A recent survey by the UK's largest independent research company BDRC Continental found that hotel guests want "affordable luxury" above nearly anything else when they go away. They concluded that hotels should focus on offering "affordable luxury" in order to generate bookings and please guests. The good news is that this is exactly what we already do!
So what is "affordable luxury"? Well, it probably means something different to everyone. Much as value for money really depends on what you place value on or what your annual income might be. It was determined that most people class it as having "something better than you have at home". This can be difficult when people have better and better things at home. Lots of people now have en-suites, power showers and flat screen TVs at home too. There was a time when you'd only experience these by going away, and even then only in 5 star accommodation.
Whilst many hotels and B&Bs are only just offering free high speed Wi-Fi across their properties, we're ahead of the game and as well as that we have movies to stream on demand via Netflix or Amazon, along with catch up on the Smart TVs. We don't have any weak or electric showers - all our showers are part of our brand new high pressure water system with oodles of hot water.
Luxurious touches were also seen as "something you'd be proud to share on social media". Take a look at TripAdvisor and you'll see over a hundred photos which previous our guests have shared after their visit to The 25. You can also read reviews on Facebook, and see interaction on Twitter and Instagram.
We'd like to think that we offer lots of other luxurious elements too - here's just a few - (not all rooms have the same facilities - see our "Rooms" page for full descriptions and photos)... Air conditioning Roll top bath Separate lounge iPad with thousands of magazines Nespresso coffee machine
Elemis toiletries including pillow mist & lip balm
Bathroom TV.
Guests' other requirements from their accommodation included a good location, reliable Wi-Fi throughout and a warm welcome. Looks like we're doing well on all three of those too. The 25 is only a ten minute stroll from the seafront via the Torre Abbey grounds, one of our closest tourist attractions. Wi-Fi is available throughout all bedrooms and reception rooms. Our warm welcome is often commented on and we're always happy to help you settle in and relax as quickly as possible.
Younger guests who have grown up with technology expect easy to use booking systems and for staff to anticipate their needs. They also look for an efficient check in/out process and superior quality of bedding and food. We've made sure that the booking system on our website works well and is easy to use on a mobile as well as a PC. Guests often comment that we've "thought of everything" so hopefully the little touches in our rooms tick that box too. We have an award winning breakfast and you'll find homemade baked treats in your room each day. We've recently replaced all of our bedding with pillows and duvets from the Fine Bedding Company.
It looks like we are already providing guests with what they require from their accommodation nowadays.
Maybe that's why we've been so successful since we opened - just short of eighteen months ago.
We would love you to experience our B&B too. We hope you can book up soon.