B&B Etiquette

Remember that many people who run B&B's generally live there, so treat it with respect as you would anyone’s home. The furniture, glasses, towels, and other items belong to them, so never remove these items from the premises; taking them would be stealing. Never use towels as a rag. If you have grease or oil on your hands, show some respect and wash your hands in the kitchen and dry with paper towels. You are a guest in someone's home, so show respect for the hosts and their belongings.

We will charge $40.00 for any towels you ruin. Yes, that is what towel sets cost!

No parties or drinking until you’re sick. You will be asked to leave and your money will not be refunded.

Bed and Breakfast Etiquette Rules

When you stay at a bed and breakfast, the first thing you need to do is find out if they have any special rules at that particular establishment. (SEE HOUSE RULES)

Here are some standard guidelines that you will find at most places:

Don’t expect to check in before the listed time unless you have made prior arrangements. When it is time to check out, make sure you have removed all your belongings from the room. The innkeeper needs to change the sheets and get the room ready for the next guest. Many B&Bs stay booked, and you should never infringe on someone else’s time.
Ask about house rules and follow them. The rules were established for a reason. If you have an issue with them, discuss your concerns with the owner. You might learn the reason the rule was made.
Don’t make noise while others may be sleeping. Keep your voices down in the early morning hours and late at night. During the day, talk in soft tones.
If you have children with you, make sure they behave and follow all the rules. Don't allow them to run down the halls, jump on furniture, or bother other guests.
Show up for meals and other planned activities on time and dressed appropriately. Don't go to breakfast still wearing your pajamas.
Don’t take more than your share of the food or drinks during meals or tea. Make sure there is plenty for other guests. After everyone has been served, you may ask for more if you can see that there is enough left.
Feel free to ask the innkeeper questions about the area, but don’t monopolize his or her time. There may be other guests who need attention.
Be as neat as possible in the bathroom. Whether it is private or shared with other guests, you don't want to gross out anyone who enters after you leave. If you are sharing a bathroom with other guests, don't dawdle.
Never smoke in the bed and breakfast. You may think you can get away with it without the innkeeper’s knowledge, but they will find out. Telltale signs of smoking such as smells, ashes, or discarded cigarette butts may have the host asking you to leave.
Be polite to other guests, even if you disagree with something they say. Don't crowd others or invade their personal space.
At the end of the stay, leave a tip with a short thank you note letting the innkeeper know what you liked about your visit. If you are feeling generous, send a small thank you gift after you return home.
Leave a review for future B&B customers. Make sure you provide details, such as any extra things the innkeeper does to make your stay a pleasant experience.
Always exhibit good everyday manners. Everyone will have a much nicer time if proper etiquette is followed.

Unwritten Rules of a B&B

When you’re looking for romance or accommodations more personal and comfortable than a standard chain hotel, a bed-and-breakfast might be the ticket. While many facets of staying in a B&B are the same as any hotel, the homelike atmosphere of some properties causes travelers to lose their manners or relax more than they would in a more formal property. There are some important rules of decorum — some that might not be obvious when you make your reservation.

Unwritten Rule #1: Respect the Innkeeper’s Schedule

When you stay in a bed-and-breakfast, breakfast is often one of the highlights of the stay. Who doesn’t love a home-cooked, hearty start to the day? When you’re staying at the inn, though, the innkeeper likely has specific hours when she’ll serve breakfast. Your room may include breakfast, but that doesn’t mean at noon when you roll out of bed. Checkout is 11 AM

When you want to arrive at midnight, that is problematic for us and other guests staying here.

Respecting the innkeeper’s schedule also means paying attention to the property’s policies regarding quiet hours and locked doors. Remember, the inn is someone’s home. Turn down the television and keep your conversations quiet in the evening. If you’ll be out late, ask the innkeeper for the proper procedure to enter the building. Some will wait up until all of their guests have returned, while most will offer a key or code so guests can come and go as they please. Again, be quiet so as not to awaken other guests when you come in late.

If you call to reserve a room, remember the inn’s schedule. Don’t call first thing in the morning when the owner is probably tending to guests.

Unwritten Rule #2: Respect the Innkeeper’s Belongings

You’re staying in a large hotel and need to clean off your makeup. You grab one of the washcloths, wipe off the bright red lipstick and dark eye shadow, and toss the cloth in the laundry pile — and housekeeping doesn’t bat an eye.

In a bed-and-breakfast, the innkeeper supplies the items herself and likely has a limited supply. Stained linens may have to be thrown away or recycled, so use caution. Use disposable makeup wipes and take care with any medications that could stain or damage linens. Take care with other items as well: Use coasters to protect what is probably antique furniture and let the innkeeper know immediately about any spills. Don’t “accidentally” take a robe or some towels home with you. A large hotel can absorb the cost or may not even notice. A bed-and-breakfast will charge you.

Unwritten Rule #3: Be Personable

Innkeepers are a wealth of information about their hometowns — and love to share information and get to know their guests. If you want to be anonymous, and go to and from your room without being noticed, consider staying in a large hotel. At the bed-and-breakfast, you’ll have the chance to chat with the innkeeper and other guests. If you’re rude or unfriendly, you won’t be welcomed back.

Unwritten Rule #4: Make Special Requests Before You Arrive

You’re allergic to nuts or you need to bring a white-noise machine or other device to help you sleep? Let the innkeeper know before you arrive so she can have everything ready when you arrive. You don’t want to be moving furniture around, searching for an outlet in the middle of the night.

Unwritten Rule #5: Leave a Tip

Some guests wonder whether it’s necessary to leave a tip at a bed-and-breakfast. The answer is yes. Many times, the innkeeper does all of the cooking and cleaning herself. Tips are a nice way to recognize that hard work. If nothing else, a generous tip recognizes the extra care and details you find at the inn.

All of these rules don’t mean staying in a bed-and-breakfast is a stuffy or unpleasant experience. In fact, most inns are the exact opposite and are quite comfortable. They’re just different from your average hotel — and your behavior should be different as well.