Bed and Breakfast Etiquette for Guests

Fall is the perfect season to travel, and for many people, time to hit the road and enjoy some of what nature has to offer. As an alternative to a hotel or an extended stay with a family member, many people are booking a room at a local Bed and Breakfast at their destination point. I personally love staying at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast—they are full of historic charm, are a welcome change of pace and provide opportunities to meet other guests. For those considering their first B&B experience, here are a few tips and some myths to dispel regarding Bed and Breakfast etiquette for guests.

Bed and Breakfast Etiquette: Guest Reminders

Contact the Innkeeper in Advance

If you are uncertain as to what to expect when you arrive, make a call or email your host and ask for their suggestions. I like to call ahead and ask my host if they have any favorite restaurants they can recommend. Much like a concierge at a nice hotel, you can rely on your host to give you ideas and suggestions that will reflect positively on their bed and breakfast and your experience while staying with them. Reservations are important, especially right now, when guest seating is limited, and some restaurants are not yet open at full capacity.

Arrive on Time

When you have an idea of the approximate time of your arrival, let your host know. Don’t show up multiple hours early asking for an “early check-in.” Unlike a hotel room, where the guests turn over quickly and often, the innkeeper needs time to thoroughly clean the room to get it ready and prepared for their next guest … you. Some innkeepers have another job, and they must plan their day according to what information you have given them.

Respect Your Host’s Personal Property

A bed and breakfast is very similar to someone’s home, and often times it IS the host’s home. The furniture, pictures on the walls, china and special decorative touches are all the host’s personal property. Avoid moving furniture around the living room to accommodate your family or taking small mementos of the property to “remember your visit.” Depending on the size of the home and the budget of the innkeeper, there may be items they offer to their guests for “sale,” such as a specially made local soap, a coffee mug, a recipe book or stationery. Before taking anything off property you assume will not be noticed, ask if you may purchase an extra.

Show Up for Breakfast if You Ordered It

One of the many perks of staying at a lovely bed and breakfast is a home-cooked breakfast, often prepared by the host. The menu may consist of eggs, bacon, sweets, pastries, oatmeal, omelets, waffles, pancakes, coffee and juice. Some breakfasts are more elaborate than others and some hosts even plan “to go” bags for guests who are on the move. Much like being a “no show” at a party, your host has planned for your attendance. If you said you would be present for the morning meal, by all means, follow through.

Let Your Host Know of an Accident

Whether you spilled coffee on the rug or broke a flower vase in the room, let your host know so they can clean, repair or replace the item. Throwing a broken soap dish in the trash without alerting your host will appear impolite if it is part of the room inventory or a personal item of the host. When it comes to a red wine spill or a raspberry jelly spill on the duvet, time is of the essence when trying to remove a stain.

Make Pleasant Conversation With Fellow Guests

It’s not impolite to keep to yourself, especially if your plans for a trip are to relax, unwind, and spend some quality time alone or with family, but making a little conversation with fellow guests at the right time goes a long way. You may also learn some interesting facts about your location. Although your host has many great ideas on sites and attractions, people staying at the inn may have personal experiences to help you decide where to go and what to see. Guest recommendations often turn out to be a valued and appreciated resource.

Leave a Favorable Review

One of the nicest things you can do if you enjoyed your stay is to post something positive about your experience online. While it’s not necessary to leave a “tip” for the host, a glowing recommendation shows your appreciation for their efforts in making you feel welcome. Leaving a scathing review about something beyond their control is highly discouraged. If you are unhappy with your experience, let your host know while you are there so they have an opportunity to make it right. If the eggs were undercooked one morning, or you prefer rye bread to wheat, do everyone a favor and keep your comments offline.

Remember Gratuity for Housekeeping

If you are staying at an Airbnb, it’s not necessary to tip the host. However, at a Bed and Breakfast, there is likely a daily cleaning of your rooms. Additionally, there are many small luxuries and services that go above and beyond, much like a hotel. Leaving gratuity each day for the housekeeping staff, or adding it at the end of your stay to go into a tip pool, is a courteous gesture.

Bed and Breakfast Myths

Myth: There Are No Separate Bathrooms.
At most bed and breakfasts, unless otherwise stated, you do not have to share a bathroom with another guest. You are not staying at a hostel or a college dorm and your accommodations and amenities will reflect it when you arrive.

Myth: There Is No Private Dining.
Although you may be given an option to sit at a community table, depending on the size of the bed and breakfast, many offer separate tables for meals. There are some B&B’s where everyone sits at a single table for breakfast, but more often than not, you have your own separate dining table.

Myth: There Is No Privacy.
Part of the overall experience of a bed and breakfast is a quaint, smaller-scale environment where you will run into other guests, but you are not obligated to socialize with them or make long conversations unless you choose to do so. Some people enjoy having a cocktail on the back porch, overlooking the water, while others may prefer to sit in the bed and breakfast living room and read a good book.

Myth: The B&B Will Be Old and Dusty.
On the contrary. You are not staying at your elderly aunt’s home (which would probably be very sweet!) or your grandma’s. Depending on your personal choice, you will be staying where the ambiance can be anything from modern to vintage. Do your research online to ensure you are staying at a venue you will enjoy and feel relaxed.

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Travel Etiquette: How to Be a Mannerly Airbnb Guest. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.