Just Six Guests, . First-hand, encouraging advice on how to set up and run a small bed & breakfast PDF
Preview Just Six Guests, . First-hand, encouraging advice on how to set up and run a small bed & breakfast
Ifyouwanttoknowhow... Buying&RunningaGuesthouseorSmallHotel Makeafreshstartandrunyourownguesthouse StartingandRunningaB&B Apracticalguidetosettingupandmanaging aBedandBreakfastbusiness Book-Keeping&AccountingfortheSmallBusiness Howtokeepthebooksandmaintainfinancialcontroloveryour business HowtoGetFreePublicity Ahandbookforsmallbusinesses,clubs,schoolsorcharities howtobooks Send for a free copy of the latest catalogue to: How To Books Spring Hill House, Spring Hill Road, Begbroke, Oxford OX5 1RX, United Kingdom email: [email protected] http://www.howtobooks.co.uk howtobooks Published by How To Content, A division of How To Books Ltd, Spring Hill House, Spring Hill Road, Begbroke, Oxford OX5 1RX. United Kingdom. Tel: (01865) 375794. Fax: (01865) 379162. [email protected] www.howtobooks.co.uk All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or stored in an information retrieval system (other than for purposes of review) without the express permission of the publisher in writing. © 2008 Helen Jackman Cartoons © Colin Shelbourn, www.shelbourn.com First published 2004 Second edition 2006 Third edition 2008 First published in electronic form 2008 ISBN13: 978 1 84803 278 1 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Produced for How To Books by Deer Park Productions, Tavistock Typeset by PDQ Typesetting, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. NOTE: The material contained in this book is set out in good faith for general guidance and no liability can be accepted for loss or expense incurred as a result of relying in particular circumstances on statements made in the book. The laws and regulations are complex and liable to change, and readers should check the current position with the relevant authorities before making personal arrangements. Contents Preface xi Acknowledgements xv Introduction 1 1 Researching the Project 7 Is it right for you? 7 Looking at tourist patterns 8 Reviewing potential hosts 11 Considering financial constraints 14 Creating a business plan 15 Weighing up the social considerations 17 Identifying fears 19 Considering location 20 Selecting the right premises 22 Who will be your customers? 23 Likely reasons for failure 29 2 Complying with the Law 31 Just six guests 32 Seeking permission to operate 32 Complying with regulations 33 Caring for those on your premises 34 Avoiding disability discrimination 39 Establishing a no smoking policy 41 Becoming an employer 42 Insuring your premises 44 Obtaining a television licence 46 Accepting bookings 46 Registering guests 48 Being aware of Data Protection 50 Complying with the Trade Descriptions Act 51 Northern Ireland 51 v vi / JUST SIX GUESTS 3 Setting Up the Rooms ^ De¤cor and Equipment 53 Looking at bathroom facilities 54 Providing disabled facilities 55 Caring for the outside of your property 56 Providing parking 56 Caring for the public areas 57 Equipping the bedrooms 58 Equipping the bathrooms 68 Setting up the dining room 71 Do you need a guest sitting room? 72 Thinking about the kitchen 73 4 Looking AfterYour Guests 77 Providing a safe environment 77 Dealing with enquiries 79 Introducing a cancellation policy 81 Welcoming guests 83 Supplying information 84 Planning the housekeeping 86 Carrying out maintenance 89 Providing meals 90 Offering additional services 93 Socialising 94 Dealing with complaints 95 Introducing rules 97 Accommodating children and young adults 98 Thinking about your policy towards animals 99 Reacting to damage 100 Dealing with departures 100 Evaluating repeat business 100 Keeping guest records 101 Looking after yourself 102 CONTENTS / vii 5 FillingYour Rooms 105 Preparing promotional literature 106 Using free advertising 107 Making use of signs 108 Making use of VisitBritain, the Tourist Boards and Information Centres 108 Signing up for the National Quality Assessment Scheme 110 Preparing for the inspector’s visit 113 Evaluating the accommodation guide books 115 Networking 117 Making use of the internet 118 Dealing with Saturday night bookings 120 Return visits 121 6 Organising Money Matters 125 Planning your price structure 125 Displaying charges 129 Establishing a policy for friends 130 Receiving payment 130 Budgeting 131 Maintaining financial records 133 Coping with taxation 135 Being aware of Rent-a-Room for traders 137 7 From B&B to Guest House 141 Considering the legal and financial implications 142 Operating a guest house 144 8 Summary 147 Sharing your home 148 Further information 149 Useful publications 149 Courses 150 Useful websites 151 Useful addresses 152 Index 163 This page intentionally left blank List of Illustrations 1 Estimated setting-up costs 16 2 Sample registration form 49 3 Sample maps 82 4 Sample welcome letter 85 5 Estimated monthly costs 132 6 Example of a simple weekly income and expenditure account 134 ix
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