Page 5 | What are b&bs shit at?

jamcorrosion · 2026-04-02T01:42:09+00:00

Hey! I’m hoping for some good ideas or thoughts - my friend has a guest house at the coast UK. He’s not getting many bookings and those he gets are generally elderly. He wants to get the word out more. I’ve stayed they’re and it’s really lovely, brekkie included and right on the seafront. Now I know lots of places advertise family friendly but rarely they actually are more than the basics. He is looking at marketing towards families with children and being really family friendly. What does this mean to you? And what would you love to see at a bed and breakfast that would make a difference for kids? Things that in the past you’ve been away and thought ‘I wish they had or did ….’ Any and all thoughts welcome!

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:45

Peony1985 · 02/04/2026 08:15

“I honestly don’t know anyone with a family who would choose to stay in a BandB”

Hard agree for all @Wampwhad ’s reasons.
Who wants to stay in someone’s else house if they don’t need to.
I’d call it a family run hotel just to get rid of the b&b image. And someone made a good point about lunch and dinner - are there kid friendly places within walking distance?

If it’s genuinely well suited to kids - gardens, space and large rooms then possibly but personally other people’s kids are hard work to please.

Edited

It’s called a guest house atm I got it wrong with b and b but yes you may be right.

trying to cater to all families may end up being disastrous as everyone parents differently and has different expectations

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:46

MyBrightPeer · 02/04/2026 08:16

I wouldn’t use a B&B for a holiday with my toddler. You need flexibility and the ability to come and go, it just doesn’t seem to match up.

I was just there with my toddler for two nights - we came and went as we pleased didn’t seem to have any issues in that respect

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truepenguin · 04/04/2026 23:47

A quick glance at the booking dot com reviews suggest he is a bit arsey in replies to people who leave (very mild, considering the 4.9 overall rating) criticism. No one can be bothered with bolshy comebacks, so he might be giving off a 'difficult' vibe which doesn't chime with 'relaxing holiday'.

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:48

BlueMum16 · 02/04/2026 08:17

Llandudno is an old person town. Families go for the fabulous beach but IMO would stay in the many caravan parks nearby.

Why would a family of 4 cram into one bedroom when you can get more space nearby?

I'm not sure families is the way to go.

Lots of people I know go who are retired and have spare cash to go year round.

I would try to appear more to those. Does he have accessible bathrooms? Showers not baths? Onsite parking? A lounge for afternoon tea/evening drinks?

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Yes I think you may be right - was a nice idea in principle but maybe there’s a reason it’s not a thing.

Not sure about accessible bathrooms as there are stairs and no lift. Showers yes. Parking is on street in front but it’s free and no restrictions on length of time. Yes there’s breakfast room and separate lounge

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:52

xOlive · 02/04/2026 08:17

Oh Llandudno! Can I have the link? I have family in Rhyl and I have two young children so I could be a guest if it looks right.
I’d always look on booking.com, is your friend on there?
For family friendly, in the summer, I’d be looking for an outside area for the kids to run around while we had a coffee or something maybe (not essential).
Ensuite rooms.
Pram friendly (for baby babies), do they have a lift if it’s on multiple floors?
Is it ridiculously expensive with it being on the seafront? Families with young children often can’t afford luxury.
Is there the option of extra beds/cots in the room? Is a travel cot provided on request?

I’ve posted the link but here it is:

https://www.sthilaryguesthouse.co.uk/photos

the website hasn’t been updated since the old owners so it’s not really a fair representation - he does have a Facebook page which is up to date.

Rooms are en-suite - don’t think he has a lift but not 100%. I left my pram in the foyer/hallway.

He keeps cutting prices to try and get people in most up to date ones will be on Facebook. Currently offering free passes to local soft play with bookings.

Again not sure on the beds but I know he would be more than happy to accommodate as he is trying his absolute best to make it a success.

Hes moved from Manchester with his three children, he’s a single parent with three boys and it would be such a shame to have to sell up!

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:54

Riverpaddling · 02/04/2026 08:18

My first questions before doing anything would be:

Is Llandudno a popular resort for families?

Do families visiting Llandudno want to stay in a B & B?

Because without doing that that research, targeting families may be pointless.

Edited

It seems to be popular for both older people and families but like others mentioned there are lots of caravan parks nearby so it may not appeal.

Any suggestions on how else to do research?!

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Besidemyselfwithworry · 04/04/2026 23:55

To be honest for the price of a b&b you can rent an apartment at the coast and have full freedom to come and go, your own kitchen and bathroom and eat when you want too and often they have a washing machine - all this appeals to families
plus a lot of b&b’s dont don’t do coffee or lunch and so if the weather is bad or you fancy a lazy day - nowhere really to hang out as the shared lounges tend not to have anything on offer really and no staff on hand to serve any drinks
I’d also want the option of them doing an evening meal especially with very young g children and not many seem to offer this, it is literally just breakfast!

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:56

LarryStylinson · 02/04/2026 08:25

Problem with Llandudno/north Wales is he's surrounded by caravan parks and self contained air bnbs so probably isnt right type of property to market to families.

If he's getting older folks booking, why not ramp that up? Market to coach companies as well that do holidays there?
Older folks will cause less wear and tear too.

Yes this may be the way to go - I didn’t factor in the term time issue and caravan parks nearby either.

I have mentioned to try and partner up wjth these types of businesses. It seems to be quite hard to get noticed with so much competition

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 04/04/2026 23:58

Lomonald · 02/04/2026 08:34

Families with young kids are not going to B&Bs in Wales they will either go to caravan parks or air b&bs , there is nothing wrong with catering to older adults and couples, your friend isn't doing anything wrong I just don't think parents want to take their young kids to guest houses .

Yeah there’s lots of similar comments and it’s sounding right. It was a nice idea in principle and he has this lovely picture in his head of it being full of families and happy kids running around but clearly there’s a reason this isn’t a thing

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:03

Icecreamandcoffee · 02/04/2026 08:47

Another one with young children who wouldn't book a BnB. We tend to book self catering caravan or holiday cottage.

I book self catering cottages and caravans for the space, the kitchen, the fact that we can put the children to bed in a separate bedroom and not have to sit in the dark/ in silence. Not having to worry about cleaners in the room or feeling like we have to be out most of the day.

I need flexibility for meals. DD is a picky eater and a grazer. Sometimes all she wants for tea are simple bits like toast and beans, spaghetti hoops, sandwiches and fruit and veg sticks ect, all which can be made at home for 1/10 of the price of going to a cafe and can't be made in a BnB without a kitchenette. I also need somewhere and somehow to wash and sterilise baby bottles. DD drinks milk at bedtime still and doesn't like UHT milk.

A separate bedroom is a huge help as otherwise the children go to bed at 8 and me and DH have to sit in the dark/ in silence and even then because we are there DC do not sleep and instead find 30000000 reasons to stop up longer. Many bnbs cram the beds in 1 room, no- one sleeps well because every time someone goes to the toilet the whole room is disturbed, DD will get up at 5 (really not other guest friendly) and put the TV on or start crashing about with toys - again waking everyone up. Then be raring for breakfast at 6 - again not BnB friendly.

Then there is the cleaning/ room service aspect where most bnbs expect you to have breakfast and then be out for the from around 11am so turn rooms round. My youngest naps at 11.30 till 1 and then 4-5. Sometimes if they get up early they nap 9-11 so we are often in the room. Eldest is then often stuck in with cabin fever whilst youngest naps, we usually book either a beach side family hotel or a caravan on a caravan site so DD can go to the park/ beach to burn off some steam whilst youngest naps.

Similarly space, BnB family rooms are generally cramped so play space is limited.

Personally I would advise your friend to stick to the adult market. Look at what everyone else is doing, serve food quality nice breakfasts, if they want to stand out go quirky but adult focused.

Thanks for the details! There was another comment that suggested monitors in rooms and somewhere for parents to relax that isn’t their room in an evening. Would that make any difference to you?

There was no expectation for us to be out in the daytime - we were only there two nights so not sure how often they would come in to clean etc but he did say they don’t like to go in guests rooms unless necessary as want to respect privacy.

The meals and bottles aspect is probably the dealbreaker of imagine? As it’s unlikely those facilities could be in room - maybe in a shared space but I know people like privacy.

They're all good points though - I didn’t have these issues as was only two nights and only me and my son but appreciate it’s harder with a larger family

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:13

senua · 02/04/2026 08:52

He’s not getting many bookings and those he gets are generally elderly
What's wrong with elderly guests?😒 I bet they are a lot less trouble than having to toddler-proof your B&B.

There’s nothing wrong with elderly guests he is just trying to understand if there’s anything he can do to encourage other demographics and considered families and it’s not generally seen in a guest house but after reading a lot of the replies I think there’s a good reason why

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:14

VickyEadieofThigh · 02/04/2026 08:54

The Hotel Inspector also did an episode a few years ago based on exactly the OP'S premise: making a B & B more family friendly.

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Oh really! Did it work?

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:18

KookyOliveSwan · 02/04/2026 08:59

If he’s going to aim for families then I’d probably suggest ones with older kids.

I have small children and wouldn’t choose a BnB because evening meals are tricky.
The children want to eat early and then go to bed, so either a hotel where we can get room service/eat in or self catering work better for us.
With small children it’s also really helpful to have basic laundry facilities available (either a washing machine in self-catering or a laundry service in a hotel). I also look for somewhere with a fridge in the room for storing pumped breast milk and toddler snacks/milk/juice.
BnBs also don’t tend to work for us because they’re usually a single room which means we have to sit silently in the dark from 7pm when the kids go to bed and everyone gets woken up in the night if the baby wakes up.

I don’t want to be negative, but I would seriously consider whether aiming at a family market is his best option. Especially because it would probably put off his older guests and adults without kids.

If he really wants to aim for the family market I’d suggest:

Really good blackout curtains in the rooms
Simple child friendly breakfast options
Child equipment that is high quality and in excellent condition (with pictures available on the website so you know the travel cot isn’t a manky, death trap)
Communal areas and rooms that are simple, hardwearing, clean and safe (I don’t want to spend my whole holiday trying to stop my child fiddling with delicate nicknacks or trying to navigate the pushchair around a load of cluttered furniture)
I’d definitely be more likely to book somewhere with a nice outdoor space where they can play (again, safe and good condition toys/equipment)
Decent soundproofing between rooms (I don’t want my kids woken up by a hen party coming in at 3am, and other guests probably don’t want to be woken up by my toddler having a tantrum because I won’t let him watch Paw Patrol at 5am 😂)

No it’s not negative at all - I wanted honest feedback and responses and it’s shown me really why this isn’t really a thing that exists.

it sounded like a great idea when we spoke about it but it wasn’t in detail and I offered to post here to see what people would want and it’s shown me why it’s not really a thing - there’s some things that can be done to make it more attractive to families but also a lot of things that just aren’t feasible in accommodation of this type. Plus the risk of losing other year round customers in other demographics.

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:21

Spareahorse · 02/04/2026 09:09

He needs to do a bit of customer research among local visitors. While 'kid friendly' might attract families, they will tend to be mainly booking during the holidays. However, speaking for myself, I would never book anywhere promoted as 'kid friendly' regardless of whether I wanted to stay in the holidays or not. I wouldn't even pause to think about it, I'd just scroll by. So he could be reducing the number of bookings he would get during term time.
P.S. I used to run a 4* B+B with several staff. We all much prefered 'older' customers to families of kids. Far less trouble and less likely to disturb other guests during the night. Bottom line is that you want the rooms fully occupied. I suspect that in this location your friend would do much better by targetting a slightly older market. Also think about people who might be working in the area weekdays.

Edited

Yes he definitely needs to do some market research - it’s just how to go about this. I was wondering if there was a local businesses forum where the owners of lots of similar types of business got together and if they’re supportive of their competitors or not.

Yea I did mention the idea of people working away and trying to talk to large corporations to be added to their booking systems etc.

Any tips for getting more bookings ignoring the kid friendly? He is new to this business and is really trying but it is all new to him

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Els1e · 05/04/2026 00:22

For me, it's about being treated as an individual. I love b & b's but I need them to meet my needs. Safe parking, where we can put wet gear, flexible with breakfast

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:22

BoogieTownTop · 02/04/2026 09:12

Yes! Those giant connect four games.

Rather than what’s bad about b&bs, the thing I love and that should be promoted IMO, is (if he does this), no buffet breakfast, cooked to order breakfast, so you can say things like “fried egg but well done”

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Yes I do like this myself - I’m so fussy with meat and I love that I ask for odd combinations no questions asked haha

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:25

Probablyshouldntsay · 02/04/2026 09:20

He’s competing with literally hundreds of hotels and b&bs within 1 square mile. Plus travelodge and premier inn came a couple of years ago so it’s a tricky place.

BUT

he could

do some deals with the snow centre, tram, cable cars, magic bar, mini train, parisellas ice cream for free tickets for his guests.

some kind of shuttle service to bodnant garden / snowdonia / zip world if he owns a mini bus

american’ type breakfasts for kids - waffles, pancakes, fruit etc as an alternative to fry ups.

He needs to make sure he has really good photos on his website, modern furniture and stays himself in some of the successful b&bs and takes notes

I went to the snow centre whilst there unfortunately the toboggan was shut but my son did the the snow tubing and loved it. One thing I was pleasantly surprised about the area in general nothing felt ridiculously overpriced.

Major improvements needed on the website and social media front - I think he needs to make this priority as it’s still the old owners photos and polices on the website and his social media postings are just awful in terms of spelling etc he is dyslexic but it puts me off when I see a business with awful spelling

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:27

BlueDressingGowns · 02/04/2026 10:10

I keep reading the title of this thread as “what are babies shit at?” and thinking “most things, but cut them some slack, eh” 😭

Hahahaha yeah pretty much everything except somehow being able to impress their parents by doing more or less nothing

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:30

Spareahorse · 03/04/2026 08:57

Op - if you are using this as market research for your friend, maybe just bear in mind that the mums here are telling you what they would like from a child-friendly B+B, not suggesting things that would bring in more income for your mate.

There isn't a great demand for child-friendly B+B's - that's why you don't see a load of adverts for them.

Advertising a child-friendly B+B is going to put a lot of potential customers off booking. People like B+B's to be relaxed, peaceful places where they get a great night's sleep and a wonderful breakfast.
Even if your friend were to uncover an amazing source of families who would use the B+B - they will mostly use them during the schoool holidays. So what would happen during term time? Older people, people working away from home etc will be put off the place by the child friendly advertising and book elsewhere.
Look at who use B+B's most and concentrate on making the place attractive to them.

Thankyou - it was a first sort of bit of research and it’s basically told me what I needed to know - that’s it’s not likely to be a good idea or work and puts off other customers. Which is a problem as families wouldn’t fill it year round.

It’s obviously not my business and not my decision but this post came from a short conversation and has shown me lots of things he hadn’t considered initially

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Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:31

Spareahorse · 03/04/2026 09:38

I know it is Chemenger, you're absolutely right. I'm speaking from 10 years experience in the business, with an AA 4* B+B. You couldn't pay me enough to set up and promote a 'family friendly' B+B. Plastic plates... access to a kitchen... toys in the garden... over my dead body. 😂
We had lovely clean rooms, all en-suite, nice toiletries, white bedding and towels, comfortable seating in the rooms, a lovely garden with seating, no hen or stag parties. If a wedding party wanted to book they had to take the whole place. We had great occupancy rates as a result.

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Happy to accept any advice I can pass on from someone that’s been there and done it!!

It sounded great in principle but the responses have shown me otherwise

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Lavender14 · 05/04/2026 00:32

Clean and nice decor shows me the owner is serious about maintaining their property and looks after it. It doesn't need to be modern but it needs to be fresh and suit the property even if that's a vintage style.

Warm hosts is a nice thing. And a good breakfast is my favourite part of staying away.

Comfy beds with spare pillows and blankets in the room for you to use if you need them.

Things I've appreciated staying with ds before- one place provided a little pop up play pen in the room (lone parent so this was helpful for showering). One place left a little soft towel and bath/shower goodies for children in a little gift basket which ds was delighted by. Child friendly options on the menu that aren't just chips and [insert frozen food here]. I get why these are crowd pleasers but ds is a good eater and the last time we went away I found it really difficult to find a kids menu that included a vegetable.

Having a kettle and fridge in the room is always really useful.

Information in the rooms of things to do nearby and some bnbs near me have agreements with some local attractions and will give a do a discount on tickets.

Somewhere to play outside, secure and with some kids toys/ swing/ slide.

If he's hosting families then it means he needs to be thinking about how soundproofed the rooms can be. Last time we stayed away the guests in the room next to us were up chatting and laughing until 3am. They weren't excessively loud but the walls were obviously thin which made it hard for me and ds to sleep. Similarly I wouldn't want to be next door to a crying baby.

Is it worth him doing local surveying of tourists - do they want dog friendly, no dogs, family friendly, child free etc to see what the market actually is.

Does he do any entertainment or specialist hosting?

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:33

truepenguin · 04/04/2026 23:47

A quick glance at the booking dot com reviews suggest he is a bit arsey in replies to people who leave (very mild, considering the 4.9 overall rating) criticism. No one can be bothered with bolshy comebacks, so he might be giving off a 'difficult' vibe which doesn't chime with 'relaxing holiday'.

I’ve not actually looked at these myself so can’t comment but I will have a look and pass on the feedback - thanks

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Lavender14 · 05/04/2026 00:33

Also a little step for access to the toilet/ sink, clean change mat, child sized plastic cups bowls plates and cutlery.

Original poster

jamcorrosion · 05/04/2026 00:36