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THE HEIDI B&B
The owners of an acclaimed bed and breakfast venue in Southport have revealed the secrets of their success after they were shortlisted.
The Heidi B&B are looking forward to attending the ceremony alongside owners from Sunnyside and The Braemar.
After ‘riding the storm’ when the Covid pandemic and the first lockdowns hit the country in March 2021, owners Michelle and Al Michie enjoyed the return of guests during the UK staycation boom in 2021.
With huge investment taking place in Southport and exciting new attractions on the way – along with their Tourism Awards nomination – they are looking forward to very busy 2022.
Michelle said: “Being shortlisted at the 2022 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards was the best Christmas present we could ask for! It was amazing when we heard the news.
“Thank you to all our lovely guests who’ve made this possible!
“Congratulations to the Sunnyside B&B and The Braemar Southport guest houses! “Congratulations also to the finalist The Windmill – Southport for pub of the year!
“There were lots of entries for the awards this year.
“We love it when our businesses come together and support one another.”
It is a great reward after years of hard work.
Michelle said: “We have been going for six years. Technically it’s five years because we lost a year when the Covid pandemic first happened! “It was a tough year in 2020. But we managed to ride the storm.”
Last year was very different. The Heidi B&B has been among Southport hotels, guest houses and B&Bs which have been making the most of the UK staycation boom, as visitors shun the unpredictability of international travel during the pandemic to discover what this country has to offer.
Michelle said: “It was very busy last year. We have had a lot of last minute bookings, which is a new trend.
“We changed to take account of people’s changing habits. We moved from a 30-day cancellation policy to a five-day cancellation policy.
“Despite the staycation boom, we kept our prices the same.
“We want our guests to keep coming back to stay with us.
“Even when the Covid pandemic eases and more people do start going abroad again, we want people to think ‘we enjoyed a great weekend in Southport, we can’t wait to go back’.”
Southport is enjoying some huge investment at the moment – and The Heidi B&B is perfectly placed to benefit.
Michelle said: “The new events centre will be amazing when it goes ahead! “We will be really happy when the first bricks for that start getting laid.
“We came over from Stockport six years ago. We think Southport has so much going for it.
“We have a great seafront, great shops, great events and attractions, so much for people to come and enjoy.
“We also offer guests free access to Victoria Leisure, which is just around the corner from us. They have great facilities there, and are really friendly.”
The Heidi B&B is situated in the heart of town. It has ensuite available, with free wi-fi, and private off street parking with prices starting from £40.
The Heidi is situated in a large detached Victorian building, with eight tastefully decorated spacious bedrooms located over two floors.
Michelle revealed the secrets of success for The Heidi B&B.
She said: “We are like a home from home for people! “Nothing is too much trouble for us.
“We don’t like to see a quiet dining room in the morning. We like it to be chatty, with our guests enjoying themselves! “Al makes a really great breakfast too!”
The Heidi B&B, 43 Bold Street, Southport town centre. Call: 07801 800331 or theheidi.co.uk
STAND Up For Southport is a grassroots community campaign set up by Andrew Brown and
Phil Gee, both proud residents who want to create a positive voice for our town.
We have set up a Stand Up For Southport Facebook group and welcomed nearly 5,000 members in just a few weeks.
We are amazed to see the stunning images and positive posts people share with us.
We have also launched a #StandUpForSouthport tag which is being widely used on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and elsewhere.
Why not get involved? Join us and Stand Up For Southport.
Please join our Facebook group, and use it to post your great pictures of our town and let us know why you love Southport.
We would love to know what you think. Please use our hashtag on social media.
To contact either of us, either message us via Facebook or email either: mediaandrew brown@gmail.com or Phil@agencyofboom. com
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