Book Direct with Bedford Landings B & B
Posted on January 30, 2020 by
Do you know what Book Direct means? Let me explain. Our reservations/bookings for a stay at Bedford Landings B & B have fallen. Why, we ask, did business fall off since March 2019? We have learned through our Association of Lodging Professionals that Google changed their algorithm in March 2019. But their quest to dominate the travel industry started before that (in 2014).
has become a confusion for consumers.
A Google survey of 1000 random users (age 18-65+) was conducted by the Association. The association queried consumers about that the blue Book a Room button. Here is what consumers thought:
There is a Bill in the Senate to address this issue as the Google changes are in direct opposition to fair trading. There is an identical House Bill.
“Stop Online Booking Scams Act” is Senate Bill S. 1164
The Bill is asking that lodging owners are restored their right to control their own Google Listings. For example, Bedford Landings B & B may show up in the Google Maps App but it also comes up in Google Hotels and we cannot edit the listing.
We have a Google Business page as well. We built that page 8 years ago but Google has now usurped it and I cannot edit it directly. Edits must be sent in and reviewed first. There is a button that reads: Get a Quote. However trying the button myself didn’t even email me the request.
Simply googling Bedford Landings results in a picture of our property, but Google has removed the previously available consumer access to the ‘Visit Website’ link and the phone number for direct access replacing it with a dead link once a consumer clicks on “Book a Room.” We are not a members of the expensive online travel agencies.
February 5th is Book Direct Day
Bedford Landings wants to especially welcome your reservations on that day for any day this year (2020) and we will give you 10% off your room for booking direct on February 5th!
In the comments section of your reservation form that comes in by booking directly write: I booked direct!
This will eliminate hidden fees passed on through OTAs and you will have the personalized service we promise plus be able to work with us directly if there is a change in travel plans, need to change your date, or add on amenities.
Don’t wait to Book Direct! and spread the word please!
