Staycations, our new business, help and feedback appreciated
Discussion
threadlock said:
Forgive me if this is a silly question that only a non-doggy person like me would ask, but why would you need to make a big deal about dogs staying at your place? If you made your dog-friendly approach one of your big USPs I'd instantly be suspicious of the place stinking, but I don't think I'd even think to ask about it if you didn't stress it in your marketing. Certainly I've never thought to ask a place before.
If your accommodation is going to be as clean as you say it is, can't you just quietly mention the dog-friendly bit in the small print somewhere so that people like me aren't even put on alert about the risk?
Totally understand if your experience finding dog-friendly accommodation in the past makes you want to shout about it, however, if you feel there's a big niche market for people with dogs.
Best of luck with the project. Genuinely hope it's successful for you.
Thanks very much for the well wishes, means a lot that people believe in us/the idea :-)If your accommodation is going to be as clean as you say it is, can't you just quietly mention the dog-friendly bit in the small print somewhere so that people like me aren't even put on alert about the risk?
Totally understand if your experience finding dog-friendly accommodation in the past makes you want to shout about it, however, if you feel there's a big niche market for people with dogs.
Best of luck with the project. Genuinely hope it's successful for you.
We won't be shouting about it, it seems to have featured heavily on this thread but in real life it will just be an added bonus for some people. We can always advertise on dog fb groups and websites without having to list it in the heading paragraph.
INWB said:
You went with my suggestion????? I am SOO SO chuffed. That has made my day. Do I get a free stay?
Would you mind a PM as I could do with a favour myself.
I did, and I gave you a specific shout out for your help and advice a page or so back, thanks very much again for your help Would you mind a PM as I could do with a favour myself.
PM on the way!
Glad some people taking time to give input are valued
The whole 'd' thing is absolutely baffling though. How many in a 'nation of dog lovers' have a family pet - maybe 40%? Do all house based dogs stink horribly with a pungency that defeats all basic housekeeping? V strange!!! My dog (who doesn't smell at all - Dalmatian dry non-oily coat) smells far better than fags and many people - especially as he gets Jojoba Coconut wash now and again!
The whole 'd' thing is absolutely baffling though. How many in a 'nation of dog lovers' have a family pet - maybe 40%? Do all house based dogs stink horribly with a pungency that defeats all basic housekeeping? V strange!!! My dog (who doesn't smell at all - Dalmatian dry non-oily coat) smells far better than fags and many people - especially as he gets Jojoba Coconut wash now and again!
Sorry for the D topic again but can I just add we initially stayed at venues where they stated "dog friendly" when in reality most were only "dog tolerant" and we sometimes found it hard to relax and we would not go back.
Now we only book places where they clearly welcome dogs with open arms - so, for us, sort of "hiding" and only having the 1 lodge option would, more than likely, mean we wouldn't take the chance.
I do realise you can't please everybody and need to make the best, balanced decisions for you and your business....genuine best wishes for success in whatever route you choose.
Last place we stayed in Countesbury liked dogs more than people....Archie & friends ?
Now we only book places where they clearly welcome dogs with open arms - so, for us, sort of "hiding" and only having the 1 lodge option would, more than likely, mean we wouldn't take the chance.
I do realise you can't please everybody and need to make the best, balanced decisions for you and your business....genuine best wishes for success in whatever route you choose.
Last place we stayed in Countesbury liked dogs more than people....Archie & friends ?
egor110 said:
Bear in mind dog people are a lot more restricted to where they can stay, so when they find a really good place they'll repeat book and tell there other dog owning friends.
Non doggers have a huge amount choice re where to stay .
Exactly ( not sure about the doggers bit though Non doggers have a huge amount choice re where to stay .
)............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.htmlalfie2244 said:
Exactly ( not sure about the doggers bit though )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html
Award for the first (and hopefully only) PH thread to manage to incorporate the words "Doggers" and "Blue Balls" in the same sentence! )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html Yes, I know it was Ball, singular, but I couldn't pass that up!
CAPP0 said:
alfie2244 said:
Exactly ( not sure about the doggers bit though )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html
Award for the first (and hopefully only) PH thread to manage to incorporate the words "Doggers" and "Blue Balls" in the same sentence! )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html Yes, I know it was Ball, singular, but I couldn't pass that up!
CAPP0 said:
alfie2244 said:
Exactly ( not sure about the doggers bit though )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html
Award for the first (and hopefully only) PH thread to manage to incorporate the words "Doggers" and "Blue Balls" in the same sentence! )............https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1109807-d1132079-Reviews-Blue_Ball_Inn-Countisbury_Exmoor_National_Park_England.html Yes, I know it was Ball, singular, but I couldn't pass that up!
This sounds like a great idea. I've just read the thread start to finish and was thinking all along that you need to offer a few different types of accommodation, some pet free, maybe one for two couples etc. With regards to dogs I think keeping at least one dog free is the best option, as a non dog person, I would be put off by somewhere which allowed dogs. I think it is one of those smells that people get immune to if it smells like their home, but other people would pick up on it straight away.
I've been on a fair few trips to cottages etc with my wife, including at least once a year to your part of North Devon. Our priorities would be waling distance to somewhere good for food and a nice enough ambiance that you could stay there all day chilling out if the weather is bad - for us that would include decent wifi. My preference would also be that the car can be parked next to the lodge, this is especially key if you need to drive everywhere!
We stayed at the chalet at this place -> http://www.lochdubh.com/ which was just about perfect, good views, big comfortable sofa by the wood burner, small kitchen & table to eat at, nice bathroom and bedroom.
Unfortunately I'm going to have to declare myself out, due to the no kids rule, otherwise I would be seriously keen for next year, but baby Craik will be here by then. Which is a shame, as a seculded cabin in our favourite part of the world would have been perfect for our holiday next year.
I've been on a fair few trips to cottages etc with my wife, including at least once a year to your part of North Devon. Our priorities would be waling distance to somewhere good for food and a nice enough ambiance that you could stay there all day chilling out if the weather is bad - for us that would include decent wifi. My preference would also be that the car can be parked next to the lodge, this is especially key if you need to drive everywhere!
We stayed at the chalet at this place -> http://www.lochdubh.com/ which was just about perfect, good views, big comfortable sofa by the wood burner, small kitchen & table to eat at, nice bathroom and bedroom.
Unfortunately I'm going to have to declare myself out, due to the no kids rule, otherwise I would be seriously keen for next year, but baby Craik will be here by then. Which is a shame, as a seculded cabin in our favourite part of the world would have been perfect for our holiday next year.
Thanks for the input Craikey, and thanks for the kind words.
Unfortunately due to the lie of the land parking at the cabins is impossible, however it will be a short stroll. Having cars on the land would also completely change the feel and dynamic, it would be like putting a car park in the middle of the stone henge.
The good news is there are 2 great places to eat and drink in strolling distance, and lots of amazing walks and cycle routes too.
Comfy sofa and a log burner is a dead cert too.
Re the babba Craikey, thats the point of grandparents/friends isnt it? You will be begging for a weekend "off" after no time
Unfortunately due to the lie of the land parking at the cabins is impossible, however it will be a short stroll. Having cars on the land would also completely change the feel and dynamic, it would be like putting a car park in the middle of the stone henge.
The good news is there are 2 great places to eat and drink in strolling distance, and lots of amazing walks and cycle routes too.
Comfy sofa and a log burner is a dead cert too.
Re the babba Craikey, thats the point of grandparents/friends isnt it? You will be begging for a weekend "off" after no time
russ_a said:
We stayed in a lodge just outside of York, in an acre or so field with around 10 other lodges each with its own hot tub.
The fellow that owned the park had bought the house with the field, just built himself a lodge. He moved into the lodge and sold the house with a small garden. He then used the cash from the house to build the other lodges.
He worked around 1 hour a day cleaning the hot tubs and making small talk with the guests. Living the dream!!
Have you got a link for this place? York is somewhere else we stay a lot.The fellow that owned the park had bought the house with the field, just built himself a lodge. He moved into the lodge and sold the house with a small garden. He then used the cash from the house to build the other lodges.
He worked around 1 hour a day cleaning the hot tubs and making small talk with the guests. Living the dream!!
sidekickdmr said:
How much do you eat for dinner 
?
No problems and sorry to hear that would put you off.
It's only a couple of minuite walk to each lodge, probally not much further than the front door of the supermarket to your car (an acre is suprisingly small in reality) and there will be proper paths.
The buggy would be offered to you for the initial check in and out with your bags, and even then I cant see many people needing it (2 people for a weekend in remember not a week away camping/clubbing).
Something I've noticed with your replies that you might want to have a think about. ?No problems and sorry to hear that would put you off.
It's only a couple of minuite walk to each lodge, probally not much further than the front door of the supermarket to your car (an acre is suprisingly small in reality) and there will be proper paths.
The buggy would be offered to you for the initial check in and out with your bags, and even then I cant see many people needing it (2 people for a weekend in remember not a week away camping/clubbing).
People are bringing concerns up. You're seeing them as Haters and trying to piss on your bonfire. While I accept the average PHer is probably a bit fussier than the average Joe, when people bring concerns to you in hospitality, it's generally easier and gives you more recurring £ to address them head on, and move on your side rather than asking them to move theirs.
I appreciate you're not going to be offering everything to everyone, but if people are saying they think it'd be a problem to get bags over an acre of land, or they might have a concern about where to get food and drink, telling them they're wrong isnt going to alleviate their concerns.
Find a way to put 5 buggies at reception and people will be happier
we stayed in something similar in Wales, bit less remote to the farmhouse that owned the land and to be honest we were out all day and came back at night. We wanted to be able to get out and about easily, but have the stars and moon above in the middle of nowhere at night. I think if you expect people to check in on a Friday night, stay in the same place til Sunday dinnertime without moving you might have missed the mark on what people choose to do
However, I think it's an ace idea and done right I think you'll do well
andy-xr said:
Something I've noticed with your replies that you might want to have a think about.
People are bringing concerns up. You're seeing them as Haters and trying to piss on your bonfire. While I accept the average PHer is probably a bit fussier than the average Joe, when people bring concerns to you in hospitality, it's generally easier and gives you more recurring £ to address them head on, and move on your side rather than asking them to move theirs.
I appreciate you're not going to be offering everything to everyone, but if people are saying they think it'd be a problem to get bags over an acre of land, or they might have a concern about where to get food and drink, telling them they're wrong isnt going to alleviate their concerns.
Find a way to put 5 buggies at reception and people will be happier
we stayed in something similar in Wales, bit less remote to the farmhouse that owned the land and to be honest we were out all day and came back at night. We wanted to be able to get out and about easily, but have the stars and moon above in the middle of nowhere at night. I think if you expect people to check in on a Friday night, stay in the same place til Sunday dinnertime without moving you might have missed the mark on what people choose to do
However, I think it's an ace idea and done right I think you'll do well
andyPeople are bringing concerns up. You're seeing them as Haters and trying to piss on your bonfire. While I accept the average PHer is probably a bit fussier than the average Joe, when people bring concerns to you in hospitality, it's generally easier and gives you more recurring £ to address them head on, and move on your side rather than asking them to move theirs.
I appreciate you're not going to be offering everything to everyone, but if people are saying they think it'd be a problem to get bags over an acre of land, or they might have a concern about where to get food and drink, telling them they're wrong isnt going to alleviate their concerns.
Find a way to put 5 buggies at reception and people will be happier
we stayed in something similar in Wales, bit less remote to the farmhouse that owned the land and to be honest we were out all day and came back at night. We wanted to be able to get out and about easily, but have the stars and moon above in the middle of nowhere at night. I think if you expect people to check in on a Friday night, stay in the same place til Sunday dinnertime without moving you might have missed the mark on what people choose to do
However, I think it's an ace idea and done right I think you'll do well
I have stayed in countless glamping sites, and hundreds of campsites.
a small walk from the car to accomodation is usual, and to be expected. Having roads leading to each building would ruin the place. Buggies would need roads too. Trolleys that coped with rough ground would work, and tbh if the owner pulls them that would be sorted.
The food comment also baffles me. usually a glamping/camp site will provide somewhere to cook. If you are lucky; an oven, usually a BBQ.
I didn’t bother replying to the comments as I know in reality it wont be an issue.
I do see your point about me being a bit negative and I apologise, I'll try and take concerns onboard more in the future.
I appreciate its very hard to picture how it will work and be set out when you haven’t seen the place, but I’m fairly confident that any guests will understand/like the setup when they see it, weather that’s a map and pictures or in the flesh.
Im aiming at the people that are wanting a weekend tucked away in amazing accommodation, with great walks and stunning scenery, I don’t think these people will mind a 2 min stroll to their car.
As I said before, I will be delivering bags to the cabins on check in and check out and I'll make sure there is a off road trolley/buggy to use at any time, if you so wish
I do see your point about me being a bit negative and I apologise, I'll try and take concerns onboard more in the future.
I appreciate its very hard to picture how it will work and be set out when you haven’t seen the place, but I’m fairly confident that any guests will understand/like the setup when they see it, weather that’s a map and pictures or in the flesh.
Im aiming at the people that are wanting a weekend tucked away in amazing accommodation, with great walks and stunning scenery, I don’t think these people will mind a 2 min stroll to their car.
As I said before, I will be delivering bags to the cabins on check in and check out and I'll make sure there is a off road trolley/buggy to use at any time, if you so wish
Only just seen this thread, so you are a bit down the road. However, we now have some experience of doing something similar and the one thing over and above all that has hit us hard since we opened last year is cleaning, and cleaning to a high standard, especially as I see mention of mutts. Worth having a very careful think about the materials and fittings etc that you use with cleaning in mind. PM me if you want a chat.
Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff