Welcome to BedandBreakfast.com Sign in | Join | Help
in Search

Virginia research question

Last post 11-10-2008, 8:19 PM by dkeane. 1 replies.
Sort Posts: Previous Next
  •  10-11-2008, 5:30 PM 3254

    Virginia research question

    The question:

    Dear Sir or Ma'am,

    I am currently working on my research proposal for my masters and I'm researching the possibility of running a Bed and Breakfast in the Williamsburg area upon retirement from the military (give or take 15 years).

    I'm trying to find information on the types of customers the B&B's might typically get in the area. Is there a website or resource you can direct me to? Is there a general customer profile that you can give me for the Williamsburg area that comes as a tourist/visitor?

    I appreciate your assistance on this and look forward to hearing from you!

    Sincerely,

    Capt. B, UMSC

    The response:

    Dear Captain B,

    Who know where the B&B world will be in 15 years! In the meantime, some thoughts:

    1. Colonial Williamsburg must have demographics on their typical visitor -- check their site or contact them here: http://www.history.org/foundation/newsroom/contact.cfm

    2. Also try the state tourism office (http://www.virginia.org/) and the Williamsburg CVB (http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/index.aspx).

    3. B&Bs in the Williamsburg are restricted in size to about three rooms in most cases, limiting the potential information; you might want to consider another area, depending on your goals.

    4. We did a general consumer survey last year -- information here: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/press.aspx?year=2007&article=08152007

    5. For more general Virginia information, also check the state B&B association: www.bbav.org.

    6. Virginia has an excellent agent specializing in B&Bs, Peter Schermann -- check out his site and blog for more info: www.bbteam.com.

    Hope this helps?

    Thank you for your service! We appreciate and honor your contribution.

    Sandy


    Sandy Soule
    BedandBreakfast.com
    Sandy@BedandBreakfast.com
  •  11-10-2008, 8:19 PM 3282 in reply to 3254

    Re: Virginia research question

    Capt.B,

    We are actually owners of a b&b in Williamsburg for over 8 years.

    Visitors come here for many reasons...history, the college of william and mary and a weekend getaway from DC.

    It is quite a diverse group from young families to older retiree's. There really is not one group to visit here.

    Williamsburg is tough on its B&B' and limits the number of places allowed as well as the number of rooms.

    Most b&b's are 4 rooms with some 5, 6, and 9 room places but they are rare.

    If you looking to do this as a retirement, 4 rooms should be just fine.

    There are actually several for sale at this time and new ones usually go on the market every couple of years as owners retire.

    When you are ready to come down keep us in mind, we would love to help you out.

    Debbie and John

    A Williamsburg White House

    Williamsburg, va

View as RSS news feed in XML