Enjoying Bed and Breakfast

3/6/2007

One of my passions is to travel around the country on a motor bike.  In indulging this passion, I have discovered that the ride is always more enjoyable than the destination. Because of this, I think it is more sensible for me to spend more on fuel than my accommodations. However, despite the limits I set on my budget for accommodations, I am still careful about choosing my temporary lodging.

In my travels along the countryside, what is becoming more of a common sight are bed and breakfast places that have sprung up in small, unexpected spots, many of these charming and homey. Whether it is as far up north as Pagudpud or Sagada or as far down south as Sorsogon and Sanranggani, this is the type of establishment I tend to look for, more than the established hotels. It allows me the ambience of a “home away from home” and the freedom from too much “check-out hassle”.

Come to think of it, it’s not just riders like me who have come to enjoy these small inns.  Businessmen, sales representatives, as well as some tourists have long preferred the simple comfort of such establishments. With the rising cost of travel these days, there does seem to be a growing demand for no-frills lodgings that boast the cleanliness and warmth of a home, without the fuss and formality of a hotel. 

I interviewed fellow rider, Nilo Vergara, founder of Microtel Hotels in the Philippines, a six-year General Manager of the Manila Polo Club, restaurant owner, and now into Hospitality Development consultancy, for some tips about the basic requirements for micro-hotelling. He says that anyone who has the enthusiasm and patience to entertain guests, with the primary concern of ensuring their comfort, can be a candidate for this endeavor. Of paramount importance is a drive to maintain order and cleanliness. It is likewise a must to allocate sufficient time to running or, at least, to overseeing its actual operation. In a number of instances, these bed-and-breakfast inns are run by “empty nesters”, elder parents whose children have all grown up and moved away and are left with a spacious house and lots of time. With minor refurbishing they can turn their idle property into a money-earning venture.  It also helps if they know how to cook or can find someone to prepare a substantial meal.

Fellow architect, Mike Guerrero, also a bed-and-breakfast operator in Ilocos, suggests that this may even be a good idea for relatives of migrant workers who have suitable property, as long as they possess the qualities mentioned above. A good location for an inn would be in a secure and peaceful area, which is accessible to public transportation, unless, of course, one can offer reliable shuttle service. Aside from accessibility, another valuable consideration is security.  It would be a great advantage to have a secure parking area, a primary concern for riders like myself.

When one speaks of comfort in lodging, you invariably begin with the bed and beddings, which, needless to say, must be clean. The rooms must give sufficient privacy; it would be ideal to have solid doors with sturdy locksets, which give the perception of security. The rooms need to have proper lighting and ventilation. Air-conditioning units may be desirable in some rooms. In addition, there should be clean working toilets.  It is a plus to have water heating facilities, particularly in the cooler regions. As with any structure, public or private, there must always be viable and clearly-marked fire exits.

A natural attraction in the vicinity, like a beach, mountains, or waterfall, is a great crowd-drawer, but not a necessity to the business. What really keep the customers coming are the warmth and sincerity, the friendliness and “smile” in every act of service.

You will be pleasantly surprised at the other business opportunities that can grow out of inn-keeping. Affiliated services such as laundry, overnight parking, short tours, lunch and dinner catering, video rentals, massage, and souvenir shops can also be made available. It is a wonderful touch to be able to offer the delicacies your town is known for. These do not even have to be kept on stock, but a ready supply must be available upon order. As my AIM Professor, Mr. A. Ferreria, would say: “Your business is not just bed and breakfast; it extends way beyond that!”

The cost of setting up a business such as this need not be prohibitive. It will all depend on whether you already have a building, even an old residence, and its condition, or whether you are planning to begin from scratch. You can start with a minimum of three rooms and expand as quickly or as slowly as you like.

Initially, marketing your establishment is as simple as passing out flyers and putting up posters. Eventually, if your service is any good, word of mouth will work to your benefit. In a country where gossip runs faster than a sports bike, that method should not be underestimated.  The next option is through postings on the internet.  Elaine de Belen, president and manager of Dorminet Internet Service Provider, (with email address at Egdebelen@gmail.com) will be starting a bed and breakfast website wherein B&B operators can readily advertise and easily be noticed. This is also a great way of helping our tourism industry.

However, the best marketing strategy is offering good service and excellent food.  Forget about the usual bacon and eggs. Think regional! Be more imaginative by offering local delicacies like tawilis or beef tapa if you are in Tagaytay or Batangas, longganisa and bagnet if you are in Vigan, suman and chocolate if you are in Antipolo.  You will be surprised that the most common meal in your province turns out to be a quaint and memorable culinary treat for a guest.

Mr. Nilo Vergara offers consultancy for bed-and-breakfast entrepreneurs, from workable inn designs to its day-to-day operations, including staff training on table setting, beddings, and basic financials.  You can reach him through his email address at:  consultnilov@yahoo.com.

So why not open your doors, meet new people, have fun, and do something good for your community, not to mention earn a respectable income, by embarking on this project? With the vacation season fast approaching, there couldn’t be a better time to start than now.