So began a thread in the About Bed and Breakfasts Forum titled, "amenities to make guests feel pampered."
The author of that comment, Forum regular SANDYNN, continued:
"It seems silly to think that just decorating the closet would bring so many 'Oh, wow!'s -- but it does. I have pictures and rose garland in one, a hat stand with a hat in another, and fan pulls in all of them. The other thing they just love in the closets is I had pipes for the furnace and I wallpapered them and wrapped ribbon with a beautiful bow. I can't believe how many people love it. Oh yes, I also tied ribbon on all the hangers. Just a thin one and they hang down from the top. It makes the wood hangers look a little more elegant. These things seemed like such little things when I did it. The point of this post is really don't forget your closets." --SANDYNN
Other innkeepers listed the following amenities among those they provide at their bed and breakfasts:
"Fresh flowers are great, but you need to make sure that the water gets changed every day. Extra pillows for people that like to read in bed. Good reading lights. Comfy mattresses and crisp linens which are immaculately clean. An extra blanket. A desk to write a note or set a laptop (if you have business travelers or even travelers who like to check their email). A comfy reading chair. Extra bathroom items that guests might have forgotten." --ASPIRETEXAS
"I put out little tin boxes of tiny cookies made by a nearby patisserie. I also put a thermos of ice water in each room and a small basket of whatever fruit is in season at the time (right now grapes). In the bathrooms, miniature bars of olive oil soap, bath salts and lotions (all with olive oil). And several shower caps." --PBPROVENCE
"I always have fresh flowers in every room and try to always have something baking or candles burning all the time. I've had many guests comment on how wonderful it smells when they walk in the door. Another thing we are starting to do today... because my husband just finished making the easel. I have a decorated whiteboard we put on the easel on the porch with a welcome greeting for each guest. Today we have newlyweds coming... so it will be a congrats Mr & Mrs.!" --ELAMES
"I throw in a free picnic lunch with two-night and longer stays -- that's easy and appreciated! Have old picnic baskets, bought a large roll of gingham plastic cloth on a roll from Wal-Mart and place a chunk of that, napkins, moist towelettes, small first aid stuff, fruit, maps, more brochures, energy bars, end rolls of paper towels, bottled water, lunchables, mini muffins or cookies just what ever." --RETREAT2
"One thing our guests comment on [is that] after they leave, we send them a 'postcard' thanking them for being our guests. Actually, it is a snapshot of us standing in our cherry-tree lined drive waving and holding a sign that says 'Thanks.'" --ORCHARDINN
What are your favorite B&B amenities? Join the discussion on the About Bed and Breakfasts Forum.
