Customer Spotlight: The Old Dr's Residence
Charlotte & David, along with their team, provide a warm welcome to their charming historic property "The Old Doctor's Residence" in Naseby Central Otago. They fondly describe their B&B as being situated "2000 feet above worry level" and close to the Otago Central Rail Trail.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for this season?
Charlotte: Trying to keep rising costs down but still managing to deliver an exceptional service. Everything has become so much more expensive so by trying to make little changes that can make a difference to the bottom line but still giving the guest an excellent experience, is key. Even little things like giving one chocolate per guest instead of two all adds up!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is looking to start an accommodation business?
Charlotte: Your staff are you greatest asset. Choose wisely and then make sure you look after them and treat them well. If you do that they will reward you in spades.
ResBook: How has ResBook helped your business?
Charlotte: Because we have three staff working on a roster the Calendar feature of ResBook really helps. It seems such a simple thing but we are able to view the guest details and booking information as it comes in. Each staff member can then easily look ahead and they can see at a glance arrival time, bed preferences, dietary requirements etc. The invoicing system is also really easy and user friendly.
ResBook: What is one of your favourite guest stories?
Charlotte: We have an old historic home and so many people comment on the character and history of the house which we have tried to emphasise and share. But so many of our comments involve our staff and how pleased people are with their service. Our last guest wrote “the staff were amazing and will forever remain in our overriding impression of the ODR”. Those sorts of comments are lovely to hear and it is very gratifying to know you are offering the best service that you possibly can.
"As B&B operators, ResBook offers an easy to use navigation system, enabling us to track all bookings from enquiries to final payment & thank-you emails. Using ResBook has increased our reservations and given us peace of mind operating our B&B."
Fay & Lindsay Turner, Finlay Banks Boutique Bed & Breakfast
ResBook has been the perfect fit for our business, the system is easy to use and navigate and has many wonderful features that allow for quick look ups and amendments. The customer service team is quick to respond and can offer advice and solutions to all my queries, which is brilliant.
Sarah Smith, Fallow Ridge Retreat
ResBook has enabled us to streamline different booking channel managers and made it much easier for us to take direct bookings.
Trish Delamore, Lavender Hill
ResBook Customer Support, namely Priyanka, has been an amazing help throughout the entire process of bringing our business to life."
Liz Hayes, Nest Treehouses