Bed and breakfast businesses provide lodging, breakfast, and hospitality. These businesses are found on farms and in rural communities as well as in larger cities. All are part of a private residence, offer short term overnight stays, include breakfast(s) in the room charge, and are known for the personal services offered. Farm vacation homes usually provide additional meals and activities for guests. Bed and breakfast and farm vacation homes are alternatives to other commercial forms of lodging; many have become attractions in themselves. This booklet is designed to help you decide if a bed and breakfast or farm vacation home is a realistic business option for you.
The hosts should be personable. It is customary to spend time visiting with the guests upon arrival and at breakfast. Be prepared to describe points of interest and activities in the community, the background of your business and its location, and information about you and your family.
Before starting your business, carefully assess the impact it may have on your family - both on living arrangements and on specific needs of family members. If you answer yes to the following questions, then this family-based business may be for you. It can provide supplemental income and introduce you to a new way of life. Do you enjoy meeting all types of people?
Would you be comfortable with strangers in your home?
Would you be able to provide enough areas for use by family members and the security of family belongings? (This is easier to do in some houses because of the arrangement of entrances, hallways, and sleeping rooms.
Remodeling or even rearranging furnishings can help to separate family and business areas.)
Do you have the time to plan and promote this business and still give time to your family?
Will you be able to spend substantial time with the guests?
Will you be able to define the business responsibilities for each family member?
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