Large verandas for after-dinner strolls . . . billowy white curtains blowing in the
breeze . . . quiet meals by firelight. The sheer romance of a B&B can be intoxicating
enough to entice you into starting one of your own. If marketing trends are on
target, more and more folks are looking for unusual escapes from the stress of their
everyday lives.
And what better place to recuperate than a peaceful, romantic inn?
You’ll need anywhere from two to twelve extra rooms for guest accommodations,
in addition to adequate kitchen and dining space. You will need to be meticulous
in your cleaning and make sure that all prepared foods follow strict regulations.
Also, be sure to educate yourself on all of the tourist attractions in your immediate
area. You’ll be surprised how often customers will count on your local expertise in
devising their travel plans.
You’ll need at least $100,000–$400,000 if you need to purchase a suitable
home; you may also look into buying an existing B&B and simply taking over
the business (turnover is relatively high, as some owners burn out after a period
of ten years or so).
If you already have a large enough home, put aside extra cash
($5,000–$10,000) for repairs and updates, in addition to another $10,000 to
cover your initial operating costs. You’ll spend between $1,500–$5,000 on your
first six months of advertising as well. But considering that you’ll charge clients
$125 and up per night, you should be able to develop a steady cash flow within the
first five years of your business plan’s projections.
Keys to Success
You could easily be drawn in to the seemingly idyllic country inn lifestyle. But
before you launder the sheets, put mints on the pillows, and open your doors to
guests, give a lot of thought to the hard work ahead; most B&B owners will tell
you that there are long hours of intense work (cooking, cleaning, and assisting
guests in all of their needs). If you don’t mind putting in a sixty-plus-hour work-
week without the promise of grand riches, a bed and breakfast inn can be a great
match. You’ll certainly meet lots of interesting people!
Start-up cost: $60,000 (assuming you already own the building)
Potential earnings: $35,000–$175,000
Typical fees: $125+ per room, per night (depending on season)
Advertising: Yellow Pages, B&B directories (both online and print),
direct mail to travel agencies, Web site with reservation
capability or booking calendar
Qualifications: Permits for serving food to guests, may need zoning
permit, knowledge of regulations
Equipment needed: Beds and linens, towels, dining tables/chairs with enough
seating for all guests, plates and drinking glasses, kitchen
equipment, washer/dryer, large freezer, stationery/
brochures
Staff required: Yes (but it could be composed of family members)
Hidden costs: Be sure your prices cover everything from electricity to
food, as your utility bills and food costs will be significantly
higher than usual.
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