INNfo Weekly News

Reinventing my farmhouse as a B&B

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Minyong Ordoñez writes, "I was faced with a serious payroll shortfall for two families taking care of my farmhouse, my fruit trees and my ornamentals. I was in a state of panic. My fancied mini agri-business was in shambles. How to bounce back? After days of sulking, an idea hit me. Why not reinvent my farmhouse into a bed-and-breakfast business? I got the inspiration from my experience in the United States."

The top 50 US B&Bs for food

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Across the country, bed-and-breakfasts can take many forms, but the one thing that really makes for an amazing experience is the food that is being served. At the center of a B&B is the idea of a heart- and belly-warming breakfast to start the day off right.

Teachers get a travel break with discounted getaways from B&B site

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

The school year is winding down, and just like students, teachers are planning well-deserved summer escapes and getaways. To honor their hard work and dedication, Austin, Texas-based company BedandBreakfast.com has launched a "Travel for Teachers" program offering a host of getaway specials for teachers only at bed and breakfasts across the country.

Interiors: A Victorian-themed B&B

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

"I don't really see the point of minimalism," Paul Oxborrow says. "You're always going to have to have stuff, so why not show it off?" Oxborrow, a religious studies professor, and his partner, Stephen Groves, a music teacher turned undertaker, have a lot of stuff. Fortunately they also have a lot of space in which to show it off. The couple moved into a flat on the ground floor of what is now their rambling St Leonards-on-Sea home in the U.K. — the grandly named St Benedict, built in 1880 — in 1995 and have spent the past 18 years restoring it to its former glory.

B&Bs still have niche in technology-driven mid-Michigan

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

As technology creates less of a need for face-to-face interaction, mid-Michigan bed and breakfast owners find their businesses still have a niche in a computer-driven society. "Many of our guests don't bring a computer or have a cell phone," said Ron Lutz, who co-owns Country Chalet and Edelweiss Haus Bed and Breakfast with his wife, Carolyn. "I think the most dramatic piece of our business is that ... we love to share stories."

TripAdvisor steps up process to include more genuine reviews of hotels

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

User review giant TripAdvisor may be looking to increase the amount of content on its site, but the expansion of a 15-month old system is actually doing more to verify reviews of hotels in the system. The Review Collection Solution first launched in February 2012, allowing partners (hotels, online travel agencies et al) to use a TripAdvisor-run platform to collect reviews from previous customers.

Multiply your message and make the most of your marketing efforts

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Customers now have the ability to interact with information about your business in the digital world. They oftentimes encounter your brand and message through social media and make prospective buying decisions and other engagements before getting to the actual sales process. In order to capitalize on this environment, you need to control and push your message through a variety of platforms to drive your site traffic and conversions to make the most of your marketing efforts.

Summer travel trends

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Spring has gotten off to a shaky start with April floods and May snowstorms, but travel experts say it's time to put away the snow shovel and start getting serious about summer vacation planning. Summer travel season is just weeks away and despite the lure of possible last-minute travel deals, the best airfares are going to take some advance planning.

6 technology trends revolutionizing the hospitality industry

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

As technology developments continue at a relentless pace, it can be difficult for hotels, leisure providers and those in hospitality to keep up with recent changes, let alone look to the future. However, the savings and improvements that technology can deliver mean that managers and directors really need to keep one eye on these six trends.

Lunchtime Learning Webinar: Get Your Picture in the Search Results and Increase your Visibility!

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Date: Tuesday, May 28 * 2 p.m. Eastern
Cost: Free to Gold and Platinum Members, Silver Members $49
Presented by Lisa Kolb, Acorn Internet Services

Come learn about Google Plus, Local Carousel, Authorship, Publisher and More! Google Local (Places) updates are changing at the speed of light, especially during the last 4-6 weeks. This webinar will show you what has most recently changed, and what we expect to continue to change, with your listings in Google. Innkeepers need to take action NOW, as that the future of your business listing in Google, and your bookings, depend on it.

Why should you care? BECAUSE! Eric Schmidt, Google's Executive Chairman, has said that "the trust cost of remaining anonymous ... might be irrelevance."

Translation: Google is typically most Innkeepers TOP referrer, if you want to continue to be seen, you can NO LONGER remain anonymous! Come to this session to learn more about YOUR and YOUR BUSINESS' identity in Google.

REGISTER TODAY: http://www.innkeeping.org/event/May13

2014 Innkeeping show dates, location announced

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Go ahead, folks. Mark your calendars! The 2014 Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show will be Jan. 13-16 in Charleston, S.C. Registration will open at the end of August, so start your planning now! We hope you all can join us in PAII's hometown for our 2014 event.

Warm grapefruit and orange with toasted coconut

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

An invigorating, caramelized, citrus fusion, mellowed with sweet, toasted coconut — a great start to your day.

Warm watercress potato cake with poached egg and trout

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Celebrate the best of British food in the early summer with this simple and elegant brunch or lunch dish. If you prefer, make the cakes up the night before and chill until you're ready to bake them the next day.

Ricotta frittata and vegetables recipe

14 May 2013 13:29:06 CDT

Incorporate vegetables to your breakfast with this ricotta frittata recipe. The vegetables can be mixed and matched as you desire and as they become available. Because the season for green garlic and ramps is short, you can substitute scallions and/or more garlic for either or both of them. Other seasonal vegetables can replace the asparagus.