Grevillea Lodge - Case Study

Grevillea Lodge grows with TakeABreak

Merrill Moore certainly knows how to keep her guests happy – she was busy making her much-loved marmalade when we spoke to her.  Merrill has been running Grevillea Lodge as a bed & breakfast for the past two years, and already she has many people returning for her special blend of hospitality and homemade treats.

Grevillea Lodge is a purpose-built guest wing that not only allows up to 5 people to enjoy this wonderful property, but well-behaved pets are also welcome and will have a playmate in Nikki, Merrill’s gorgeous Alaskan malamute.

Merrill has been listed with TakeABreak for as long as she has been running the property and one of her favourite aspects of the website is that you get great coverage, but only incur a cost once the guest has stayed.

Currently 95% of the bookings for Grevillea Lodge come from repeat guests as well as online sources and TakeABreak alone would account for up to 15% of those.  “Being with TakeABreak has definitely made it easier for me as an operator of a B&B,” says Merrill.  “In fact, I am such a convert that I have just encouraged a friend who is running a farmstay to sign up.”

Merrill continues “The major benefits that I see are the exposure that the property receives through the website and the ease of dealing with enquiries.  I find the site very accessible and easy-to-use, which means that I am more likely to keep my listing up-to-date, as there is no hassle involved.”

Grevillea Lodge markets itself to families and couples – particularly those who love to travel with their dog.  With a choice of full or continental breakfast (featuring Merrill’s goodies!), internet access and a separate entrance for complete independence, it is no wonder that the property is continuing to grow in popularity.

“I think that a well-run B&B should always be successful, so long as people know about it.  And that is where TakeABreak comes in – the website helps me reach many more potential guests than I could through more traditional means,” says Merrill.

Grevillea Lodge is listed with TakeABreak both as a self-contained apartment and B&B, thus reaching a larger market than just listing as a B&B alone.  Merrill has also taken advantage of the theme listings, in order to let potential guests know of the many activities available, such as bird-watching, family-friendly; gay & lesbian friendly; golf; hot air ballooning; pet-friendly and wine appreciation.

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