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#BookDirect with KeyStay Brighton!

Book directOwners & property managers across the globe are using the HASHTAG #bookdirect to help educate guests on the advantages of booking directly with owners and property managers to obtain the best price for bookings. 

There are many advantages in bypassing third-party channels to book directly with management companies and homeowners.

Both management companies and owners strive every single day to provide amazing experiences for guests. OTAs ( Online Travel Agencies )  like AirBnb Homeaway TripAdvisor etc and third party sites have made recent changes to their business models that are detrimental to BOTH  guests and vacation rental providers (including managers, owners, and hosts).

Did you know that Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and TripAdvisor add hundreds of dollars & pounds worth of fees to your booking total?

The best price isn’t on the OTAs: 

Unlike hotels, OTAs and aggregators (like Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO.com, HomeAway, TripAdvisor, and FlipKey) don’t have the best price for travelers. In fact, you can save hundreds by booking direct and booking local. 

How you may ask ? How can you #BookDirect?

You can usually find clues in the property listings on the online travel agency ( OTA) sites eg the Property name or the Property management name in the owner / manager details  visible on the listing.

It is always worth a Google search on the property name or right click the image to search Google by image you will see all the sites that use the image and find your way to the direct source of the property listing.  Just compare prices! You will be glad you did you can save £100’s !! and Dollars and Euro’s! 

Try local or regional listing sites Lots of owners have their own web pages or advertise on small local agency websites such as KeyStay who work very hard o answer guest queries on owners behalf.

You can search by area or name. Also, check for a local or regional “groups’ . You will find many owners on these groups and you can post what you are looking for or ask for recommendations.

Use StaySavr.com to unveil owner contact info on Homeaway. You can either use their new look up tool at http://www.staysavr.com/look/ or install the browser extension called “staysavr” on your desktop browser. It is available from http://www.staysavr.com . Once installed, you can visit Homeaway. Owners Direct & Travel Mob A reported 70% of the listings will now show the owner’s phone or email address and you can contact them directly!  Either option is a great way to save big $.

Use the major listing sites to search for properties you like.

Make note of the “name” the owner has given the property….like Parkers Pad or Upper North Street. Then go to Google and search for that name, chances are the owner has a website or a local agency that will allow you to book direct.

If you are using Google’s Chrome browser, simply right click on the main photo of the house and select “Search Google for image” to find that image on the web. There is a good chance the owner uses the same images on his own site.

When you book direct, you have direct contact with the manager or owner: When booking a vacation rental, peace of mind is important. Want to know if there is a stairgate, a garden, a grocery store close by, more in depth parking information? When you book direct, you can find out answers to many of these  questions and before you commit to booking.

Managers and owners have intimate knowledge about the local destination: They can direct you the best rental for your needs and send you to the best activities, restaurants, and area service providers.

If you have SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, a manager or homeowner can help: Looking for help with your family’s special requests or help with pets? A manager or owner can work with you directly to help with any of your individual needs and give you these assurances before you commit to a booking.

During non-peak travel times, managers and owners have SPECIAL OFFERS available: From events and activities to special rates to onsite services, with direct communication with managers and owners, you get insider knowledge and the best LAST MINUTE DEALS & offers.

So remember to use the hashtag #BookDirect #Brighton @key_stay on Twitter to find your way to us !

Good Luck!

Love & best wishes from Jane of KeyStay Brighton !!

Happy searching

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Things To Do In Brighton When It’s Raining

  • Little girl with umbrella in autumn
Things To Do In Brighton When It’s Raining

When it’s cold outside, a brisk walk all wrapped up followed by a hot chocolate in a cafe can still be fun, but if it’s raining and you don’t want to get drenched what is there to do? There are always going to be days – especially in winter and spring when the weather isn’t on the side of the day tripper or Brighton holiday maker. If you’re visiting Brighton and it’s pouring down, the question then is what to do when a rainy beach isn’t your first choice of place to visit. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do when visiting Brighton in the rain.

The i360

Standing proud above the Brighton’s silhouettes, the i360 is not only an impressive sight, especially lit up at night but also an excellent attraction. What better way to view the city when it’s raining than from within the comfort of a pod towering 138 metres above Brighton. It’s the world’s tallest observation tower, offering spectacular 360 degree views along the Sussex coast, taking in all the sights of Brighton has never been so easy.

Brighton Sea Life Centre

One of Brighton’s more popular attractions. Brighton Sea Life Centre was once a Victorian attraction. Combining Victorian architecture with the more modern state-of-the-art facilities Brighton Sea Life Centre is currently celebrating its 140th Anniversary. Certainly fun for all of the family, with an Interactive Rockpool, the UK’s first glass-bottom boat and over 150+ creatures including Sharks, Turtles and Rays – Brighton Sea Life Centre is a must!

The Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s more well known landmarks. Once the seaside retreat of Prince Regent (George IV), the now iconic architecture was transformed by John Nash in 1822. While many visitors to Brighton simply visit the Pavilion Garden to take a look at the outside, The Royal Pavilion houses a magnificent Regency interior, complete works of art, exquisite French, Chinese and English furniture and much more. Well worth a visit, even when the sun’s shining.

Booth Museum of Natural History

A favourite with the kids, The Booth Museum of Natural History houses over half a million specimens of natural history in glass containers. With everything from Killer Whale skeleton, dinosaur bones and hundreds of birds displayed in their natural settings – it’s easy to see why it’s a great fun for the whole family. With specimens dating back over three centuries, attractions include a Badger who is said to have been the inspiration behind a character in the Chronicles of Narnia film.

Brighton Toy Museum

Situated just a short walk from Brighton Station, Brighton Toy Museum is over four thousand square feet of toys and models – taking the adult back to childhood and grabbing the attention of children. The museum is home to a collection of over 10,000 toys and models and also displays items on load from other collections. Kids and adults alike will find the collection of priceless toy collections from Classic model railways, Meccano, Dinky, Corgi, through to soft toys, puppets and other exhibits covering the last 100 years.

Hove Museum & Art Gallery

Hove Museum is home to the family favourite Wizard’s Attic, an interactive toy gallery which highlights include a Wizards Workshop for broken toys and a time travelling bedroom. The museum also features a film gallery detailing Hove’s role in the birth of cinema, two contemporary art galleries and the story of Portslade & Hove’s prehistoric past including the famous Amber Cup. Truly something for all the family and great way to keep out of the rain.

The Old Police Cells

Take a tour of The Old Police Cells which are housed under Brighton’s Town Hall. A fascinating history of Brighton & Hove’s police force featuring local police memorabilia and offering an insight into the history of Brighton’s Police Force. Brighton had its fair share of villains and appalling murders, hear tails of the gruesome murder by a prisoner of PC Solomon, see some of the old cells and look at graffiti from the Mods and Rockers era.

Painting Pottery Cafe

Get creative at the Painting Pottery Cafe, spending a few hours of quality time and creative fun. Suitable for all ages, you can simply turn up, chose a piece of pottery and grab a paint brush – then let your creative side out! The more creative can just go for it but there are books for inspiration and stencils. Your finished pottery can be picked up a day or two later (after firing) or posted to you. For those in a hurry, you can use acrylic paint and take it the same day – something a little different and great fun for all ages.

Old Penny Arcade Museum

Not your average museum, the Old Penny Arcade is a collection of penny slot machines dating back to the Victorian times. Most of the Penny Slots are working and you actually have the chance to play some of the games using old pennies, with some machines taking 20p. There are short description of the slots, giving a brief overview of their history. Take a trip back in time in this truly fantastic place to visit when strolling along the sea front and want to get out of the rain.

Preston Manor

The Edwardian stately home situated on the outskirts of Brighton is a charming historic house which some say is haunted. Take a tour of Preston Manor’s servant quarters, great hall, butler’s pantry and the maids’ rooms in this beautifully decorated Edwardian Manor House. For the more hardy, Preston Manor also offer ghost tours where you’ll visit the famously haunted ‘Blue Room’ and locations where the ‘White Lady’ has been sighted and other genuine Victorian ghost sightings.

City Tour By Bus

If it’s raining you’re probably going to want to sit downstairs but City Sightseeing Brighton is the best way to discover what great things to do and see in Brighton. These city bus tours reveal all the sights of Brighton from The Royal Pavilion, Regency and Victorian architecture through to Brighton Seafront and Pier. This hop-on, hop-off service is the best way to get a flavour what Brighton has to offer from the comfort and convenience of a bus.

This list is simply ten things that will entertain you when waiting for the sunshine to come back out.

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KeyStay are Airbnb Brighton Superhosts & holidaylet specialists with 12 years experience. #BookDirect with KeyStay

Airbnb Brighton Superhosts & specialists with 12 years experience.

THINGS TO DO IN BRIGHTON IN AUGUST

Things To Do In Brighton during August

things-to-do-in-brighton-in -August

It’s not all about Pride in Brighton this August there’s loads to do, while the sea is warm, inviting and the beach is busy, bustling and fun. When you fancy taking a break from the sunbathing, then there are a host of things going on.

Brighton & Hove Pride: first weekend in August

The nationally acclaimed Brighton & Hove Pride festival event will be even bigger and better than ever before. Starting with the most visible part of Pride, the Community Parade will make its way through the streets of Brighton. Starting from Marine Parade to its finishing point at Preston Park where the party begins, the parade will be a spectacular array of colour, world music and dancing. The party then continues in Kemp Town, where the bars spill on to the street for a spectacular street party which lasts like no other.

Rural Day & Scruffs Show, St Ann’s Well Gardens 11th August 2019 

A relaxing family fun day, set in the beautiful St Ann’s Well Gardens, with the highlight being the alternative Scruffs Dog Show. They day will have fun for all the family with arts and crafts, children’s activities, petting animals for the children and charity stalls, tea and cakes for the adults as well as a brass band to make it feel like summer in the park.

Brighton’s Seawater Tour

The seawater of Brighton was once prescribed by doctors. Discover the intriguing stories, forgotten histories and more on this unique tour held every Sunday in August. Starting from Volks Railway, you’ll take in fresh air and some of Brighton’s more unknown sights.

Brunswick Festival

Brunswick Festival, Brunswick Square: 17th and 18th August 2019 – Brunswick Festival in the square. 

This mini festival in the elegant setting of Brunswick Square is a fun and relaxing family event. Featuring an exciting program of live music, dance, entertainers, stalls, World food and the all-important beer tent. This year the children’s area features offers hands-on circus skills, balloon art, puppet and magic shows, there is truly something for everyone.

Quadrophenia Walk, Brighton Pier: 25th August

Get ready for the MOD Weekender with the Quadrophenia bug. Join Brighton walks and escape the philistine life by following in the footsteps of Jimmy (Phil Daniels) on a walk around the locations in of Brighton from the iconic film, fascinating insights, amusing stories and a glimpse at things you may otherwise miss.

Brighton MOD Weekender

Brighton MOD Weekender, Madeira Drive & Various: 22nd to 26th August

Brighton-mod-weekender

Scooters, vintage dress and the air of the 60’s, it can only be the MOD Weekender. Just like Quadrophenia the MOD Scene returns to Brighton, its spiritual home for the weekend. Different events are held across Brighton but the main focal point is the famous Volks Tavern, where there will be live music, stalls, lots of Scooters and a real feel like you’ve stepped back in time. http://www.modculture.co.uk/brighton-mod-weekender/

If you are visiting Brighton at other times, take a look at our What’s On Guides for: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Image from www.badgeronline.co.uk and www.modculture.co.uk

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#Bookdirect is better for guests, owners and managers. 

#Bookdirect is better for guests, for owners & managers.

Take away from the #BookDirect hashtag campaign Source : vrmintel.com

For holiday home booking agents, property managers and owners, the #BookDirect movement is not a one-time pitch. Instead, it is a launchpad for an ongoing campaign to let travelers know:

  • When travelers book on large vacation rental websites like Airbnb, VRBO.com, and TripAdvisor, they are paying much higher rates than when the book direct.  We must remind guests that Extra layers of booking fees, commissions, percentages  have been added into the rate that guests pay when booking via Airbnb Homeaway Expedia Booking.com  & TripAdviosr. Its much cheaper to book properties direct. 
  • Many of the best homes are not listed on the big well known sites.
  • Managers and homeowners know the properties and the area better than anyone and can better match travelers to homes and help plan a better vacation experience.
  • Travelers can find out about special offers that can’t be found on the big websites.
  • Managers and owners can better help guests optimize dates and budgets to fit their needs.

It is now imperative that owners and property managers find new avenues of marketing—both direct and through listing and third-party sites “With our industry now squarely in the spotlight of the mainstream travel sector, continuing to market your local brand and what makes each location and company unique is becoming more and more of a challenge. Finding ways to highlight and educate travelers of the intimate knowledge that you offer of a unique property and area is something that everyone in the industry should want us to promote in order to elevate the guest experience that is so important to the long-term health of the vacation rental industry.”

Vince Perez, vacation homeowner, manager agreed. “Guest education is important because travelers appreciate and expect transparency when making important vacation decisions.”

Perez added, “We believe it is important that travelers get the best value for their vacation dollars. We don’t believe charging traveller hidden fees on vacation rentals that will drive up their cost by hundreds of dollars is the answer. This effort gives the vacation rental professional community a voice in educating the travelers on what is taking place and how it impacts the market….and their wallet.”

TAKEAWAYS FROM THE #BOOKDIRECT CAMPAIGN

1. TRAVELERS ARE LARGELY UNAWARE THAT THE LARGE VACATION RENTAL WEBSITES CHARGE THEM FEES TO USE THEIR SITES.

Booking fees are paid by guests for the use of their online property listings The charges are not insignificant with an additional 6 to 18 percent surcharge added into the rental rate, which translates to consumers paying hundreds of dollars more just to use these big websites.

“For months we have had customers calling us confused and frustrated by not being able to communicate directly with us.” Perez said. “To add insult to injury, we have to explain the ‘extra charges’ are being paid to the OTAs. Travelers are smart. They know value and what part of the value chain we play in it. We just need to educate them before they book.”

2. THE FRUSTRATION VACATION RENTAL PROVIDERS ARE EXPERIENCING IN WORKING WITH OTAS AND LISTING SITES IS REAL.

Vacation rental owners and managers are increasingly disheartened in trying to work with OTAs and listing sites. The frustration stems from the increasing and ever-changing revenue models and the elimination of their ability to communicate directly with travelers in the booking process. In contrast to hotels, vacation rentals are a more considered purchase for travelers which necessitates more Q&A between vacation rental providers and rental shoppers.

According to Heather Bayer, vacation homeowner and manager, founder of Cottage Blogger, and founder of the Vacation Rental Success Summit, “We are a movement they cannot ignore. Disruption can occur at any time, and it often starts with a rumbling of dissent. When this grows into a roar, we’ll be heard, not only by the OTAs, but in the heart of our market—our travelers and guests.”

Bayer added, “Today is only the start. What may be a rumble now will become a crescendo before too long.”

3. VACATION RENTAL OWNERS AND MANAGERS ARE ABLE TO JOIN TOGETHER AND ACT.

In less than 4 weeks—and with a $0.00 budget—vacation rental owners and managers were able to quickly and effectively mobilize in a grass roots effort to reach over 18 million consumers with a cohesive #BookDirect message using only social media and email.

According to Steve Milo, founder and CEO of VTRips, “HomeAway and Airbnb will soon realize they do not have the power in the vacation rental space that they think they do. Given the dynamics of far more demand than supply, the power in this relationship is with owners and property managers with exclusive inventory.”

Heather Bayer echoed Milo’s sentiment, “Demand for vacation rentals is rising as this type of accommodation becomes a mainstream choice. Supply is critical to this trend so it’s important for travelers to know that the OTAs don’t show all the inventory. Giving them the information on where to find the best accommodation at the best prices…and with the best people—the owners and managers—is what they need to create the best vacation experience.”

As investors and analysts examine the vacation rental industry, it is worth noting that the “supply” is controlled by individuals and local, independent property managers who are capable and accustomed to voting with their feet.

“It’s been exciting to see the newsletters, posts, images, and tweets that they’ve developed and are sharing across their networks,” April Salter said. “I think the message to OTAs is that vacation rental owners and managers have a voice, and they intend to play a major role in shaping the future.”

Don’t forget to #BookDirect with KeyStay Brighton !

Keystay Brighton Accommodation

PRESS RELEASE:  Make it at the Market

More Great Things to do in Brighton! Saturdays, 13 & 20 December, 10am-5pm This Christmas, the studios and stalls at The Open Market have teamed up to offer Brighton the chance to make some amazing Christmas gifts at the market!  The traders in the market are opening up their units on the two Saturdays before Christmas and offering their special skills to help Brightonians create perfect Christmas presents for the people they love.  More and more people are looking to give gifts that come from the heart and support local businesses rather than from faceless chain stores.  Plus, there will be live Christmas music throughout both days and Father Christmas will be visiting from 10am-12pm on both days. Just some of the Make it at the Market activities are listed below. A full list of activities will be posted in the market on the mornings of the 13th and 20th. 13 December: Foodshed is offering a festive felting workshop with

read more PRESS RELEASE:  Make it at the Market

Things to do on a visit to Brighton

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kimberleydadds/things-you-simply-must-do-in-brighton 1. Snoop in Snoopers Paradise. Instagram: @profile Snoopers Paradise  a wondrous treasure trove of vintage tat and antiques. In the North Laines Kensington Gardens, a unique Brighton collective featuring over 20 designers, makers and hoarders selling goods. You’re bound to leave with something. 2. Marvel at the graffiti in the North Laine. Facebook: 173428659491792 With somewhere as creative and free spirited as Brighton, there is  a lot of street art in and around the town. But none more so than through the North Laine. 3. Nibble some fudge at Roly’s Fudge Pantry. Facebook: rolysfudge Based in the North Laine, you’ll find this gem of a fudge shop. Roly’s Fudge Pantry with the best crumbly fudge ever. Pop in and devour. 4. Or feast on some choccy instead at Choccywoccydoodah. choccywoccydoodah.com Chocolate and art you say? Choccywoccydoodah is home to a dedicated team of artists, designers and chocolatiers who specialise in creating decadent, bespoke wedding cakes, chocolate birthday cakes and unique chocolate gifts. They’re

read more Things to do on a visit to Brighton

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Things to do in Brighton in December

blog.keystay.co.uk

December 6th

Madness at THE BRIGHTON CENTRE

Madness

Contact Details

Brighton Centre
Kings Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 2GR

Tel: +44 (0)844 847 1515

Click here to visit website

Book now

If you need somewhere to stay in Brighton for a few nights mid week or a weekend, don’t forget to take a look at our Brighton accommodation via this link:  here

You can search by check in date to check out date.

Venue

Brighton Centre , Brighton and Hove

Ticket Information

Ticket Type Ticket Tariff
Admission £45.00 per ticket
Admission £35.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Open All Year
06/12/2014

* 6:30pm doors

 THEATRE ROYAL  THIS WEEK:

Contact Details

Theatre Royal
New Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1SD

Tel: +44 (0)844 8717650

Click here to visit website

Description

One of the most popular films of all…

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Things to do in Brighton in December

December 6th

Madness at THE BRIGHTON CENTRE

Madness

Contact Details

Brighton Centre
Kings Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 2GR

Tel: +44 (0)844 847 1515

Click here to visit website

Book now

If you need somewhere to stay in Brighton for a few nights mid week or a weekend, don’t forget to take a look at our Brighton accommodation via this link:  here

You can search by check in date to check out date.

Venue

Brighton Centre , Brighton and Hove

Ticket Information

Ticket Type Ticket Tariff
Admission £45.00 per ticket
Admission £35.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Open All Year
06/12/2014

* 6:30pm doors

 THEATRE ROYAL  THIS WEEK:

Contact Details

Theatre Royal
New Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1SD

Tel: +44 (0)844 8717650

Click here to visit website

Description

One of the most popular films of all time comes to the stage in this dazzling new production of Miracle on 34th Street the Musical.

Kris Kringle takes on the non believers in all singing , all dancing, all snowing adaptation of this festival favourite. A white bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa claus brings about a genuine miracle on 34th Street, spreading joy throughout New York city.

Venue

Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

Ticket Information

Ticket Type Ticket Tariff
Minimum of 1 Adult, 4 Tickets £60.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

01/12/2014 – 03/12/2014

* Opening times: Evening performances at 7.30pm with matinees at 1pm on Tuesday & Wednesday

ROYAL PAVILION

Contact Details

Royal Pavilion
4/5 Pavilion Buildings
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1EE

Tel: +44 (0)844 8472352

Click here to visit website

Description

The South East’s most beautiful winter ice rink will open for its fifth year on November 8th to January 18 on the Royal Pavilion’s Eastern lawns in Brighton.

With the former Royal pleasure palace as backdrop, huge rink-side bar and restaurant and 40m terrace, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those wanting to skate in a beautiful setting and sit down to eat rinkside apres ice.

The 800 square metre rink has space for 250 skaters per session, with a beginners’ area, penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere in the stunning rinkside Bar & Kitchen, offering mouth-watering patisserie and festive toffee apples for a Christmas treat, a quick drink after work with the best view in the City or a full three-course meal with family and friends.

Ice skating tickets cost from £10 for adults (aged 12 and over) and £7 for juniors (children under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily) offers children under 5 the chance to skate for free when accompanied onto the ice by an adult paying full price. There are also season tickets for those who want to learn to skate (check website for details) and great concessions for students. Box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

Book now

ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES

Contact Details

Various Venues
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 1TW

Click here to visit website 

Description

Christmas Artists Open Houses offers a chance for artists and makers to open their houses and studios, providing art lovers the opportunity to browse and buy original artwork direct from the artist. The Artists Open Houses festival is free for visitors and open to everyone.
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of art including jewellery, ceramics and textiles, paintings, sculpture, printmaking, photography and many other media whilst also having the opportunity to chat directly with the artists.

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