One of our own Robert Manella snapped a photo of us  giving a demo of all that is possible with the InnApplications iPad app to innkeepers at the conference.  Learn more on what is possible on our InnApplications page.

We hope to see you at a conference in the near future.

Call Stephen at 609 751 2863 or David at 802 451 1934 for more information.

InnFilms

The Embassy Circle Guest House by InnFilms

“An elegant Boutique Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Washington D.C.”

Call now to schedule your 2012 professional InnFilm from InnConcierge.

Embassy Circle Guest House from robert manella (innfilms) on Vimeo.

The Tryall Club

Villa Sunrise at The Tryall Club from robert manella (innfilms) on Vimeo.

By Elizabeth Campbell

Everyone has a digital camera now. So, technically, everyone can take their own photos of their inn, right? Should you take your own photos? Unless you are a professional interior photographer, no, you shouldn’t. Investing in professional inn photography is one of the best business decisions innkeepers can make for two major reasons. The first is simply that you will end up with gorgeous images that show your inn in its true light. The photos will capture the character and unique personality of your inn in all of its wonderful detail. Innkeepers often say that when guests arrive they comment that the inn is so much nicer than they expected. Or that the food is so much better than they expected based on the photos. Well, that’s not what you want! How many potential guests did you lose because the photos did not represent your inn well or show how fantastic your breakfast or restaurant is? As innkeepers, you have put your hearts and souls into creating a destination that is beautiful, unique, and charming. Guests need to see that immediately on your website. Interior photography, as well as food photography, is inherently tricky, and specialized inn photographers have spent years developing an eye, as well as a technique that works for inns and B&B’s. Because of the lighting challenges, the equipment required for a photo shoot is extensive, and unique to interior photography as well.

The second, less obvious reason to hire a professional inn photographer is that in addition to having fabulous images for potential guests to look at, you are sending the message that you take your business very seriously. If a visitor to your website sees and understands that you have invested in a beautiful, professional website with professional images (and there is no mistaking amateur and professional photos!), they will then make the assumption that you put the same time and effort into your inn and the guest experience.

There is one more reason to hire a professional photographer to shoot your inn: it’s fun! The process takes effort and lots of planning, but the shoots are exciting and busy. It’s interesting to see your inn through someone else’s eyes and you may end up with some great insight and fresh ideas.

However, NOW is also the time to start thinking about and preparing for the slow down come November and the rest of winter season.  Consult an InnConcierge affiliate today on how you can best prepare for the late Fall and Winter months and receive tips for increasing revenues and capitalizing on the best packages which can yield the greatest returns.

Plan for new photos or a video or even website improvements by calling our team of industry experts and mention that you heard about us here on our site and you will receive a special gift.

If you are considering any major improvements to your inn, we are also happy to make recommendations for contractors to the inn business. Should you decide to consider selling your property, then perhaps we can offer a valuation or, in the case of purchasing an inn, a feasibility study.

No matter what your needs in the inn business is, we have the most comprehensive team of experts who can address any/all of your innkeeping concerns.

Call us in confidence at 609/751-2863 or email info@InnConcierge.com and we will be quick to respond!

Now that Spring is here, isn’t this the time to revisit your marketing and sales needs?

Let InnConcierge help you drive your revenues in the right direction for 2011.  We can provide assistance with telephone sales, package development and marketing, event targeting, operations, food and beverage management and much, much more.
If you are thinking of selling your inn now or in the near future, perhaps you would like a confidential InnValuation or simply a tailor-made program designed specifically for your property to better position your inn for sale.
No matter what your considered focus is, we at InnConcierge are Ready, Willing and Able to get you on the right tracks for success this year.

The long winter is over- we look forward to hearing from you!!

The real point here is that in this tenuous time in our history as an industry (and I think we can proudly call ourselves that now), we need to be working together both on the Inn-level and the Association level to bolster ourselves and increase our visibility in the greater hospitality market. Associations should be openly communicating with each other and combining resources to draw as many attendees to regional and national conferences as possible. This strengthens all organizations involved by attracting better caliber speakers, better exposure for vendors and more workshops, which ends up being good for participants, vendors, speakers and ultimately our industry.

“Better Way to Stay” is OUR maxim. We’re all going to get to use it, but only if we participate in the campaign. This recent conference I went to didn’t even know about it! The enemy is not our neighboring State or National B&B Association; it’s the hotel industry which is doing everything in its almighty power to compete for the same guests we are.