Starting Up

Articles covering the key decisions when starting a bed and breakfast business. Topics include funding options, choosing your market, food service, location, and booking systems.

Building a Website for Your Business

Without a website, your bed and breakfast will lose customers to competitors who show up in online searches.

Business Framework for Operating a B and B

Choose the right legal structure for your bed and breakfast by comparing sole trader, partnership, and company options.

Buying an Existing Business or Starting from Scratch

Weigh the pros and cons of buying an established bed and breakfast versus starting a new hospitality business from scratch.

Catering: What Food Should You Offer?

Give your B&B guests breakfast options beyond the full English if you want to stay competitive and keep them happy.

Day to Day B and B Management

Keep your bed and breakfast running smoothly with daily management routines for bookings, finances, cleaning and guest policies.

Does the Owner Have to Live in Their B&B?

Your guests expect a live-in owner for that personal touch, but modern B&Bs are changing what that actually means.

Finding the Right Funding and Finance for Business

Work out your funding needs for a bed and breakfast by calculating startup costs, available capital, and how much you'll need to borrow.

Finding the Right Niche Market for Your Business

Pick the right niche market for your B&B to stand out from competitors and fill rooms during slower seasons.

Fire Regulations and Bed and Breakfast Businesses

How new fire regulations from 2005 caught small bed and breakfast businesses off guard and what changed after industry pushback.

Is a Bed and Breakfast the Right Business for You?

Before starting a bed and breakfast, honestly assess whether you have the temperament, self-discipline, and motivation to run the business successfully.

Systems and Procedures for Booking in Guests

Set up a reliable booking system for your B&B to avoid losing guests and damaging your reputation with missed reservations.

The Benefits of Being Based in a Tourist Area

Setting up a business in a tourist area means weighing foot traffic and support against competition and seasonal trade patterns.

Will a City B and B Work?

Running a city B&B means competing with chain hotels, but you can win guests with personal service and lower prices.