Can I use my physical property as a business idea?

Of course you can. Let’s say you have a large home that once housed your children. Today you find that your children are grown and have families of their own. You can downsize I suppose or you could become part of the growing number of bed and breakfast operators.

Back in the mid 1970s there were less than 500 B&Bs today that number is in the thousands. I think one of the reasons it is successful is there are a lot of families who have the gift of hospitality and owning a bed and breakfast operation allows them to use that gift and make a profit, too.

Okay, so I have a couple of extra bedrooms and can cook eggs. Now what?

Location is important to a bed and breakfast business. Many guests will enjoy a serene country setting or a house on a lake. They may enjoy a stay in a small town along a well-traveled road or one with a view of majestic mountains. If your B&B is in direct proximity to a popular tourist destination you may find success. If it’s off the beaten path it might not be as successful.

If you are really interested in this idea you also need to assess your willingness to open your home to a diverse group of visitors. You will also need to be honest about your ability and willingness to keep your house neat and clean. Will your home be a quiet retreat for guests or do you enjoy watching television or listening to music that is heard throughout the house?

I know, you want your home to be your home, but if you are opening it up to the bed and breakfast crowd you are essentially renting your hospitality and best manners every day you accept guests.

If I move forward with this idea what can I expect next?

You will likely need to see if your home needs to be rezoned for this type of business and check with local and state laws regarding your business. You may need a business license and a business and marketing plan. However, in many cases small numbers of overnight guests may not require a typical business license.

You will need to develop a pricing structure for your rooms and determine if you will allow children and pets in your home. Most bed and breakfast establishments also develop rooms with themes and give them names so if a visitor really likes the experience they can request the same room when they visit again.

The B&B bottom line

The amount you make is entirely contingent on the price of your rooms, the number of rooms available and the number of guests that come through your home. If you have two rooms available and you charge $50 per room you could see as much as $3000 per month in income IF your rooms are filled each night. At the beginning do not expect this to happen.

The Business of Hospitality Tips

Be hospitable.

Help visitors locate attractions and give them directions to their next destination.

Make your home feel like their home.

Give them a reason to tell their friends about your B&B.

For travelers a bed and breakfast is sometimes a cost effective way to lodge when traveling or it may be a way to feel as if their trip is a more personally satisfying adventure. Your business has the ability to instill a very positive memory in the hearts and minds of your visitors. That means you must be on your game when it comes to hospitality.

I need details.

Okay. Then you might want to visit the American Bed and Breakfast Association at abba.com or the Professional Association of Innkeepers International at paii.org.