The Colorful Cast of Characters You Can Meet When Running a B&B

Introduction

Running a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) can be a truly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to create a welcoming and comfortable space for travellers, but you also have the chance to meet a diverse array of interesting people from all walks of life. These guests can turn your B&B into a stage for countless stories and unforgettable moments. In this blog, we'll explore some of the different characters you may encounter when running a B&B and believe me, we’ve met them all!

The Enthusiastic Explorers

Enthusiastic explorers are those guests who've come to your B&B with a clear mission – to explore your region to the fullest. They'll be up at the crack of dawn, armed with guidebooks and hiking boots, ready to conquer every trail, museum, and local restaurant. These guests bring an infectious energy to your B&B, and they often have fantastic tales of their adventures to share during breakfast.

The Romantic Getaway Couple

These guests are typically couples seeking a break from their daily routines to rekindle the flames of romance. They'll spend hours lounging in your cozy rooms, enjoying candlelit dinners, and taking long walks hand-in-hand. Often, they're celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply the joy of being together. Expect to see them exchanging sweet glances and requesting extra amenities to make their stay extra special.

The Business Traveller

Business travelers are the guests who are always in a hurry. They arrive late, depart early, and usually have their noses buried in laptops or smartphones. While they might not be the most social guests, they appreciate a quiet and efficient B&B that caters to their needs. Providing them with a hearty breakfast and a reliable Wi-Fi connection can go a long way in making their stay pleasant.

The Foodie Fanatics

Foodie fanatics are the guests who have planned their entire trip around culinary experiences. They'll arrive with a list of local restaurants they want to visit and are eager to sample regional dishes. Expect to engage in conversations about the best places for seafood, the perfect wine pairings, and where to find the most mouthwatering desserts. These guests are a great source of recommendations for future guests.

The History Buffs

For history buffs, your B&B isn't just a place to sleep – it's an opportunity to immerse themselves in the past. They'll ask about the history of your property, the local historical sites, and any nearby museums. Providing them with historical tidbits and resources can enhance their stay and make them feel like they've stepped back in time.

The Solo Traveler

Solo travellers come in all forms – the introvert seeking solitude, the extrovert looking to make new friends, or the adventurer on a personal journey. They might be escaping the hustle and bustle of their daily lives or embracing the freedom to explore as they please. Engaging with them one-on-one can be especially rewarding, as they often have unique stories and perspectives to share.

The Reunion Groups

Reunion groups can be a lively and entertaining bunch. Whether it's a family reunion, a college reunion, or a gathering of old friends, they come to your B&B to reconnect and reminisce. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they often take over common areas for group activities, turning your B&B into a hub of laughter and shared memories.

Conclusion

Running a B&B offers a front-row seat to a fascinating cast of characters. Each guest brings their own unique story, preferences, and expectations, making every day an adventure in hospitality. Embracing this diversity and tailoring your approach to cater to the different types of guests can lead to a rich and fulfilling experience for both you and your visitors. So, as you embark on your B&B journey, prepare to welcome a colorful array of characters and create lasting memories together.

Linda Reid

Would owning a B&B suit me? Here are 4 things to consider

As the B&B Mentors, we speak to many people who are looking for a lifestyle change and have thought that running a B&B may be the answer. But how do you know if it’s the right choice to have that work/life balance that so many people crave? Here are four points to consider:

Do you like people?

It may seem obvious but ask yourself whether you could cope with strangers living in your house, coming and going, with their own agendas? You may be having a bad day but you can’t show your guests — could you cope? The boiler may break down just as a guest is about to use the shower — would you panic? It could become a horror story rather than a happy ever after.

However, if you are a sociable type of personality, are flexible enough to go with the flow and enjoy making things happen, ensuring your guests have a wonderful time, then owning a B&B could be the start of an exciting new adventure.

My husband and I took the plunge of leaving the corporate world behind 15 years ago and we have never looked back. We love meeting guests from all over the world, from all walks of life and can’t imagine not opening our doors to guests.

The right location

You know what they say about “Location, Location, Location” — well it’s true. If you want your B&B to be profitable and successful, then it needs to be in the right place, whether it be on the coast, city or in the countryside. All will have different pros and cons so you have to think “Where would be my happy place — where I can find that work / life balance that I crave?”

Who are your guests? Where are they coming from? Why are they coming? You need to do your research on where would be the best area before you even start to look at a property.

The right property

Don’t confine yourself to looking at established businesses. Other properties can be changed into the perfect B&B with some investment and, if our experience is anything to go by, a lot of hard work! But it’s well worth it when you see the end result.

In all the businesses that we have developed, we have always gone for the worst property in the best location and made it look beautiful, achieving 4 and 5-star ratings.

The best tip I can give you for choosing the right property is to look at the flow of the house — can it give you privacy as a family as well as privacy for your guests? If you don’t get this right at the start, you probably won’t enjoy your new life which would be a shame because it can be a fantastic, flexible, profitable lifestyle.

Be the best you can be

Whatever level you choose to operate at (4-star/5-star), do the best you can to stand out from the crowd. Today’s travellers are very discerning and appreciate hosts who go the extra mile to make their holiday memorable.

It costs nothing to be friendly and helpful. Making suggestions on what to do on a rainy day, making a booking for a restaurant, or giving information on the best beaches to visit are invaluable to a guest who is new to your area and only has a precious few days break away from their real life and wants to make the most of every second. It’s little touches like this that make your guests feel special and that you have given them a 5-star service.

So what do you think? Could owning a B&B be your next adventure??