How to Start a Bed and Breakfast Business

Bed and breakfasts are charming places that travelers, often couples, love to enjoy for a weekend getaway. Opening a bed and breakfast can be a lot of work but can be quite worth while, especially if you are transitioning from another job, since it will allow you to work at home (if you live there as well) and relax a little more.

Instructions

1. Find a location. You want somewhere that is isolated but within view at the same time. Choose a spot that is romantic and outside the main hustle and bustle of city life but can be easily seen from the highway or road so vacationers will stop in. Rent, lease or buy the property.

2. Decide on a theme. Choose a theme to decorate your rooms or cottages in. Shop for decor that suits the theme as well as furniture. Decorate and set up each room. The best option in color is gender neutral though keep it romantic, inviting and exciting.

3. Choose your menu. Decide what you will be serving and when. If you plan on being on call 24 hours a day you might consider serving additional meals for an extra charge. Set up your central dining areas for guests to eat breakfast in. Decorate accordingly.

4. Set up a location in the entryway or dining area that has various brochures for location attractions. Get to know the owners of those businesses so they can reciprocate.

5. Advertise in the Yellow Pages, local magazines, online, your own website with lots of photos for potential customers to view, and with your local chamber of commerce. Good luck and have fun with your new venture.

Tips & Warnings

• Advertise as much as possible

• Get to know travel agents and tourist destinations so they can recommend your place

• Calculate food, laundry, utilities and your time when setting your prices so you don't end up losing money.