An American travel writer has warned that bed and breakfast (B&B’s) businesses in the capital are struggling to find staff following the global pandemic.
Cameron Hewitt, who writes for Rick Steves guidebooks which are popular in the US and Canada, has revisited Edinburgh seven years after he wrote reviews on 14 B&B’s in the capital.
He was full of praise for the sector and commended many businesses for being able to ride out the Covid storm.
READ MORE - American travel writer in Edinburgh heartbroken by visit to B&Bs after pandemic
But the writer noted that two businesses that he had previously visited had closed down due to losing confidence in their own safety during Covid or by running out of cash as the pandemic hit.
He also noticed that a number of hospitality businesses were struggling to find staff, whether that be for working in the kitchens or even front of house.
On his “B&B shuffle” which saw him visit various venues in Auld Reekie, Cameron said: “It’s been a rough couple of years for the B&B owners of Britain.
“I heard lots of heartrending stories about dashed dreams, depleted savings, slow-arriving (and paltry) government help, beloved employees who had to move on to other jobs, and so on.
“Of the dozen B&Bs we list, two have closed their doors.
“One of them answered my doorbell and explained that, frankly, he and his wife just aren’t comfortable serving breakfast to a roomful of strangers in our age of fast-spreading variants. They’re converting some of their rooms into a “self-catering” apartment instead.
“I’m sad to see these stalwart B&Bs go.”
The guidebook writer added that he was pleasantly surprised by how well some of the businesses had done to hold on and come out the other end.
He says that those that made it through the pandemic are “busier than ever” but are really struggling to fill vacancies at their businesses.
He continued: “Running a B&B is very hard work, and everyone’s short-staffed.
“In practically every restaurant, hotel, and shop window in Edinburgh, I see a “help wanted” sign.
“One couple told me they’ve been at the front desk, seven days a week, without a single day off, for about six months now.
“After COVID, they understand (now more than ever) that you’ve got to make hay while the sun shines.”
Cameron stated that he enjoyed speaking to all of the various B&B’s and finding out about how they had used their Covid time to freshen things up or renovate their business.
He adds that: “The innkeepers of Edinburgh have a message for you travellers - They’ve missed you. And they are thrilled that you’re finally coming back.”
If you are a B&B owner in Edinburgh and would like to speak to us about your troubles in securing staff then please contact: Jacob.Farr@reachplc.com
