Would you like to start a bed & breakfast and do you have a lot of space, then consider starting a group accommodation. There is a large demand for B&Bs for groups. If you go about it cleverly, you can build up a remarkably successful bed and breakfast. A few tips.
Many group accommodations are fairly ‘basic’ and have the appearance of a holiday home. Thus you can distinguish yourself by offering more luxury, and by giving your group accommodation the look and feel of a bed & breakfast.
B&B Riad Aicha in Marrakech.
Groups of various sizes
It would be perfect if groups of various sizes can stay in your accommodation. Many groups are looking for an accommodation with separate bedrooms and personal sanitary, preferably connected to the joined central space. A big plus for your group accommodations is a fully equipped central kitchen in which groups can prepare their own meals. A living room with a large dining table is even more perfect.
Families with young children
If possible, create an area in which old and young can enjoy themselves, such as a football field or volleyball field. This is perfect for groups of friends or family outings. Also place some playground equipment or create an entire playground. That way you will also appeal to families with young children.
Place some playground equipment in your B&B. Photo: Ponciana Superior Guesthouse in Ifafi, South Africa.
Service in your group accommodation
Arranging a group outing is quite a task for the organisers. They will highly appreciate it if you, as a B&B owner, can ‘unburden’ them by offering a complete and excellent service.
- Many group accommodations ask an extra fee for bed linen. You can positively distinguish yourself by beautifully making the beds and including this in your price, as customary in a bed & breakfast.
- Offer breakfast and let your guests decide for themselves whether they would like to use it. For groups it is nice if you take the number of guests into account in the breakfast price (the more guests, the lower the price per person).
- Give a workshop, such as an afternoon of making pizza in the kitchen, or painting in the garden. For your guests it’s fun to do something on location. And by giving the workshop yourself, you add a personal B&B experience and distinguish yourself from other accommodations. Guaranteed success!
- Offer activities in cooperation with third parties, such as a treasure hunt, pedal boats, a GPS adventure, or renting a hot tub.
- Make suggestions for catering. Offer the option to organize a barbecue for example, or collaborate with a local restaurant.
- Upon request you can also arrange other things for your guests, such as transportation.
