Independent B&Bs seeing ten-year ratings high, says TripAdvisor study
The rating standard of hotels and B&Bs has surged in the past decade, from an average of 3.57 out of five in 2005, to 4.16 in 2015, moving the UK’s average within the top 15 markets from the lowest position, to an impressive second place – according to the ten-year analysis of reviews.
Only Italian accommodation scored higher in 2015, at an average of 4.20.
On their own, UK B&Bs are actually likely to see an even-higher average rating of 4.48, compared to 4.04 in 2015. Smaller hotels with fewer than 25 rooms were also doing well, scoring an average of 4.40 out of 5, compared to those with 26-100 rooms (which score an average of 3.97).
In the study, TripAdvisor identified and studied its “top 15 key markets”, comprising Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.
The results back up the findings from a recent TripAdvisor survey collaboration, The Global Economic Contribution of TripAdvisor with Oxford Economics, to show that increased consumer reviews had helped to spur on quality improvements within the sector, and push up visitor consumer spend by £2m in 2014 alone.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) said: “We are very proud to see the results of the TripAdvisor study and proud too of the standards of service our industry delivers so consistently. UK hotels and B&Bs can take great satisfaction from seeing their efforts reflected in this report.”
David Weston, chief executive of the Bed & Breakfast Association – which aims to represent the £2b, 25,000-strong UK B&B and guest house trade ‒ said: “These figures are excellent news. The innovation and quality of small owner-managed properties have raised standards across Britain's tourism accommodation sector over the decade.”
The news comes only a few months after TripAdvisor was said to bring "massive impact" to hospitality businesses, giving smaller establishments opportunities to be seen by potential guests, and free marketing opportunities for owners and operators.
