According to our random grab-bag of California B&Bs (well, almost random, since we chose to put all three of the South Pasadena properties in there), business is off just a tad overall compared to last week's numbers.
Only three of the 16 inns are doing better than the Feb 23 count, and even the champ so far, the East Brother Light Station in Richmond, is down a little while still being so far ahead of the rest of the pack that its occupancy percentages seem near miraculous.
It's worth mentioning at this point that it is impossible for us to distinguish between head$ in bed$ and close-outs for maintenance or whatever. Our source is what's freely published on property websites, so we are not giving away anyone's business secrets or compromising their privacy!
As a matter of fact, we have always made it a point to keep a close watch on competitors' numbers. If they are stacked to the rafters and you have a half-empty house even on weekends, it is safe to assume that either they are rubbing a magic lantern to conjure up guests, or you are doing something wrong (I generally discount dear old Rueben's God is our booking agent business plan).
Here's the current chart. Please click on it to enlarge it.
Let's all just keep in mind that B&B guests are mostly loyal by nature, and even those who desert us temporarily for a Motel 6 or a Hilton will soon tire of all that dreary sameness and return to the fold.
In the meantime, we have to try a little harder to catch their eye.
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