Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

I often ponder about running one I miss working with and meeting new people, and so have thought about it a few times. It could be a chance to live somewhere nice, and still have time for the sites/programming

Anyone ever owned/run one? What's it like? Would you recommended it? Where!? Are business mortgages easy to get for them?

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

I know nothing at all about running a B&B but after thinking about it, I find it a daunting prospect under the present financial climate. Also there are too many elements involved that would be off putting for me. But then I am not very adventurous and a little cautious.
As for the location, it would have to include a lot of sunny days for me
I would like to hear more about your thoughts though

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

Not for me I'm afraid be like having a pub a 7 day week job. I struggle working 4 days some weeks

Also what happens when you want to get away yourself ?

Still if you fancy it Azz go for it.

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

If it was me I wouldn't try it under the present uncertain financial climate Azz, I can only speak from the way things are over here, B&B's, hotels, and pubs are going out of business every day here, properties are going very cheap but nobody is buying, it seems everyone is holding on to what they got.

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

As far as I am concerned running such an establishment would be a fate worse than death!

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

I don't think I would want to run a b&b or a hotel Azz. I think I would prefer to have some self contained holiday lets and keep my home separate.

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

Thanks guys... I think I am well put off it now

I posted the same question on Dogsey, some interesting replies there too - but on the whole, people advising it against there as well

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?t=168384

Such a shame as I liked the idea of living near a beach

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

If you have another income from the web etc, I'd go for the B&B. My ex wife used to run a B&B and I have a couple of friends here in Knaresborough who rent a couple of spare rooms in ordinary 3 bed semi's out for B&B in the tourist season. Can be quite lucrative if you pick the right location, but only in season. Not to tying either. both of my friends use a local laundry that collects and delivers the laundry, and they both have a school girl part time that cleans and changes the beds. All they do is the shopping and cooking the breakfast. they are finished for the day by 10am. Wouldn't recommend it for a sole source of income though for the reasons mentioned above.

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

I would go for a separate holiday cottage/annex rather than a B and B .

I used to run an Inn in Dorset, no letting just meals and it nearly killed us with the long hours. Your life is not your own.

What came as a revelation to me was the behaviour of some of the public they would steal anything from from cutlery/salt and pepper to light bulbs and loo roll from the loos.
I had fresh flowers in the loo, I have known people throw these out of the window, the also burnt holes in the curtains with cigarettes.
It was so disheartening when we went to great lengths to make sure the place was clean and pleasant.
Of course the culprits were anonymous , in a B and B you would have names and addresses.

My cousin Joy in Derbyshire used to do B and B and the same people came back year after year. She enjoyed doing it but could only take a small number of people.

Re: Anyone ever run a B&B/Guest House?

It wouldnt do for me,I wouldnt want people I didnt know in the house at night but thats me we are all different,go and sample a few this summer and get the hang of it, by next year the climate may have changed and we will get used to calling you Basil!