ACCOMMODATION:FÁILTE IRELAND has begun rolling out a new classification system for B&Bs which is designed to give visitors a better idea of the quality of the accommodation they are booking.
About 400 of the country’s 2,300 approved B&Bs have so far been classified as three, four or five-star accommodation under the new system.
Previously, there was no way of distinguishing the quality of accommodation provided by individual B&Bs, apart from the crude distinction provided by a scheme for approving certain establishments, who were then able to display a sign carrying the distinctive green shamrock logo.
The new classification is based on factors such as the standard of the property, the welcome provided for guests and the quality of the food, according to Helena Healy, managing director of Bed and Breakfast Ireland. “The idea is that people will have a better idea of what to expect before they book,” she says.
So far, 100 of Healy’s 1,100 members have been classified. Three were awarded five stars, 53 gained four stars and the balance received three stars. Prerequisite for getting five stars include a high standard of accommodation, though not necessarily modern, quality decor, the use of locally produced ingredients and that clincher – real orange juice.
Healy believes five and four-star B&Bs will eventually seek to differentiate themselves by charging higher prices, though she admits this won’t be possible in the current economic climate. The average price currently stands at about €30-€35 per person sharing for a night’s stay.
The B&B sector has suffered badly in recent years from intense competition from budget hotels and changing consumer preferences. The new classification scheme was borne out of concerns over the falling number of approved homes and the continuing loss of market share to the hotel sector.
Healy says budget hotels are still “crucifying” her members but adds that the second half of the summer season went very well this year. The main beneficiaries were B&Bs in the traditional tourist hot spots, but areas such as the midlands and the northwest continued to suffer. While domestic tourists have largely switched to hotels, the overseas visitor still prefers B&B stays as a way of experiencing Ireland, she says.
A further scheme categorising B&Bs according to their specialisation is due to be launched shortly.
This will operate under the areas of outdoor activities, farm stays, food specialists and eco- and pet-friendliness.
This new categorisation scheme developed by Fáilte Ireland is due to be launched in the coming months.
The scheme will initially operate under the four core areas of outdoor activities (including golf, walking, cycling, horse riding, angling, surfing, adventure and wildlife); farm stay; food specialist; and eco-friendly. Pet-friendly, currently under development, will also be launched later this year.