Winter blues

[Manors]

Dare I ask, but just wondered how other hotels/GAs are finding the bookings flow this year. Our summer isn't looking too bad, but early season is really dead compared to last year. I am hoping that it isn't something we have (or haven't done) but the general downturn in the economy. Having tried offers and flyers to our regulars few have taken the bite. A little feedback would restore my faith.

[Raincliffe1]

I don't know if this will restore your faith but anyhow...

This Valentine's was the first one we have been open since 2005 because every year we have had major building work so I consider anything over January, February and March a bonus this year. So far, I have maybe 1 night in 2 weeks where I have no guests and then for the rest of the time somewhere around 30% occupancy - 3/4/5 rooms booked out of 14. Valentine's was full which I didn't expect as I had 4 rooms out of action due to decorating/resealing showers etc. Half term week apart from my regular business customers and some mature couples on short breaks I didn't have anything out of the ordinary and certainly no families or enquiries from families. Summer bookings appear to be the same as last year but most of those are repeats not many new customers.

Katherine

[Manors]

Well, there you go! I didn't think many would respond - but thanks to the one that did! and, just for the record, little has changed despite reducing the tariff slightly to help with the credit crunch. Roll on Easter is all I can say (and apart from the long weekend, that isn't looking too rosy either at the moment.)

[Raincliffe1]

Agreed Manors; we are having to reduce our tariff this year to attract new customers, once we have got them through the door that's the main battle over. After that they realise they are getting fantastic value for money and do not mind paying the normal tariff when they come back. Our conference trade this year is very poor but that is due to the fact that our local council had a cost cutting exercise and the larger hotels now are given preference (which we thought would happen). Luckily for us we have some ongoing contracts with local businesses plus repeat customers without these my husband would be away working full time and not 6 months of the year; our business would not be busy enought to warrant the two of us being on the premises over the busiest 6 months. I'll let you know how we get on as the year progresses. We're always honest - no flannel.

Katherine