You are thinking about trying a bed and breakfast (B&B) instead of a large hotel, but are not sure what is expected when you are a guest in someone’s personal home. Here are some insider etiquette tips for making the most of your first B&B experience!
- Most B&B’s have web sites that will tell you about how to make your reservation. They will likely have items like irons and hair dryers, but check the website for an amenities list or FAQ page to be sure.
- You can set your own arrival time at a bed and breakfast. The B&B staff will ask you ahead of time when your plane gets in and wait for you to arrive. If your flight is delayed, just give the Innkeeper a call, as you would a friend.
- A B&B is an inn as well as a personal home; is it all right to invite friends over for drinks or breakfast? Sure, it is usually not a problem, just let the Innkeeper know to plan ahead.
- Innkeepers want to provide just the right item for you! If you are lactose-intolerant or eat gluten-free or sugar-free, be sure to let them know before you come.
- No one knows the city you are visiting better than a member of the local tourism industry. The innkeeper will be happy to share his/her knowledge of local hot spots and will often send you to places “off the beaten path” that you might not have discovered on your own.
- Have an afternoon or evening departure? No problem. You can store your luggage and enjoy your last day out if your departure is after the designated check out time.
- Your B&B may be furnished with antiques related to the period of the home. They help transport you to a bygone era and may require a gentle touch when in use.
- If you had a great time at the B&B, let others know about it. Reviews on internet sites are increasingly the best marketing available to small businesses to get the word out.
Try the Grand Victorian for your first B&B visit! We’ll give you all the insider information for having a great time in our Garden District neighborhood, our city of New Orleans, and in our home!