Being The Perfect B&B Host

Being The Perfect B&B Host

We always said that our success depended on our approach to the guests and we always treated them like Royalty regardless of who they were or what they looked like. We behaved as hosts and not owners and made every effort to get along with every guest who stepped over the threshold. The business is about hospitality and our B&B formed its reputation on that point first and foremost.
Many of our return visitors were the result of a friendship formed whilst staying with us or word of mouth passed on from satisfied customers and we rarely advertised especially in the later years. Like many businesses in Blackpool a cheery welcome was priority and even on the days when you felt tired and inhospitable it was never apparent in our service and believe me there will be days when you feel like that.
The following is a list of tips I have carefully gathered that you may find helpful:

• Present a warm and friendly welcome at the front entrance, warm subdued lighting especially during the Illuminations when the weather is a little colder. The aroma of home cooking or coffee at the times when you are expecting guests has a lasting effect and makes your guest feel like they are at home, which of course is where they are for the duration.
• If they feel able, you may want to give guests a quick tour of your Guesthouse soon after they arrive.
• Show the guests to their rooms and give them a chance to settle in. Offer to carry their suitcases if you can.
• Offer a beverage or a light snack after guests have had some time to settle down from their journey.
• Be a "a part time tour guide" for your guests. As hosts, you ought to be able to answer questions about Blackpool and the Fylde and mention local attractions and other places of interest.
• Present visitors with a fact sheet containing frequently asked questions and answers about your lodgings and the surrounding areas.
• Gather brochures and maps for the immediate vicinity as well as other nearby areas of interest. Make these handy for your guests at no cost.
• Accumulate menus from local restaurants and pubs. You may put these in guest rooms or leave them in your lounge or dining area, perhaps in a binder or folder, so that people can look through them at their leisure. You can find a list here at Blackpool Business List.
• Offer "specialities" that will appeal to a range of guests, such as offering breakfast in bed for newlyweds or for special events.
• Find out when guests arrive what they would prefer as a beverage in the morning, and always have coffee made early. A pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee outside the door in the morning will be an unexpected treat.
• Be sure to offer a variety of beverages so that guests can pick from a good selection. Coffee should be of the best quality -- never instant! Experiment with different brands.
• At a small cost offer to make special picnic baskets for lunch so that guest may enjoy a special outdoor location. Be sure to check out your local food service regulations.
• Provide an umbrella stand with loan umbrellas near the door for guests who aren't prepared for Blackpool’s unpredictable weather. We also had some lightweight rain Macs in different sizes.
• Set up a corner in your public lounge area with a selection of games, cards, books and magazines. Supply a variety of reading matter in each room.
• Have extra sample-size toiletries available for your guests, such as shampoo, hand lotion, toothbrushes, disposable razors and toothpaste. You can order a supply of these items embossed with your logo to promote your business. Use liquid soap or miniature, independently wrapped soap bars in the bathroom so no guest has to use somebody else's soap.
• Provide an area which is easily reachable by guests where they can always find a beverage or snack.
• Keep an additional hair dryer, curling iron, make-up mirror,  iron and ironing board available for guest use.
• Provide a local newspaper, as well as one with large distribution such as one of the popular tabloids.
• Be able to offer your guests a local map. Mark your guesthouse, restaurants and other attractions on the map.
• Leave a notice card or flyer informing guests where they can order a takeaway if they wish. Let your guests know if it's all right to eat in their room or on your front patio.
• Make sure your guests know that they only have to ask if there is something they require such as extra towels, more pillows, iron and ironing board, etc.
• Be receptive to your guests' need for privacy and freedom. Be available for those who want to chat to you, but just in touch enough for the guests who want to be left alone.