Owning a Bed & Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast owners usually love all types of people and enjoy company.   For some bed and breakfast owners, it's not about a large profit.  

Many high profile executives in large corporations indeed “retire” early to open a bed and breakfast for the sheer pleasure of doing it.  They have been worn down by large corporate daily pressures and office politics.  Many B & B owners today have been “outsourced or downsized” and are happy to buy or start up their on B& B more or less as a “hobby” if they have managed to build a sizable nest egg in the corporate world.

Bed and breakfast owners may maintain a very small staff and spend a considerable amount of time socializing with their guests.  The food served in a traditional bed and breakfast is often prepared by the owners and is usually gourmet quality. 

Before you invest in a bed and breakfast you should talk to other B&B owners to find out what their lives are really like, and try to picture yourself in the kinds of situations they describe. 

Owning a Bed and Breakfast is the ultimate Home Based Business whether you use a couple of rooms in your own house or purchase a major B& B operation with ten bedrooms or more, you can generate a solid income. You can earn additional income, be your own boss, and meet lots of interesting people. 

General Comments on Bed and Breakfast Businesses

A bed and breakfast is ideal for a long-term stay.  It is a type of lodging that is often in an older home or building.  A bed and breakfast is often a renovated privately owned residence that opens it doors to accommodate travelers. 

A bed and breakfast is normally not child proofed (unless a special room or cottage is available for families), and really not appropriate for very young children.  But, a typical bed and breakfast is usually an exceptionally nice place to spend the night, as most are remodeled old homes or mansions. 

A bed and breakfast is usually located in a neighborhood rather than the business or shopping district of a town so the lodgers have an opportunity to see the typical life in the area as opposed to areas usually seen by tourists. 

A bed and breakfast is usually run by local people who are most familiar with the interesting sights in the area and a bed and breakfast is just that - expect a bed and a breakfast, but you’re on your own for dinner. 

A bed and breakfast is the best accommodation for those tourists who do not intend to spend the majority of their day close to their accommodation, but who would rather go out exploring and getting to know the city a little bit better. 

A bed and breakfast is appreciated by those who prefer a more welcoming and informal atmosphere compared to the one often offered by hotels. 

Comments about the Rooms

Rooms at a bed and breakfast will usually have a television and many have books available or movies for guests to watch in their rooms. 

A bed and breakfast inn will usually have four to ten rooms, depending on the size of the building.  Most Bed and Breakfast rooms also have private baths, and many bed and breakfasts may have different rates for different rooms, depending on the room's amenities.

Remember small bread and breakfasts only have a few rooms.  Perhaps the room is small, or the bathroom is shared with several rooms, or it’s not well located or well maintained, or breakfast is of no significance. But those who desire a 'home away from home' experience may seek out a traditional bed and breakfast.

Some B&B's are in older neighborhoods, but within walking distance of downtown attractions on offer, and the locality and services and attractions around. Each room in a good bed and breakfast will have an "FAQ" folder that will tell you about the facilities.

Since a bed and breakfast is usually run by local people who have converted a typical home into a boarding house for travelers, you can expect to experience first hand the warm hospitality of the local community.

Some bed and breakfast owners welcome guests to their establishment by offering a glass of wine or refreshment.  Often times many people wish they didn't have to go back to their normal lives, telling the owners they never want to leave.

Running a bed and breakfast business can be a comfortable and rewarding experience

for those who enjoy getting to know lots of different people.