In 2024, several key trends are shaping the bed and breakfast (B&B) industry, reflecting broader shifts in hospitality and travel preferences. Here are some of the prominent trends:
Immersive Culinary Tourism
Guests are increasingly interested in authentic, local food experiences. B&Bs are therefore focusing on farm-to-table meals and regional recipes, offering guests a taste of the local culture and cuisine. At Eagle Mill we source our breakfast ingredients from local suppliers, such as sausages from Johnsons of Old Hurst. We also offer wine from ejm wine in St Ives and will soon provide gins from a local distillery.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability is now more of an expectation than a bed and breakfast trend. Guests prefer eco-conscious accommodations that prioritise energy efficiency and waste reduction. Some of the sustainable practices Eagle Mill have implemented include:
- A new EV charger in our carpark
- Towel reuse
- Locally sourced ingredients
- To avoid waste, our guests breakfasts are always cooked fresh as opposed to a buffet offering
- Supporting local furnishings suppliers
Read more about our sustainability practices here.
Personalised and Technological Experiences
Personalisation continues to be crucial and is at the forefront of the service we provide; Eagle Mill feels like a home away from home. We manage standards from the moment guests arrive to the moment they leave, from waiting up to show guests to their room if their flight is delayed, to serving them a home-cooked breakfast in the morning.
We’ll soon be introducing new Amazon Prime Firesticks for each room’s TV. This will allow guests to login and use their favourite viewing means, be that Prime, Netflix, iPlayer or Apps. Ultra-fast Wi-Fi is also included in every Eagle Mill room.
Wellness and Nature-Based Activities
There is a growing demand for wellness retreats and nature-based activities. B&Bs are offering packages that include yoga sessions, guided hikes, and other wellness-oriented activities. Proximity to nature and the incorporation of activities like kayaking or eco-friendly wellness retreats are particularly appealing and is seen as one of the top 2024 bed and breakfast trends.
Eagle Mill recently hosted a wellness retreat which was organised by two local fitness instructors, Fighting Fit Skip and Hannah Fitzgerald Fitness.
Guests can take in the wondrous countryside and river walks of the Ouse valley, wild water swim or hire a kayak or paddleboard at National Trust site, Houghton Mill which is a 10-minute walk away, or just relax in the beautiful Eagle Mill grounds.
Communal Spaces and Social Interaction
Modern travellers, especially solo travellers, are seeking social interaction during their stays. B&Bs are creating communal gathering spaces where guests can mingle, share meals, and enjoy social activities, fostering a sense of community and connection.
From two outdoor terraces and three acres of stunning garden to the communal breakfast room, our guests have plenty of opportunity to socialise with other guests.
Low-Key Luxury and Minimalism
Guests are gravitating towards understated luxury with a focus on high-quality finishes, elegant but simple designs, and a peaceful, uncluttered atmosphere. This bed and breakfast trend emphasises comfort and quality without the ostentation.
All seven of the Eagle Mill rooms are chic yet simple, luxurious yet practical, and elegant yet relaxed. We’ve hand-selected all furnishings from the following companies.
- The Window and Door Business in March
- Voyage Maison in Edinburgh
- Hurlingham Bathrooms in Grantham
- The Main Company in Islington
- Castello Luxury in Hitchin
- Coach House in Blackburn
Bleisure Travel
The blend of business and leisure travel is on the rise. B&Bs catering to this trend offer flexible check-in/out times, high-speed internet, and spaces conducive to both work and relaxation.
Whether you’re relaxing or working, Eagle Mill has a room to suit you that’s crammed full of little luxuries, including a Hypnos mattress and silk-filled duvet, soft waffle robes, Elemis toiletries, ultra-fast Wi-Fi and a Lavazza coffee machine.
The well designed yet casual workstation in each room will serve to salve the conscience of the beleaguered business traveller.
These bed and breakfast trends highlight a shift towards more meaningful, personalised, and sustainable travel experiences, aligning with broader consumer values in the hospitality sector.
