What does it take to own and operate a bed and breakfast?
@independent_inAK (274)
United States
January 19, 2007 1:10pm CST
I have dreamnt of having a bed and breakfast for several years now. I would LOVE to have some small cabins to rent out. I have friends who have been in the business so I've heard the pro's and con's but it seems like the pro's outweigh the con's. My biggest hurdle is just getting started...you know it takes money to make money. Do you have experience with this? If so I'd love to hear your pros and cons, your do's and don'ts
1 person likes this
5 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
26 Jan 07
There are many B&B's in our area. The ones that seem to do the best are set in historic houses. One person who owned and operated a B&B on Lake Willoughby in Vermont never had a moment's peace. She was busy from sun up til way after sundown. You really have to be dedicated to the success of your business and don't mind not having much of a private life.
@independent_inAK (274)
• United States
26 Jan 07
Around here small cabins are very popular. I know people who had several cabins and then I know people who had just one. All of them are a success. In fact, my hubby and I are going to stay at one tonight for our 5th anniversary. They have a hot tub!
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
24 Jan 07
From what people have told me it takes a whole lot of work and time. I knew people who started them to get away from the 9 to 5 rat race, then discovered that running their own B&B was even more constant work than any job. There are numberous things to do, and you're always working to keep your guests happy so they'll come back and refer guests to you.
@independent_inAK (274)
• United States
25 Jan 07
That is good to know...I am wanting good and bad experiences and stories etc. I realize it would be a lot of work...I just want something that is MINE...MY business. I don't do well working for others. I get along with others fine but have always wanting something of my own.
Thank you very much for your input!
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
23 Jan 07
Owning a bed and breakfast has always been a dream of mine too. My husband and I went as far as taking a course on starting one. They dont seem to do too well in our area though. One other couple took the course with us. They did start one and it went under after the second year. We wanted to have horseback riding at ours. We own 28 acres but found that insurance was just too high to add horses. We never did start ours. Currently there are none availbale in our county. they all went under. We live in the country.It is an hours drive to the interstate. There is on motel in the entire county. Seems most of the visitors here are only here to visit family. It is a beautiful place but too far from the interstate to attract much business. The roads are narrow, curvy and slick in winter.
Good luck with yours if you choose to start one. Make sure to do your research
@independent_inAK (274)
• United States
24 Jan 07
That's too bad that they don't do well in your area. They do really well all over here. It is very popular. I am definitely doing my homework...I haven't found anything that turned me away from it yet. I know it will be hard work but it's just the thing I want to do. I guess you could say it's my "niche" but I'm just not in it yet. I am looking into grants for small businesses. Sometime it's scary just thinking about all that I need to do to get started but it's something I've really wanted to do for quite some time now. Getting info and support from you all and others in other groups keeps my spirits up. Thank you!
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
22 Jan 07
I don't know how you could go about owning our own bed and breakfast but I can tell you some of the pro's and con's that my aunt had to deal with in owning her's . It was convienient because it was in her own home and she didn't have to apply for much help because she was able to do most of it herself . Also she enjoyed baking and it was a way for her to bake for the one's who came in . But it limited her in being able to go places because she couldn't go away on holidays the way other people could , she was closed different times of the year but when her son had his first baby she really wanted to be able to go see them but she couldn't because she was tied to the bed and breakfast . In the end she had to give it up because it tied her to much to home.
@independent_inAK (274)
• United States
22 Jan 07
Thank you. Yes, I see how it can tie up your time but i know of a lady who was able to set certain hours that allowed her some time for herself. I don't travel much during the holidays anyways so I don't think know if that would be too much of a problem. I also love bake and cook so obviously that is a plus. Thanks again for you info!
@tiffthone (193)
• United States
9 May 07
I'd like to own my own bed and breakfast. My mom and I are going in it together. Currently, we work at a hotel, She's the manager, and I'm the assistant manager. So we are getting some experience on what it will be like working at a b and b. We have started putting together our business plan. We are searching for grants and loans to start us off, and we plan to buy a big lot of land and build a new house. Being down here on the gulf coast, little of the historic houses are left, due to hurricane Katrina.
