December 20, 2024

#28 - Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)

18 minutes

Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)

In this festive episode, I share some of the funniest and most memorable moments from my 17 years of running an award-winning B&B in Shropshire. From spider mishaps to dog antics, and even a few guest mix-ups, this light-hearted look back at my time as a B&B owner is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Whether you’re dreaming about starting a B&B, already running a bed and breakfast, or just curious about the pros and cons of running a B&B, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the real-life experiences of a B&B host.

For a more serious podcast about the Pros and Cons of Running a B&B listen to this podcast.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction

My background running a successful B&B and teaching aspiring B&B owners since 2006.

Why I decided to share funny anecdotes for my final podcast of 2024.

The Realities of Running a Bed and Breakfast

The inevitability of things going wrong and how to prepare for them.

Insights from Benjamin Franklin and Jay Shetty about preparing for the unexpected.

How to navigate the challenges of running a B&B with preparation and a sense of humour.

Spider Mishaps

The oversized spiders that come with living in a converted granary.

The time a guest unknowingly carried a house spider on her shoulder at breakfast.

How a disappearing spider in a pile of towels led to a neighbourly favour I’ll never forget.

A particularly awkward post-shower encounter with an eight-legged visitor.

Learning Point: While dealing with critters may not be glamorous, having a plan in place for pests is essential for maintaining calm and providing a great guest experience.

Dog Antics in a Bed and Breakfast

Mitsi and Murphy, my rescue dogs with big personalities.

Mitsi's "goose" moment with a guest and her sleepover with a guest's greyhound.

Murphy’s muddy paw prints, stolen croissants, and an embarrassing skirt-pulling incident.

The accidental guest "in the lounge" misunderstanding that didn’t go quite as planned.

Learning Point: Running a B&B with dogs can delight animal-loving guests but requires clear boundaries and preparation to avoid mishaps. Learn more in my blog posts: How to Run a Dog-Friendly B&B and Running a B&B and Owning a Dog.

Funny Guest Mix-Ups

Inviting a teenager looking for a party to his “room.”

Mistaking two Jehovah’s Witnesses for course participants during a busy training day.

Learning Point: Establishing a clear check-in process may not seem exciting but can save you from awkward situations and help create a professional first impression.

Running a Bed and Breakfast with Chickens

Managing chickens at a B&B and dealing with the aftermath of a fox attack.

Puss the hen, her knitted chicken jumper, and a guest’s amusing question about “pregnancy.”

Learning Point: Guests may not always understand the realities of keeping animals, but handling their concerns with empathy and sensitivity helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you’ve ever wondered about the day-to-day realities of running a bed and breakfast, or you’re considering starting a B&B yourself, this episode offers a light-hearted but honest perspective. You’ll hear real-life stories that highlight the quirky, funny, and sometimes surprising side of hosting guests.

Resources for Aspiring and Current B&B Owners:

Mini Workshop: Basics of Setting Up a B&B – A great place to start if you’re dreaming of opening your own bed and breakfast.

Full Online Course: How to Set Up and Run a B&B – Everything you need to know to turn your dream into a reality.

Subscribe to the Podcast:

Stay updated with new episodes packed with tips for marketing a B&B, improving your guest experience, and navigating the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy one! If not, I hope you enjoy some time to relax and recharge over the holiday season.

See you in 2025, and happy hosting!

...more

View all episodes

By Karen Thorne

33 ratings