I keep a journal of the places that my partner and I stay and what we learn from our hosts and their home. We do this so that we are doing some personal professional development. Of the 450 some odd Bed and Breakfasts where we have stayed all over the world we have learned as hosts how not to and how to behave, what is appropriate to say and not say and what should be available or on hand too ensure the comforts of our guests in our B&B environment.
I can think of about 5 B&Bs that we felt like we were imposing on the house and the family by being in their home. There were rules where we could and could not be, plastic on the furniture, no information about what there is to do in the area, specific times we could be in the house and not, a specific time for breakfast…be there or not get breakfast, and most importantly there were no extras…a beverage, munchies, chit chat, sharing of lives etc. It was clear to me that these B&B hosts were on the most part living well beyond their means and by having travelers stay they were supplementing their income. They had no intentions to share any part of their lives or their community with us. It was also clear that they had probably never stayed in a bed and breakfast themselves or each would have a little more personality than they did.
Hint #1 Questions a newbie should ask: Ask how long the B&B has been operating? How long have you been the hosts? What comforts do you offer your guests?
At the very least you should expect: lots of information and sincere answers to questions during your telephone call, comments on payment and directions and the persons name or hosts name before you hang up the telephone. When you arrive to the B&B you should expect a person introducing themselves, a welcoming smile, an orientation to the home, some discussion about breakfast, what there is to do in the community or the area, an offering of a beverage, something to munch on and so many other little tidbits that will genuinely help you to feel comfortable while you are visiting.
