Why we can't be found on OTA,s Booking.com etc.

Over the past few years there has been a dramatic rise in the the number of so called Online Travel Agents all claiming to offer the best and cheapest deals. Sites like Booking.com and Tripadvisor seem to dominate the search engines and are everywhere you look.

But wait a minute if all these sites and the properties own website all claim the cheapest price how can they all be different? Shouldn't this result in just one price where ever you look?

How is it that many owners will promise you a better deal if you book direct with them?

The problem arises because none of it comes for free, the booking sites want a share of the booking price.
Typically these sites charge the accommodation a commission of around 15-20% of the total cost of the booking. Or in real money on a £70/night room around £10.50 for every night booked.

For some of the larger properties it works quite well and they will use this method to sell some of their less requested rooms like the ones that overlook the kitchens or car park. They will try to upsell  their bar, restaurant and other facilities to recoup the cost.

Initially the smaller businesses, like us, will be able to absorb the cost of a few bookings made that way but ultimately the viability of the business would be affected. We would have to look at what we offer and the price we charge.

Currently we offer discounts for stays of 2 nights or more. This would no longer be the case if we sold rooms through Booking.com. We would have to quote a single night rate which typically would add around £7-8 per night to a multiple night booking.

Like many B&B owners our mission is to provide value for money quality accommodation and constantly strive to find ways to make our guests stay more comfortable. We do not want to be forced into looking at what we offer with a view to cutting costs or to start charging for "extras" like WiFi and parking.

We believe that our guests should expect the level and quality of service that they are paying for and we are committed to providing  quality and value for money. We believe in offering a tariff that reflects this.

Rather than paying out commissions we would rather reinvest back into our business to further improve the service and comfort we offer to our guests.

For the convenience of our guests we do offer a secure on-line booking with instant confirmation on our website which does not incur booking fees or commission.

You are of course also welcome to telephone or email to discuss your requirements with us.

For more information on Harbour Lodge in Paignton click Here

Why Stay in a B&B?

Thinking of holidaying or taking a short break in the UK ? Why not consider staying in a Bed and Breakfast. The modern B&B provides comfortable, value for money, accommodation and much more.

• Attention to detail.

Most B&B owners are self-employed and live on the premises, it is also their home. Few if any staff are employed by the business so the owners are responsible for all aspects of the business . 
They rely on repeat business and good recommendations/reviews to provide their income. This means that your hosts try much harder to ensure you have the best possible stay. 

• Value for money.

Large hotels have many facilities and staff that you pay for whether you use them or not. Budget hotels make a big issue of telling you what services they don’t supply and you have to pay extra for.

B&B's provide a cheaper option than staying in a hotel, whilst offering more of the facilities and services to ensure a more comfortable and relaxing stay than the budget hotel. You can expect comfortable rooms with a good selection of beverage making facilities, complementary toiletries, free WiFi and many other little touches that set them apart from the rather sterile environments of the larger businesses.

• Breakfast

Breakfast is of course the second most important element of the B&;B Owners are proud of their breakfasts and offer a tasty range of freshly prepared options, often including regional specialities. Usually you will have a choice of cereals, fruit, yoghurts, juice followed by a hearty freshly cooked breakfast, toast and preserves. All washed down with copious amounts of tea or coffee. Most will be able to cater for special diets.

• Local knowledge.

B&B owners are also local residents so apart from the obvious tourist leaflets they will be more than willing to give you advice and information about the area. The best places to eat and drink, which attractions to avoid and which are a must see. Alternative means of transportation and route planning are all services usually available. They will also share all the little local “hidden gems” that only the locals know about.

Indeed the breakfast room can become a great social interaction with guests and owners talking about the activities of yesterday and what they are going to do that day. 

• More choice

Because most B&B’s are also homes they will all be different reflecting the character and style of the owners. Found in a wide variety of locations, each will have a slightly different range of facilities/prices. Many will have achieved a star rating which calls for an annual independent assessment including regular overnight stays, where levels of service, cleanliness and comfort are assessed and stars awarded accordingly. 

• Security

B&B’s  are private homes and guests are issued keys to allow them entrance with less chance of unauthorised people entering. The same legislation regarding fire safety and food hygene etc apply the same as in large hotels and because the owners are directly responsible for them, few problems are likely to occur in these areas.

• Peace and quiet

The friendly, family atmosphere encountered in a B&B means that you won’t get caught up with large groups. part from your room most will have lounges or gardens where you will be able to sit and quietly relax.

• Support the local economy.

B&B  owners live locally and spend their money locally, using local shops and tradesmen for their supplies and services.  


So when booking a short break or holiday check out the B&B's in the area, there should be one in the locality to meet your needs and your budget.

Coming to Paignton in Devon? a good start would be to check out our website