It is the same as using the word "Gourmet" which I would never use. And yet, some of our guests use this term for our breakfasts. To them it is gourmet. To me it is not.
Tomato toemah-toe
The people who live HERE have no idea what great things there are to do here. Have of them don't even know this B&B is here (which has been for 25 years)! A guest stopped for directions and was told oh the abc medical building...well that was a medical building for 10 years in the middle somewhere, not in the last 25!
For one person coming to the area something is quite magical, to another it is just the same ol' same ol'. So, who is your market? Locals or out of state, out of country?
Perhaps staying at THAT INN is a very magical luxurious experience? It is all perception.
We had overwhelmingly non B&B people this weekend, here for a 100 year homecoming at a college. They have all been blown away by the personal touches, homemade goodies, interaction, porch time, etc. Each left us with a heartfelt thank you and appreciation for the hospitality. (well nearly all are gone...two more rooms to go)
Those traveling through are never blown away, they could care less. They want a nice clean quiet safe place to sleep and enjoy.
So do we oversell? I sure hope not. I try to be as real as it comes. If anything, our guests have said the opposite, which is a good thing.
Guests from Britain here right now, we brought out the homemade pecan pancakes, and I told them I made them especially for them since I was sure they had never had them before.
(No big deal, but a personal touch/interaction that cost nothing extra, everyone had the same breakfast)..