By Karla Jones Seidita, Home Economist
B&B Owner/Operator, Retired
"Invite the World to Your Door & It Will Show Up"
The idea of opening a B&B appeals to a lot of people.
A house filled with weekend guests who pay for the entertaining you'd be doing anyway with friends and family for free seems likes the ideal occupation.
But, before you open your doors, take stock of your life style and personality.
Are you flexible?
Guests come in all shapes and sizes with a myriad of needs and requests.
They arrive at all hours of the day (and night) even though you make them aware of your check in times.
Guests have food preferences that may be totally different from yours. Some love gourmet. Some health food. Others thrive on junk and caffeine.
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| Is your B&B guest friendly? |
But, before you open your doors, take stock of your life style and personality.
Are you flexible?
Guests come in all shapes and sizes with a myriad of needs and requests.
They arrive at all hours of the day (and night) even though you make them aware of your check in times.
 |
| How will you handle food preferences? |
There will be guests with allergies and health problems, vegetarians (and vegans!) those with religious restrictions or ethical concerns - you name it.
You'll have guests who want to be left alone and guests who want to chat with you all day long - probably both types staying at the same time.
And let's not forget guests with strong (and very vocal!) political opinions.
Will you accept children and/or pets?
Children are not always raised as you would like to see them raised. They can be loud, cranky and fussy. They'll need kid-friendly food and toys to keep them occupied. They'll touch everything with sticky fingers and break family heirlooms. Pets are exactly the same - but often better behaved.
And let's not forget guests with strong (and very vocal!) political opinions.
Will you accept children and/or pets?
Children are not always raised as you would like to see them raised. They can be loud, cranky and fussy. They'll need kid-friendly food and toys to keep them occupied. They'll touch everything with sticky fingers and break family heirlooms. Pets are exactly the same - but often better behaved.
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| Will your guests be comfortable? |
Can you accept other people's life styles?
Couples may not always be married. Some may be gay. Your guests may be foreign nationals or interracial couples.
Couples may not always be married. Some may be gay. Your guests may be foreign nationals or interracial couples.
Guests may have different religious or political views than you. They may be older, younger, handicapped or have special needs.
Guests may return from dinner drunk. They may have insomnia and watch TV in the living room all night long. They may knock on your door in the middle of the night looking for an aspirin or to ask that you give them an early wake up call. Guests can be neat and tidy or messy and thoughtless.
Can you accept (and enjoy) your guests without being critical, judgmental or offended?
When you invite the world to your door, it will show up. There are some things you can control (like whether or not pets and children are welcome) but many things you can't so it's important to do a bit of soul searching before you book your first guest.
If you love being around other people and enjoy their differences, you'll have great fun with your B&B.
Guests may return from dinner drunk. They may have insomnia and watch TV in the living room all night long. They may knock on your door in the middle of the night looking for an aspirin or to ask that you give them an early wake up call. Guests can be neat and tidy or messy and thoughtless.
Can you accept (and enjoy) your guests without being critical, judgmental or offended?
When you invite the world to your door, it will show up. There are some things you can control (like whether or not pets and children are welcome) but many things you can't so it's important to do a bit of soul searching before you book your first guest.
If you love being around other people and enjoy their differences, you'll have great fun with your B&B.
Updated 11-12-22
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