An authentic experience shared with friendly locals – that’s the ideal outcome for travellers planning this summer’s Scottish staycation, according to a dedicated new website.

Private House Stays offers online booking facilities for more than 300 cherry picked B&Bs from across Scotland, promising the ‘authentic local experience’ which is increasingly important to discerning travellers.

More than 300 Scottish B&Bs, guest houses and boutique hotels are to feature on the new version of the online booking site www.privatehousestays.com, which went live last month and was featured in the Scotsman on 20th May 2012.

The website exclusively features independently run B&Bs and guest houses, or boutique hotels with the personal touch, which meet the criteria of individual character and welcoming hosts.

Meanwhile, the website’s high tech software allows travellers to check availability easily, without the need to call round individual B&Bs.

The launch comes as research reveals the individual, personal touch is increasingly high on the wish list of discerning travellers when choosing their accommodation in Scotland.

Private House Stays is the brainchild of Archie and Cassie Bouverie, who have run a seasonal B&B from their family home in Edinburgh for more than 15 years.

The Bouveries have travelled the length and breadth of Scotland visiting hundreds of B&Bs with the aim of cherry picking the best of the country’s independent accommodation providers.

The result is a website which offers an efficient way to search and book accommodation in those hidden gems of B&Bs this summer.

Cassie Bouverie said: “We have travelled across Scotland to unearth the most enjoyable private house stays available.

“Whether it’s an elegant urban pad, a rural family home or a working farm where the eggs at breakfast are fresh that morning, the Private House Stays selection promises that homely feel.

“Some of our owners do not even have their own website or a sign outside, but offer lovely bespoke rooms with great service. Our aim is to ensure they and their guests find each other.

“Today’s discerning travellers love to be ‘in the know’ about the best local attractions, pubs and restaurants. Our B&B owners actually live in and know the area, and love to share nuggets of local information with a bit of friendly chat. This ‘friend in town’ factor can really transform the traveller experience.”

Archie Bouverie said: “The Private House Stays website has been developed to provide travellers with the facility to find affordable, independent B&Bs, while benefiting from accountability, quality assurance and the cutting edge of user friendly online booking software.

“With a wealth of homes in stunning locations, quirky, individually decorated rooms and friendly, welcoming owners with local knowledge, travellers in search of a unique authentic experience are spoiled for choice with Private House Stays.”

The site comes at an ideal time for domestic tourism, as Scots choose to explore the delights on their own doorstep, and travel regularly throughout the year for short ‘staycation’ breaks.

The Staycation term was first coined following the credit crunch as a number of households opted to give their annual overseas holiday a miss in favour of a UK based break, attributed to economic factors and concerns about the environment.

Three years on, the trend is proving to be here for the long haul, as more travellers report great enjoyment of discovering Scotland while keeping mindful of the budget in these cash strapped times.

Scotland’s tourism economy is estimated to be worth £4.2 billion, providing more than 200,000 of the country’s jobs.

Recent research shows the staycation trend is expected to grow further, with domestic tourism proving hugely important for Scotland.

Research also shows travellers choose Scotland for friendliness and culture, making the personal touch and authentic experience of a private house stay a big pull for holidaymakers both domestic and international.

For further information please contact Sarah Urquhart PR on 01875 812763 or 07966 893353 or enquiries@sarahurquhartpr.co.uk http://www.privatehousestays.com/