How to Start and Operate Your Own Bed-And-Breakfast · Down-To-Earth Advice From an Award-Winning B&B Owner by Murphy, Martha W. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Page Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction 1 - So, You Want to Open a Bed~and~Breakfast?

On the Outside Looking In What Is a Bed-and-Breakfast? Who Are the Hosts? The Host’s Responsibilities The Bed-and-Breakfast Itself The Business Side of the “Dream Job” Common Misconceptions Pluses and Minuses What’s in It for Me? The Bottom Line Start-up Costs Making the Leap

2 - The Bed~and~Breakfast House

Location, Location, Location Curb Appeal Zoning: Playing by the Rules The Perfect House: Layout and Design Buyer Beware: What to Look For If You Buy an Existing B&B Turning Your Current House into a B&B

3 - The Bed~and~Breakfast Bedroom

The Well-Appointed Guest Room The Necessities The Extras Suites Don’ts The Elements of Style The Frugal Decorator Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness Housekeeping Sweet Dreams

4 - The Bed~and~Breakfast Bathroom

The Well-Appointed Guest Bath (or The Hidden B in Bed-and-Breakfast) Starting a B&B with Shared Bath Bathroom Etiquette Semiprivate Baths Adding Bathrooms to an Old House The Necessities The Extras You Must Remember This

5 - Public Rooms in the Bed~and~Breakfast

A Place for Guests A Living Room of One’s Own The Well-Appointed B&B Living Room The Great Outdoors A Place for Smokers Meeting the Special Needs of Business Travelers My House Is Your House

6 - Breakfast

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee Breakfast Options When to Serve Where to Serve Breakfast Breakfast in Bed How to Serve Should You Eat with Your Guests? Menus and Recipes

7 - House Rules and Safety features

Rules, Rules, Rules Making Your Own Rules Keep It Simple Rules of Operation A Safe House Insurance Protecting Your Own Valuables

8 - Rates, Advertising, Reservations

How to Figure Your Rates Advertising Designing Your Business Card and Brochure Stationery and Gift Certificates Accepting Reservations Handling Check-in Reservation Services

9 - The Art of Hosting

Gracious Hospitality Get Organized The Privacy Factor Hired Help Be a Guest Become a Member Honesty Attention to Detail Above and Beyond Dealing with Unpleasant Guests Enjoy Yourself

10 - Staying in Business

You’re in Business! Bookkeeping Tax Advantages Whether or Not to Incorporate Making Money Spin-off Businesses The Horse’s Mouth Keep Guests Coming Back Success

Also by Martha Watson Murphy Appendix: Resources Index Copyright Page