From grand Victorian mansions to beautiful converted farmhouses, bed and breakfasts come in all shapes and styles. Running a B&B after your hospitality management training is the perfect opportunity to provide guests with an experience that has a personal touch.
Often, the difference between a good B&B and one that guests rave about comes down to the tiniest of details. So, if you want to create a truly memorable B&B experience, here are a few small touches to help you stand out.
1. When You Run a B&B, Anticipate What Your Guests Are Likely to Need
Great B&B hosts know what guests need before guests themselves know it. When stocking guestrooms, make sure you include everything they could possibly have forgotten. This is especially true in the bathroom, where guests will expect to see miniature bottles of soap, shampoo, and other toiletries. Also, have other products available upon request, like toothbrushes, deodorant, and razors.
Make sure bathrooms are stocked with complimentary toiletries that guests may need
But don’t just focus on what guests need. Consider little luxury items that will make their experience truly special. If the room has a bathtub, include complimentary bubble bath soap. If you know your guests are visiting on their anniversary or honeymoon, then wine and flowers are a great idea. Even a simple chocolate on guests’ pillows are a small gesture that make a huge impact.
2. Remember That Guests Want an Experience, Not Just a Place to Stay
Try to find something that really makes your B&B unique. If it’s located in a historic home, for example, then provide a brochure or booklet in each guestroom about the history of the property. You could even provide afternoon tea service to highlight the historic setting.
If your B&B is in an old building, provide your guests with information about its history
Keep in mind that running a B&B is one of the most special careers in hospitality management because it really lets you put your personality on display. So, if you have some special talent, you can incorporate it into the guest experience. For instance, if you have artistic ability, you can host drawing and painting classes for your guests.
3. Use Your Hospitality Management Diploma to Make Breakfast a Special Occasion
The second “B” in B&B stands for breakfast, of course, so your B&B needs to make the first meal of the day an exceptional experience. Begin by checking with your guests before they arrive if they have any dietary restrictions. Simply asking already shows them that you’re going the extra mile to make their stay comfortable. On the other hand, if you serve a cheese and bacon omelette to a guest who doesn’t eat cheese, meat, or eggs, they probably won’t leave with a very good impression!
When deciding what to serve, choose dishes that express something unique about the destination. For example, if you’re in a dairy region, then serving breakfast with fresh milk will go over well. Or, if blueberry season is happening where you are, then pancakes topped with fresh-picked blueberries are likely to be hit.
Incorporate a local twist into breakfast, like fresh milk or locally picked berries
And if you’re worrying about how much all of this food will cost your business, relax! In your hospitality management diploma you’ll learn about controlling food and beverage costs, so you can still serve an exceptional breakfast without breaking the bank.
Do you want to start an exciting new career?
Contact Eton College to learn more about our hospitality management diploma in Vancouver.