How to Run a Bed and Breakfast

A look at some of the fabulous amenities offered at bed and breakfasts.

Innkeepers share their thoughts regarding the value of joining bed and breakfast associations.

A look at the life of a professional innsitter -- what they do and how they do it.

A collection of tips on the best cleaning supplies, all from professional innkeepers.

A look at which U.S. states are home to the most bed and breakfasts.

A list of my top 10 pet peeves at bed and breakfasts, compiled by a traveler who loves B&Bs and always prefers them to motels.

Innkeeper Lynette Scofield discusses the fantasies and realities of being an innkeeper, and notes what makes her inn so special.

Five small gestures that can make a difference.

Before you can become an innkeeper, you have to buy an inn. As with any business, you’ll need a business plan to make sure that your dreams can become a reality.

Innkeeper Debbie Mosimann discusses the fantasies and realities of being an innkeeper, and notes what makes her inn so special.

For all hopeful innkeepers who think it’ll be a snap to convert a residential home into an inn: Do your homework.

Jay Karen is the president and CEO of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, the largest bed and breakfast organization in the world with approximately 2,200 bed and breakfasts and 400 associate members.

In a few short years, printed brochures have given way to websites that have given even the smallest bed and breakfast worldwide exposure. But how do you get started on a design that separates a good website from a great one?

Want to know what you'll be getting into when you own a B&B? Learn the main obstacles you'll encounter and the attitude you'll need as you begin your quest.

Create A Degree Of Difference

The economy may not have hurt the B&B industry as severely as some sectors, but according to Roxanne Kolbe of Innmatchmakers.com it has change the way buyers buy and innkeepers sell.

Not every guest is as concerned about your inn as you are. How do you handle it when guests treat your B&B like their private resort?

Any innkeeper will tell you that running a bed and breakfast is a 24/7 operation. With constant demands, how do you save your sanity – and your relationships? Innkeepers have some secrets.

Given a choice, is your money better spent on membership in your local chamber of commerce or investing those funds into an Internet presence? It all depends on your intentions.

Innkeeper Donald James and partner Andrew Kohn fulfilled a dream by purchasing an inn in March 2011. Like veteran innkeepers, they’ve already learned the realities of running an inn. From the unique perspective of a fledgling innkeeper, James discusses the surprises and successes of the Orchard House Inn.

Innkeeper Donald Jones and partner Andrew Kohn fulfilled a dream by purchasing an inn in March 2011. Like veteran innkeepers, they’ve already learned the realities of running an inn. From the unique perspective of a fledgling innkeeper, Jones discusses the surprises and successes of the Orchard House Inn.

Innkeepers Daniel and JoAnna Jimenez approached their search for a bed and breakfast a little differently than most. They didn’t know they were looking for a bed and breakfast. But when they found a home with the right zoning in a residential neighborhood, JoAnna realized it was time to work from home and start a family. A year later, everything...

Jay Karen is the president and CEO of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, the largest bed and breakfast organization in the world with approximately 2,200 bed and breakfasts and 400 associate members.

How can you make more money while keeping your room rates at a price that won’t drive away guests? As innkeepers across America have found, there are multiple ways to pair your talents with the resources of your bed and breakfast to generate additional income.

One skill that all good innkeepers have is the ability to multi-task. In addition to being gracious hosts and accomplished cooks they must also be skilled housekeepers. Everyone has a different definition of ‘clean’ – but when you’re dealing with the public you can never be too focused.

Mary White, founder of BnBFinder.com used her knowledge of the industry to write an invaluable guidebook for finding and operating a bed and breakfast. “Running A Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” was first published in 2009 and has been continually updated to reflect new technologies that can help a traditional business.

Following the loss of her husband, Linda Kesler examined her life and decided that her love of hospitality would satisfy many needs. A bed and breakfast would be the most direct path to that goal.

For innkeepers, a deposit is insurance that a guest will arrive. But sometimes you have to make a judgment call on whether a guest’s excuse for cancelling is worth a refund. Based on an open question that asked ‘Why do guests cancel?’, innkeepers offered their takes on the art and science of cancellations.

The passion and desire to own a B&B can drive some people to jump right in when an opportunity arises. But what if that golden opportunity is covering up a laundry list of financial traps? Every innkeeper will tell you that a fledgling B&B requires much more of an investment than they originally anticipated. Here’s a short lesson in anticipating...

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s annual conference is the largest and, perhaps, the most essential learning opportunity for experienced and aspiring innkeepers. PAII president and CEO Jay Karen describes why you should attend.

When two inns are side by side, how does one stand apart? It all gets down to service.

Basil Fawltey, John Cleese’s fictional innkeeper would’ve enjoyed his profession if he didn’t have to deal with guests. But guests are the reasons many innkeepers get into the business. But there’s a fine line between spending time with your own guests and knowing when you should give them some space – and give yourself a breather.

It’s far easier to retain an existing customer than it is to gain a new one, so when a guest checks into your bed and breakfast, what can you do to ensure that they’ll return? In addition to being your usual charming self, consider some additional approaches that may catch their interest and keep you on their itinerary.

A bed and breakfast is one of the few professions where the owner is usually the custodian. Keeping a clean house is a must, but cleaning must be done quickly to prepare for the next arrivals. Here are a few suggestions for keeping things tidy – and timely.

Innkeepers take a lot of calls for rooms. Free rooms. Because a bed and breakfast is a popular item at charity auctions and there’s always a good cause that needs funds, innkeepers are often asked to donate gift certificates. So I asked innkeepers, who receives the benefit of your B&B largesse?