What special services can I give to make my guesthouse really fantastic and popular?

Question

I am opening up a 5 bedroomed guesthouse in a rural border town in Southern Africa. Never done this before, and I really want to have a special place that sets me apart from the others. My target clientele will be tourists en route to the game park, visitors from the neighbouring country, senior government officials, business people and potential investors. Any wonderful tips and suggestions will make my day!

Answer 1

Neato! If I were you, I would make sure the guest house offered modern conveniences BUT displayed a lot of local flavour. For decorations, I would mount either photos from the area (sepia or b/w treatment), local artisanal crafts, etc.

I stayed at a b&b once that had a little tv with a built-in vcr, and a collection of movies, as well as an interesting selection of books (maybe short stories would be a good idea, or books of local/regional interest).

You might also offer a picnic-lunch service.

Answer 2

The trick wit hguest houses is to be as welcoming as possible whilst knowing when to stay away. Research your clientle as good as you can, and work accordingly. I would love a gust house that had a different stlye in each room as there only ever seems to be all flowery, all wooden, all ultra modern. If you go to the homes section of www.bbc.co.uk they canb give some ideas of what works well. Lighting is all important, and if you can find any little gadgets that would be a bonus. Offer what the top hotels do but on a samller scale, for instance, a free braodband connecttion isn't that expensive and access to a laptop would be great.

Answer 3

The following is what I appreciated in guest houses my self:

Have flowers and a nice sign in the front.
A bench in the garden at the back and if possible a pool.
Give a smiling welcome when the guests arrive and show you remember them if they stayed there before.
Good and plenty of simple food.
Be polite but firm about noise, especially at night
Take a couple of news papers early in the morning for the dining/drawing room every day.
Have a TV in every bedroom.
Have some flowers indoors and when fruit is cheap put some in each bedroom daily (eg. an apple and a pear).
Make sure there is always hot water, even late at night
Heating in every room controllable by the guests. Fans if too hot
Give a smiling good bye with hand shake and thanks when they leave.

With all the above in place, you cannot fail.

Answer 4

I live in South Africa and i have noticed that the guest houses that do the best are the ones that with great advertising and make people feel welcome and comfortable. It also helps to be in a town/city where there are attractions all around.

Answer 5

I think curb appeal is key: making your guesthouse inviting, lots of plants/flowers/trees, a nice sign so it is easy to find. Then once you book your guests, treat them like family. Offer good food and service. :) Sounds like a great place you are opening! Good luck!

Answer 6

Maybe you could spcecialise in a really great dish made of local produce. People will always go to places that have good food. Good luck

Answer 7

See whats on offer at other places and try to better their offerings. It'll take a bit of research, but its your business love.

Answer 8

Well you could put little disposable cameras on all the dining tables so people could take photos of their stay.Buy cheaply in bulk.

Answer 9

depends on the market your going after of course, but how about:

1) gourmet food or organic food

2) something unique, like homemade bread

3) massage

4) meditation practice/yoga


Good luck!

Dboy

Answer 10

A Massage Parlour would be nice!