These are the past articles from the last 2 years - but we've edited them back to those that dealt with making or saving money.   Our readers most popular subjects.  We've archived the others so if there was one you wanted to access - just email mail us for a copy.

Turn Local Attractions into Bookings

Here’s How to Stand Out and Get More Guests Booking Direct

Let’s be honest—running a hotel or guesthouse today is tough. With so many choices online, great rooms and good prices just aren’t enough anymore. Guests want more than a bed. They want a story, a memory, something to write home about. That’s where your local attractions come in.

Whether you’re near a castle, coastline, food market, or music festival—you’re sitting on a goldmine. But here’s the thing: if you only mention these in a “Things to Do” tab or bury them in small print, you’re missing a big trick.

Instead, make local experiences part of your offer. Talk about them on your homepage, in your emails, on social media. Show how staying with you puts guests in the perfect spot to explore. Be the friendly expert who knows the best places to eat, hidden spots to visit, and when to catch that weekend market.

Start small. Ask guests what brought them to town. Where are they going today? Use those answers to build a few simple packages—maybe an early check-in before a local event, or a weekend itinerary with your favorite coffee shop and walking trail.

And most importantly—tell the story. Share photos, write short blogs, highlight unique things guests can only do if they stay with you.

Because in the end, you’re not just offering a place to sleep. You’re offering a gateway to local adventures—and that’s what gets people to book direct.

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What Whitbread’s Latest UK Results Signal for Small Independent Hoteliers

 

Premier Inn’s slowdown offers a mixed message—here’s how small independent operators can respond.

As the UK’s largest hotel brand, Whitbread’s performance is often seen as a bellwether for the broader hospitality market. Their most recent quarterly results revealed a surprising slowdown in domestic demand, with UK accommodation sales down by up to 3% and total UK revenues dipping 5% year-on-year.

At first glance, this might sound ominous—but for small, independent hoteliers, there are insights and opportunities hiding in the numbers.

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The Secret Weapon to Maximise Your Bookings

There’s a smart, cost-effective way to stop potential bookers from leaving your website for Booking.com. It’s a clever new service — and no, it doesn’t involve rebuilding your site. Instead, it gives you a clear, actionable overview of what’s happening on your web, pinpointing exactly what might be driving visitors away and showing you how to fix it.

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Even the best hotels receive complaints.

If the customer is at the desk and demanding to see you, even if the customer is upset or aggressive, your composed and attentive presence can instantly de-escalate tension. A simple line like, “Thank you for bringing this to my attention—I’m here to help,” can go a long way before you even get into the details. 

How you handle these stressful situations can make all the difference. Here are the 10 essential dos and the 6 don’ts for addressing dissatisfied customers effectively:

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The Power of Guest Email Collection

  • Cost-effective marketing for engaging past guests and driving repeat bookings.
  • Strengthen guest relationships and foster loyalty through tailored offers and recommendations.
  • Promote special offers and events boosting direct bookings.
  • Gather valuable insights. Email campaigns provide analytics that help refine marketing strategies based on guest behaviour.
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How John Lewis + Waitrose Cardholders Could Fill Your Rooms

  • An imaginative way to attract bookings during off peak periods. 
  • Save on commission payments.

Imagine if a store card in a customer’s wallet didn’t just offer retail perks—but also unlocked exclusive savings on hotel stays. That’s exactly what Innfill proposes for John Lewis cardholders, offering them the chance to enjoy discounted leisure breaks when booking directly with you.

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Ever thought of partnering with Expedia?

  •  If you advertise on Booking.com and not others, you really need to read this.
    • Expand your reach to Bookers who use Expedia’s subsidiary companies.
    • Small operators have a great opportunity to increase prices.
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The Takeaway Revolution

 

Increased Revenue
– Capture additional sales from locals who prefer dining off- site.

Customer Convenience
       – Cater to busy locals seeking high-quality meals on the go.

Brand Visibility
       – Expand reach beyond hotel guests by attracting local customers.

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