Time to survey our friends here on a major issue that's dividing me and my spouse. Would really be interested in everyone's feedback on this issue, that goes to branding, positioning, signage, marketing - the whole shebang.
In the interest of not coloring people's opinions, I'm not going to let you know which side of the coin I come down on.
The issue: Should we remove "Bed and Breakfast" from the name of our establishment and just go with "Inn?" Or something entirely different
Currently: The current name of our establishment is "Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn." Yes, it's redundant. But the previous owners named it that to maximize returns on search engines when customers are looking for either a B&B or an Inn. It's currently part of our legal name ("Corporate Name dba Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn.")
Arguments For:
- The value of the term "bed and breakfast" has been diminished, damaged and possibly even destroyed by Air. When you tell people you run a B&B these days, they ask "which rooms in your house do you rent?"
- "Bed and Breakfast" among younger customers has a dated, grandma's house feel that can't be overcome.
- "Bed and Breakfast Inn" is redundant. Pick one or the other.
- "Bed and Breakfast" doesn't summarize all that we do here. We host events. We host 10-15 weddings per year. We provide multiple amenities and services like in-room massages that some B&Bs don't.
- We need to change in order to draw in more younger customers. Many younger customers don't use the search term "bed and breakfast."
Arguments Against:
- Changing a brand is dangerous. It can negatively affect your search engine placement, brand recognition,'
- Changing costs money. Reprinting materials, replacing signs, the time involved in updating other referring sites and OTAs.
- "Bed and Breakfast" defines what we do. We provide a room or suite to stay in and breakfast. We don't serve dinner. We aren't a restaurant. We don't have a bar. Using "Phineas Swann Inn" would suggest services we don't provide.
- Many millennials aren't turned off by the B&B name. They see it as a romantic option.
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it. We outsell the two other inns in our town, and are the only "bed and breakfast" (excluding the airs).
Naming options brainstormed:
- Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast (drop "Inn")
- Phineas Swann Inn ("drop Bed & Breakfast")
- Phineas Swann Inn & Suites
- Phineas Swann Resort
- Phineas Swann Resort & Spa (we currently don't offer full spa services but would like to)
We value everyone's experience and viewpoints here. Also would be interested if anyone has had similar thoughts or experiences. Thanks!
__________________
Darren
Innkeeper & Owner