Tip of the Week – Bed and Breakfasts
Photo by IvyLodge
Since I just did a post on a B&B, I think I will stick with this theme this week.
For the longest time one of my own dreams was to have my own Bed and Breakfast. I imagined all of these different scenarios of where it would be, what it would look like and who would do all of the various tasks associated with it – the decorating of it, the paperwork of it, the cleaning and the cooking, even having a little organic garden of veggies and herbs. In my minds eye it was really fun and things ran seemingly flawlessly. I realized with having that dream that owning a bed and breakfast was a really personal extension of what I would consider my home that I would be opening to invite guests to share with me.
Well, that never happened and that dream will just remain a dream. But when I think about the reality of owning and running a successful Bed and Breakfast, I realize what a lot of work it must be for those who do own one. For that reason, I have decided to give some of what I think are things to think about first for the traveler going to a bed and breakfast, and then for us also to remember what could be important to the owners. Each, the guest and the innkeeper, have certain responsibilities to the other.
We would expect good, prompt service that lives up to the advertising to be sure. Bed and Breakfasts are not all the same though. If you are after a gourmet breakfast, be sure that the one you select advertises that. Some just have a continental type breakfast – maybe homemade muffins and jams set out as a serve yourself. Same goes if you are expecting afternoon tea or sherry. Or antiques and fine linens. Make sure you do a little research so that you won’t be disappointed. While most times these days reservations can be made on the internet, I would suggest a call to the innkeeper just to have some personal contact. Just remember that if you do call, the owner would likely be tied up in the morning with breakfast. While you are at it, in discussing your particular needs, you could ask if you need to bring a specific item or if it will be supplied. And you may as well find out what local events or activities are in the area.
Many times the innkeeper may be able to accommodate a special request.I have heard of a bride who bookied a whole B&B for her family. Or if you have a very small child, an advance call could help you find out if there is an age minimum. If they do allow babies, a call will help them get ready for your visit to make it perfect for you. Most would likely go all out to make your stay memorable.
Which brings us to the other part. Unlike hotels, these are usually privately owned homes. Those antiques you sit on or sleep on and the china you eat your gourmet breakfast on are special to the owners. So in return for allowing us to share them, we have the responsibility being good stewards of their B&B and to treat it and its furnishings gently.
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What a cheerful experience!
Jan Garrabrandt - March 12, 2010 at 8:14 am
Arlene – Thanks for posting such a nice blog about B&B’s. I had a dream, too – and have been running our B&B for 13 years. It’s a bit of work, but the rewards are many – meeting people from all over the world, becoming friends with many of those, and taking your turn at living in a wonderful old home. This winter we had an unusual amount of snow and the Amish drove their one-horse open sleighs down Main Street, past the inn….it was a guest’s dream come true.
Arlene - March 12, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Thanks, Jan, for stopping by. I am so glad to hear from a Bed & Breakfast owner. And I am glad you realized your dream. I have, when I lived up North, spent some time in Lancaster County in PA. A wonderful area to live or visit!
If anyone would like to take a look at Jan’s place, The Artists Inn and Gallery, check it out at http://www.artistsinn.com and her blog Lancaster from the Inn Side.
Heather on her travels - March 13, 2010 at 3:51 am
Yes I think a lot of people who enjoy meeting people may have the dream of running a B & B although I suspect that as you say the reality is hard work washing & changing bedlinen and you are very tied to one location.
Like that dream of owning a little place of my own in the sun I’ve concluded that it’s better for me to live without such responsibilities but for me to enjoy the hospitality of people who have chosen to do so.
Arlene - March 13, 2010 at 9:22 am
So true, Heather. That is what I also came to realize. And also why I gave up my time share. I would rather see different places too.
Lauren - March 25, 2010 at 10:57 am
Arlene, great post. Bed and breakfasts have long been my top lodging of choice, and in many cases, it’s a terrific way to save money. I opt for real B&Bs, traditional B&Bs, the kind when you are staying in a guest room of someone’s home, as opposed to fancy inns that serve breakfast. Just last weekend my family stayed with a lovely couple of empty nesters who are living the dream of owning their own B&B– they recently converted their childrens’ bedrooms into guest rooms and opened for business. I posted about this on my blog: http://nwcheapsleeps.org/2010/03/22/bellingham-a-city-by-the-sea/
There IS a way you can live your dream of owning a B&B–for just a few nights per year. I recently started a B&B-style hospitality exchange club called Casa Casa (http://www.casacasa.org). As a member of Casa Casa, you stay in the private homes of friendly members like yourself when you travel, and pay them a small gratuity of $15-$20. When you host traveling members in your home, you provide that warm hospitality and share a favorite breakfast recipe. It’s like staying at a B&B, on a budget.
Arlene - March 25, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Wow, what great information. What an inventive idea Casa Casa is. I am going to read your post and take a look at your exchange club too. Thanks so much, Lauren.