| Most bed and breakfasts have a season, which | | | | and any agencies you are registered with. Put a |
| can be an extreme one in many holiday resorts, | | | | "closed" notice on your frontage sign, but make |
| or it might be a more subtle rise and fall in | | | | sure that a reopening date is also marked upon it, |
| bookings in areas relying less on tourism. | | | | so that people don't think you are permanently |
| Therefore, a bed and breakfast in a seaside | | | | closed. |
| resort such as Blackpool or Brighton can expect a | | | | There has been a shift in holidaymakers' habits |
| clear fall in the number of bookings outside the | | | | over the last few years. These days, guests don't |
| major holiday periods, whereas, for example, a | | | | only visit in summer, although many people still |
| Birmingham or Leicester bed and breakfast will | | | | take the traditional week or fortnight break in July |
| experience more steady visitor numbers. Guests | | | | or August (especially if they have school age |
| who stay in cities such as these are more likely | | | | children). Short breaks are becoming increasingly |
| to be visiting relatives, to be on business trips, or | | | | popular and many of these are taken out of |
| visiting sons or daughters at university. | | | | season. Many bed and breakfasts are tapping into |
| For most bed and breakfast owners, it is just too | | | | the short break market, especially if these are |
| demanding to keep a full house throughout the | | | | based around a local event or festival. This might |
| whole year and, in fact, it is good to have a clear | | | | be an annual event, such as the Edinburgh |
| period each year where the number of bookings | | | | Festival, Derbyshire Well Dressing or Lincoln |
| reduces. It is a good time to catch up on | | | | Christmas Market. Natural events are also popular |
| maintenance and redecoration when there are no | | | | for short stays, such as snowdrops in winter, |
| guests and it is better for the bed and breakfast | | | | bluebells in spring or beautiful autumn displays if |
| to be properly closed at this time, to avoid | | | | you are located near to a forest. Mini breaks in |
| inconveniencing or annoying guests with the noise | | | | European cities have also become very popular |
| or dust of building work or the smell of wet paint. | | | | and visitors may want to stay in a location |
| If you are up to date with your maintenance and | | | | convenient for an airport, such as in a Nottingham |
| bookkeeping, then it could be a good time for you | | | | or Leicester bed and breakfast for easy access |
| to go on holiday yourselves. After all, everyone | | | | to East Midlands Airport. It is evident, therefore, |
| needs down time (and you could always check | | | | that there is great potential for attracting guests |
| out the competition too!). When you have decided | | | | outside the main holiday season and if cheaper |
| on a closure period for your bed and breakfast, | | | | rates are offered than in the high season, this will |
| be sure to mention it on your website and in any | | | | also encourage visitors. |
| publicity material. Also notify the local tourist board | | | | |