How to Run a Bed and Breakfast

Good organization skills are the key to running any efficient business. If you are running a Bed and Breakfast, you must compile a list of chores and delegate duties. Follow these steps and your business will also be your pleasure.

Instructions

Breakfast Time

1. Setting up breakfast is the first job of the day. Make sure you are up well before your guests. Do as much as you can the night before. Organize the tablecloth, napkins, cups, bowls, dishes and silverware on your buffet.

2. Start breakfast with fresh, hot coffee and tea. While the coffee is perking, prepare and plate the fruit so it is more room temperature when serving. Slice croissants, muffins and bagels. Set out the jams and butter. Keep the juice in the refrigerator until serving time.

3. Check the buffet and replenish whatever is needed, and ask your guests if they need anything else. Make more coffee if needed and sit down with your guests; they enjoy the homey atmosphere of a Bed and Breakfast and that includes chatting with their host.

After Breakfast

1. Refrigerate the leftovers and clean the dishes from the table after your guests have returned to their rooms to pack.

2. Clean the breakfast area so it looks clean and fresh when your guests come down to check out. Don't worry about doing the dishes at this point if your guests are ready to leave. Check them out first, and do the dishes after they've gone.

3. Check out the guests, taking your time to chat with them. Make sure they have a brochure and business card for future stays. Have them sign a guest book with space for comments. Walk your guests to their car, as you would a relative.

Get Ready for New Guests

1. Make up the beds with fresh, clean linens. It is always a good idea to have a few sets of sheets for each bedroom so you can quickly make beds without worrying about doing laundry immediately.

2. Get the bedrooms ready for the next guests. Clean the interior thoroughly. Wipe down windowsills, doorknobs, headboards and foot boards. Dust the furniture. Vacuum the carpeting. Place fresh mints in a decorative bowl.

3. Clean the bathrooms thoroughly. Clean the shower, toilet and sink. Clean the floor, wipe the counters and shine the mirrors. Empty the trash. Place fresh towels and new soap in the bathroom.

4. Freshen the common rooms your guests have used. Straighten the sofas and pillows, clean candy dishes, vacuum carpets and dust everywhere, especially the blinds, drapes and window shades.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the linens and clean the breakfast dishes after your home is ready for new guests.

• Do daily bookkeeping while waiting for the laundry.

• Organize business cards and brochures on a table by the entry.

• Keep brochures and menus of local businesses for your guests.

• Do not clean up or do dishes while your guests are eating; they will feel rushed and unwelcome.

Resources

• Bluemont offers free advice for running a Bed and Breakfast.
• Innstyle has many products and ideas for your Bed and Breakfast.