After ten years running a successful bed and breakfast, Maureen Adams shares her top tips for accommodation providers.
The Story
Maureen Adams bought the St Malo guest house in West Ho over ten years ago. Her background was in catering; running weddings and functions, but she didn’t like leaving her dog at home and spending so long in the kitchen; never speaking to the guests. After chatting to a friend, she considered opening a pub.
Maureen in St. Malo
Maureen didn’t think she’d be able to get a mortgage for a guest house, but, when her friend took the bull by the horns and made her an appointment with her bank manager, everything changed – and the rest, as they say – is history.
The Progress
Maureen bought the St Malo, which overlooks the tennis courts; just 100 yards from Plymouths’ sea front. She began welcoming guests into her home and noticed that many of them were foreign visitors.
Maureen has seen a change this year, with a tremendous drop-off in international guests, as their economies suffer along with ours. Despite this, Maureen is busier than last year, as more Brits choose to stay in the UK for their holidays.
Another big change Maureen has seen is in bookings – most people now book online and Maureen relies heavily on the internet to generate business.
A comfortable and spacious bedroom at St Malo
The Results
After ten years, Maureen has a few keys to success…
She recommends being realistic and approaching everything with a smile on your face.
She also advises against worrying whether guests will steal hairdryers and towels, as most are great guests.
But, if in doubt, Maureen says don’t let them in!
“We rely on the internet for our bookings now and I’ve stopped advertising with anyone other than iknow-devon, as they were bringing me all my enquiries.”
“Most people want to book online, but I have to admit I miss the personal contact I used to have with people when they called or emailed.“
Maureen Adams, Owner
Tags: Devon, guest house, Plymouth
