we also have a blog www.portlighthotel.blogspot.com

LAST NEWS FROM PORT LIGHT & BOLBERRY FARM COTTAGES (UP DATED 25th AUGUST)
Another main season is on us and it is the most unpredictable one I have seen in 20 years. Speaking to other trustworthy colleagues in the industry, the picture is that customers are very cautious about spending money and are looking for good service and value for money in food. The Tourism bosses are saying due to the Volcanic dust clouds and British Airways, we are all having bumper year. I am not sure where this
information is coming from but they are wrong. Business is very tough. Hazel, myself, Dave and Paul are very conscious of our product and the fact that we need the business now, to get us through the winter. Last August was a bumper one, so this August it is going to be a difficult one too follow. In July we dropped money on our food side of the business as did everyone.
Cottage business is booming with us being nearly full until November. The hotel room business has been good compared to other local room providers but it has been last minute. We have slightly discounted some late availability but if we do this too much it devalues the product and does not provide for investment in buildings or staff . August and September is doing well with October catching up. The festive period is ahead due to regular customers recognising that that they can guarantee a great time and so booking early. We have drawn up our 2011 charts.
We should add 2.5% for the increase in VAT and should add at least 2.% for inflation , the banks have added another 1% to credit card charges. Wage costs & power have gone through the roof but it would be a bad commercial decision to add 5.5% to our tariff. We are very conscious that the government is going to get rid of many public sector workers and are mindful that this may have a knock on effect, so what do we do ? We only have 6 rooms and 3 cottages but respect the fact that our loyal regulars only have so much to spend. It is a very difficult decision to make and Hazel and I have had many discussions. We know there should be a huge increase but cannot pass it onto our loyal customers. Dave made the interesting but
distressing point that every one of his Steak & Guinness pudding he will sell next year, he will have to give £3 to the government in VAT !!!! We have now put the tariffs on the web sites and have had an incredible response. We must be getting good at this job !

We have now set a break rate to fill the remaining room until we close. From 27th september onwards the 3 night D, B&B rate will be £190 pp subject to availability. We are also offering this rate 30th aug- 4th Sept to fill the last few rooms.
As mentioned previously in my rambling news letters, We will not be beaten by divorce, illness,
bureaucracy, Parish Council or government policy and will survive!
So far, August has been up on last year. This is due to our standards, staff commitment in looking after our customers who pay their wages and of course our Salcombe and Kingsbridge information centres who are the driving force “on the ground” for customer contact. Long may they thrive, and they will !
The Cottages have been amazingly busy this year. We are planning a shut down before Christmas so they can be re painted, bathrooms re decorated and new sofas installed. Most of them had new fridges and
freezers this year with flat screen TV installed in Daisy with Buttercup and Clover to follow. Quality self catering is growing at a rapid rate with demand being higher than availability.
The major restaurant and bar changes at Port Light have been a major improvement and have now opened up the restaurant and bar areas so everyone gets a piece of the great Port Light atmosphere.
This year we close the hotel on November 8th as staff costs and power costs make us unviable to operate. We will re open for the festive period as usual with all the fine food, jovial humour and party atmosphere as usual. Rooms are now very limited for the festive period and well ahead for the time of year. Christmas break is full with only a few rooms for post and New Year breaks. During the post Christmas break I am planning on working with Dave in the kitchen to introduce a few new dishes which I like to cook. This also encourages Hazel to iron my shirts !.The Cottages always fill but usually later in the year.
In 2011 we have decided to open the hotel on 19th February.
Dave (chef) is in much better health this summer and in full control of his kitchen. Hooray!!!
Paul is taking more of a control out front which makes our lives easier and he has a great memory for
remembering customers.
Joshy , now 3 and Ella now 5 have very strong characters and are quite a handful for Hazel. We (Hazel) have just started potty training with Joshy. There have been many environmental disasters but hopefully he will get there before he starts pre school in September. Emily is a great help when she is with us and the screamers (our affectionate name for Ella & Josh) adore her. Emily starts 6th form in September and has a keen interest in photography. She has sold quite a few of her pictures at Port Light. Look out for them.

Always keep a look out on our web page for any last minute offers.