Opening your bed and breakfast is a fantastic way to supplement your income. However, it is challenging to know where to begin the process. If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes, read on to find the best tips for starting your own bed and breakfast.
Figure Out the Market
You want to give yourself the best chance for success right off the bat in the location you choose. Gauge the local hospitality options in a few potential places. Also, look for spots with fewer hotels and bed and breakfasts nearby, so you have less competition. Even in more crowded markets, check around to see if you offer something the other lodgings don’t have.
Have Your Finances in Order
Most bed and breakfasts are family-owned and run by people who sell their homes to make the initial bed and breakfast investment. This is an excellent possibility, as not only can the bed and breakfast act as your residence, but it makes it easy to run and attend to guest’s needs without having to go far. Other alternatives include:
- Seeking out private investors
- Obtaining a small business loan from a bank
- Seeking out other business assistance programs
Obtain Permits
Your municipal government will almost certainly require a business license and permits before you can officially open. The specific criteria differ from one city to the next. However, you should contact the municipal government about obtaining general business licenses, food service permits, and any other necessary documents.
Curate Your Breakfast
As the name would imply, a significant part of your job is creating a gourmet breakfast for guests to enjoy. There are several ways you may want to curate this service, including having guests sign up for different time slots like a restaurant or let guests choose their options the night before and have each breakfast delivered to the room the next day. You might also want to work with local bakeries and other businesses nearby to provide unique and delicious food items.
Go Above and Beyond
Besides the clear amenities you should offer, you should consider extra options to make your listing stand out to potential guests. Having commercial laundry equipment on-premises not only allows everyone to comfortably wash and dry their clothes during their stay, but it also allows you to supply fresh linens daily to guests. Beyond that, other potential considerations include installing hot tubs and patios, designing a game room, electric fireplaces in the rooms, offering wine and cheese tastings, or anything else you can imagine that can create a unique experience.
One of the best tips for starting your own bed and breakfast is to focus on offering a unique experience for your guests. When people check out, they should already think about the next time they want to stay at your place. With positive word of mouth and some critical social media marketing, you’ll grow your brand in no time.
