At this time last year we decided to go for it. This decision was kept until the very last moment when we could be at least half certain that the project could fly.
When you think of it, we have gone through many projects these past 12 months. Each stage of getting from there to here was a project in itself. Day by day we don't always notice but there comes a time we can turn back and truly say we've come a very long way.
We took our first plunge in the pool this week. Something we have been looking forward to for a very very long time. A satisfying moment, a feeling of accomplishment. We are indeed turning the page and entering a new phase which will include brand new challenges but also a lot more enjoyment and gratification. For finally, we get to what it's all about: Delighting our guests
So an obvious next step is to attract clients...
Enter a new world of 20% middlemen. And a simple lesson learned:
We are in the holiday apartment rental business. In this industry there are 'go to' names dominating various segments from booking to payment. And we went to a lot of them. This is our page and this is our channel to you, so this here is the low down on how to get the best deals, not just at Monte-Bougainvillea, but anywhere. Book directly.
This having been said, we are listed on various platforms. To date you can find us on the HomeOwnersDirect family of sites as well as AirBnB and now also on holidays rentals from TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor deserves a call out for the outstanding service. Incredible. Beyond expectations by a mile. When the line cut, they called back, 3 times. Our listings still need tuning but they did most of the work for us. And the cherry on the cake is that TripAdvisor is the only 'go to' name that allows us as owners to set pricing and calendars, without any of their own algorithm intervening. Hence TripAdvisor is the exception to the rule: If you book with them you will get the same price as advertised on our site. We have to be honest, others, no matter how you slice it, take a 20% cut, from either you or us, or both. So prices go up to compensate. Really the best deals are obtained by calling direct.
Just in time, we've received a helping hand by a pair of lovely guest (Sylvie's niece and her friend) who kindly translated the bulk of our website. Thanks to all 3 girls the french version of our website is now published. The little french/ English flags work now!
And to close, our recurrent final plea: Please share this post.
Here's a deal: In return, we offer our low season rate for any booking for dates between now and the 30th of June. That can be more than 50% off the seasonal rate. Just if you mention this post when booking. You must book directly with us and mention this post. We will not offer these prices elsewhere. Only via this post directly to us.
Isn't that a good reason to share? It could be worth a lot to someone's friend out there :-)
Hope to see you soon,
Sylvie & jc
Villa Monte-Bougainvillea
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