Ep 17. The Springfield Hotel

The four B&B owners who have been competing on Four in a Bed are driving to Llandudno in Wales for the final visit of the week. They pull up outside The Springfield Hotel, which is situated on a busy street corner just a short walk from the town center and the seafront.

The hotel is run by husband and wife team, Lawrence and Jackie. Lawrence greets the guests in the hallway and leads them up to their rooms while Jackie finishes preparing their afternoon tea. The four rooms are all located on the first floor, accessed by a grand staircase which dominates the entrance hall. They are all en-suite and are decorated in a traditional Welsh style with muted colors and floral prints. Although spacious, the guests note that the rooms are a little tired and could do with a spruce up.

After a pleasant afternoon tea, the guests meet in the bar for pre-dinner drinks. The Springfield has a lively bar with plenty of locals dropping in for a pint and the guests appreciate the warm ambiance. Dinner is served in the hotel’s dining room, which is decorated in a Victorian style and overlooks the street. The menu offers a range of classic dishes with a Welsh twist, and the guests are impressed with the flavors and presentation. The hosts, Lawrence and Jackie, join their guests for dinner and the conversation flows easily, with plenty of laughs and good-will.

The next morning, the guests are treated to a full cooked breakfast with a range of cold options as well. The Springfield prides itself on providing a hearty breakfast to set up its guests for the day. One guest is less than impressed with the quality of the bacon and makes a small comment, but otherwise, everyone enjoys their meal.

The guests then set off for a day of exploring Llandudno. The Springfield is perfectly situated for this, with the main street and seafront just a few minutes away. They take a walk along the pier, explore the shops and cafes and then make their way to the Great Orme, which has stunning views and an array of wildlife to see.

Back at the hotel, the guests are asked to complete their comments cards and score the hotel on various factors such as cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality. They then meet to settle the bill and to hear the hosts’ thoughts on their stay. Lawrence and Jackie are both nervous, hoping that their guests have enjoyed their stay and will rate them highly. There are a few small niggles, but overall the guests are full of praise for the hotel and the hospitality of their hosts.

As the week comes to a close, the guests and hosts each reflect on what they have learned. One guest notes that the experience has given her a newfound appreciation for small business owners and the hard work they put in. Another guest reflects on the importance of quality over quantity and how she will apply this in her own business. Lawrence and Jackie are thrilled to have been able to showcase their hotel to such a wide audience and to have received such positive feedback.

As the guests say their goodbyes and the week comes to a close, it’s clear that everyone has learned valuable lessons about what it means to run a successful B&B. With new friendships formed and a newfound appreciation for each other’s hard work and dedication, the four B&B owners leave Llandudno with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their businesses.