Millions of British people will have experienced bed & breakfast accommodation at some point in their lives & most will know that the stereotypical days of strict landladies, nylon sheets & clunky plumbing are over. Thankfully, the dated establishments & mediocre service of the good old ‘B&B’ have been refurbished with a more attractive, competitive approach. Bed & Breakfasts & guest houses originally proliferated in places where the working classes took their holidays, largely British seaside resorts, although they also became firm favourites with business travellers, & many are still going strong. However, changes in the hotel market over recent years have sounded what many see as the death knell for countless Bed & Breakfast establishments throughout the country. Although Britain’s B&B’s continually strive to offer value for money, they are rarely able to compete with the relative newcomers to the market – the UK hotel chains. With the advent of these chains came the beginning of a new era. Holiday-makers & business
travellers alike were suddenly offered fresh choices. En suite became the affordable norm, rather than a facility only for those with bigger budgets, pushing the shared bathrooms of many a Bed & Breakfast into the shade. In a bid to win over former guests of B&Bs whilst also tempting those accustomed to staying in more up-market hotels, the UK hotel chains began a huge campaign to cut prices whilst still delivering high levels of service. Two chains in particular, currently accounting for around 60% of the budget hotel market between them, are engaged in fierce competition to be the market leader. In 2008 one of these chains opened, on average, a new hotel every nine days, bringing its total to over 350, whilst its rival trumped it, claiming more than 530, including several in high-profile locations. Price is the key factor in the budget hotel chain market. Whilst the Bed & Breakfast can offer a warm welcome, local knowledge & a double room for around 50 GB pounds per night, it has struggled in the price war of recent years, unable to compete on a regular basis with the UK hotel chains’ special offers & advance booking tariffs. Furthermore, in 2007 revised regulations were introduced, demanding stringent new standards. Many B&Bs could no longer advertise in their local accommodation publications if they were unable to meet these. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2871239
