Tech is no longer just 'nice' to have

By Chris Saynor

It is without a doubt that in the past, both B&Bs and holiday lets were not known as bastions of Hi-tech provision.

A second hand Cathode Ray TV in the corner, and a selection of second rate DVDs used to suffice.

However, today even those properties with the most amazing vistas, or in areas with multiple activities and attractions on their doorstep, need to be conscious that many customers also want their “home entertainment comforts” to be satisfied when they come back to their accommodation.

Customers do not want to settle for less than they have at home.

I am one of these picky customers; a decent sized smart TV is a must and wifi should be as fast as possible.

There really is no excuse for providing a basic, small TV. Just this week we purchased a 43 inch UHD Smart TV for under £300.

This is incredible value for money, I cannot remember the last time I owned a TV that broke, so this could last 10+ years - let’s call it a 75p a week cost.

As well as providing the basics mentioned above, you can use your provision of technology to be a USP.

Whether it is the ability to work with fast wifi, or to include a Netflix subscription - this is especially cost effective if you already have a Netflix account as upgrading to one which gives you multiple accounts is not much more money per month.

At Bethnal&Bec, we go a few more steps further, and provide home cinema’s in addition to Smart TV’s, alexa enabled waterproof portable speakers and we even combine the old and new with retro inspired bluetooth vinyl record players and a 2 player arcade machine pre-loaded with 3000 games from the 80’s and 90’s.

Guest’s not only love this technology, but we know many who have booked and indeed returned time and time again because of the tech luxury we provide.

What’s more, there are also many people, like me, where if your tech is not good enough, we will simply not book that accommodation - it is now a “must have''. Not a “nice to have”.