for granted.

This quest led Craig to bootstrap Samson Shower Systems, which offers high pressure, water-saving shower heads that are made from quality, aerospace-grade materials and expected to outlast most products on the market. His offering can provide great value to lodging properties and his story should resonate with independent lodging professionals who will likely relate to his high level of commitment and persistence.

We are very thankful to Craig for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Samson Shower Systems at samsonshower.com.

#062: 2024 ALP Conference & Marketplace Preview with Sarah Gazi, CEO; and Erik Spence, Conference & Events Planner

#062: 2024 ALP Conference & Marketplace Preview with Sarah Gazi, CEO; and Erik Spence, Conference & Events Planner

From hosting expanded educational events, enhancing partnerships, advancing regional efforts to increasing membership and launching a new website, it’s been a busy first year for Sarah Gazi in her role as the CEO of the Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP).

The must-attend 2024 ALP Conference & Marketplace is also around the corner on March 2nd to 6th in Orlando, Florida. In addition to the main conference, this year’s event will offer educational opportunities for new property owners, as well as culinary training in an on-site professional kitchen.

We are very thankful to Sarah and Erik for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about ALP at alplodging.org.

#061: Increasing Room Revenue Through Artificial Intelligence with Patty Sung and Chris McPherson of TakeUp

#061: Increasing Room Revenue Through Artificial Intelligence with Patty Sung and Chris McPherson of TakeUp

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially made its way into the hospitality industry with TakeUp, a recent start-up that offers a dynamic pricing platform which leverages the power of AI and machine learning to optimize room rates and increase revenue.

Patty Sung, Founder and CEO at TakeUp; and Chris McPherson, Founder & CTO at TakeUp, tell us about their offering, explain how they leverage AI to help lodging professionals, and make an excellent case for why their approach is the way of the future.

We are very thankful to Patty and Chris for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about TakeUp at takeup.ai.

#060: Maximizing Bookings Through Google Business Profile with Annie Buck, Education and Local Marketing Manager at Acorn Marketing

#060: Maximizing Bookings Through Google Business Profile with Annie Buck, Education and Local Marketing Manager at Acorn Marketing

Google Business Profile helps lodging professionals manage their business information across Google products like Search and Maps. 

In addition to ensuring that potential guests can find information about their property and eventually book, lodging owners can use their account to review traffic metrics, gather customer insights, as well as view and respond to Google Reviews.

Annie Buck, Education and Local Marketing Manager at Acorn Marketing, breaks down everything lodging businesses need to know about leveraging Google Business Profile to maximize their bookings.

We are very thankful to Annie for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about Acorn Marketing at acorn-is.com.