My husband and I just returned from a short trip to Oregon where we spent a night each at a Bed & Breakfast in Yachats and in Astoria.
Because I love lots of personal service and attention, I love Bed & Breakfasts. Each one is a unique experience, and I have learned that most of the owners really invest a lot in what I have been calling customer service. When you stay in most corporate motels and hotels, a paid clerk and other staff tend to your needs. When you stay at a B & B, in most instances, you are greeted by the owner who has a vested interest in seeing that you are totally satisfied.
I notice the personal touches that each B & B owner adds to the mix. Sometimes the buildings are especially quaint; sometimes the rooms have a feeling of being in a different country. There can be spectacular breakfasts, and often the host or hostess can provide lots of information and advice about places to see or where to have an excellent dinner. It also seems to be part of the package that most B & B owners love what they are doing and have a passion for helping to make your stay especially memorable.
And, there was something new that I experienced at the two places where we stayed: The Ambrosia in Yachats gave us a canvass tote bag with their name on it, and the Benjamin Young in Astoria gave us a print of a 9 X 12 drawing of the historic home with a handwritten “Thank you” on the back.
So, even though I may never stay in Yachats or Astoria again, I’ll certainly be telling people about my experiences and showing off the gifts I received.
I think there are marketing messages in this that go beyond Bed & Breakfasts.
I must also add that Rich and I have stayed at several Bed & Breakfasts on Whidbey and had similar experiences.