From Elizabeth Arneson,
Your Guide to Bed & Breakfasts.
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The first impression formed about a bed and breakfast home happens the minute your guest sees your inn and walks up to your front door.

The next impression occurs in the first 30 seconds when they are greeted.

Each owner has his or her own unique strengths and assets that can serve as a strong marketing feature. You must determine what these are and how you can best use them. Since your home is the first attraction for most guests, make sure that it gives a good impression in all areas.

Entrance

Imagine you're a guest coming to your bed and breakfast for the first time. Examine the guest entrance.

• What mood does it set?
• Is it inviting?
• Is there a sign?
• Is the walkway clear and safe?
• Is there a porch light?
• Is it clear whether you should ring the bell or just walk in?
• Is the yard well kept and nicely landscaped?

The entrance provides the first gracious welcome to guests. If not, things get started the wrong way and it may be difficult to change your guest's opinion.

Bedrooms

Take an objective look at your guest bedrooms. Again, put yourself in the guest's shoes.

• Is this a room a guest will enjoy?
• Is the paint and/or wallpaper in good condition?
• Is the mattress comfortable?
• Will it provide good support?
• Is there adequate closet space?
• Is there a chair for reading and relaxing? It will save wear and tear on the mattress.
• Is there a desk or a place to write letters?
• Is there proper lighting for reading and writing?
• Is there a full length mirror available for dressing?
• Have you provided a night light and smoke detector in each room as a safety feature?

Think about the bed linens. Be sure that you have an adequate supply. Double or triple sets of everything for each room: sheets, towels, blankets, etc., come in very handy to help you manage your time in changing the room for the next guest. Or, in case damage occurs to a bedspread, rather than having to replace the whole set, you have a spare to use.

• Are sheets of high quality fabric?
• Are they fresh or worn?
• Do you have adequate blankets?
• Are pillows fresh and fluffy?
• Can you provide a selection of pillows to suit guests' needs?

A guest room doesn't have to look or cost as much as if it came from the pages of home magazine, but it should be comfortable, and well kept. Expensive furnishings or special redecorating is not always  needed. A new coat of paint and a few new linens may be all that is required. The room should reflect individual creativity.

Cleanliness

Probably the most important thing to impress your guests is the cleanliness of your home -- their bedroom and bathroom.

• Are there cobwebs in the corners or behind the furniture?
• Is dust collecting under the bed?
• Furniture should be polished and dust-free.
• Drawers and closets should be free for guests' belongings.
• A scented lining in drawers adds a nice touch as well. Do be aware however, that some guests may have allergies or breathing disorders. If you fill your rooms with potpourri, candles and other types of scents, you may have some very sick and unhappy guests.
• A towel rack in each room may also be appreciated, especially if guests are sharing a bathroom.
• Are the curtains and draperies clean, framing shining windows?

The initial outlay for opening a bed and breakfast need not be high. Perhaps a spotless room and a bit of refurbishing is all that's needed. If redecorating is called for, it can be done in stages as time and money permit. If you plan on redecorating, consider keeping a filing system with ideas, swatches of fabric, carpeting, wallpaper, and paint chips that can help you make selections in the future.

Redecorating and refurbishing is an on-going task in all good bed and breakfast homes. It often is also a tax deduction; so keep meticulous records.

Ingenuity can be key to guestroom comfort. To expand limited closed space, a chest of drawers can be added, or attractive shelving with hooks can be mounted on a wall.

• A inexpensive round wooden table can become a nightstand or writing area.
• Coordinated curtains, draperies, bed covers, pillows and tablecloths and shower curtains can be easily made from decorator sheets.
• Live plants, flowers -- real or silk -- add a nice touch.
• You should provide extra hangers, blankets or pillows for your guests.
• A luggage rack will save wear and tear on your bed coverings and mattress.
• Consider providing a bed tray for guests.
• A pitcher of water and glasses on a tray is often appreciated.
• Some hosts provide a small decanter of liqueur for a nightcap. (Be sure to check your state's laws and any local regulations in regard to providing alcoholic beverages.)

More tips for making a good impression on your bed and breakfast guests, focused on your inn's bathrooms, can be found on the next page of this feature.