How to Open and Operate a Bed & Breakfast, 6th (Home-Based Business Series) (Paperback)

~ Jan Stankus (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own bed and breakfast? Have you been hesitant to put your plans into action? This comprehensive handbook clearly outlines how to set up and run a successful bed and breakfast in your own home. Author Jan Stankus has gathered all the best advice on everything you need to know, from getting your business off the ground to complying with current laws. Whether you have one spare bedroom or a small inn, you may soon be earning income as you welcome a steady stream of new fiends into your home. Learn all about: What it takes to be a host; setting pricing policies; organizing your business; working out of your home; establishing your daily schedule. Other special features include: health and safety checklist, marketing plan, sample web page, guest information record, cash-flow projection worksheet, business plan, income/expenses worksheet and more.

From the Back Cover

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own bed and breakfast? Have you been hesitant to put your plans into action? This comprehensive handbook clearly outlines how to set up and run a successful bed and breakfast in your own home. Author Jan Stankus has gathered all the best advice on everything you need to know, from getting your business off the ground to complying with current laws. Whether you have one spare bedroom or a small inn, you may soon be earning income as you welcome a steady stream of new fiends into your home. Learn all about: What it takes to be a host; setting pricing policies; organizing your business; working out of your home; establishing your daily schedule. Other special features include: health and safety checklist, marketing plan, sample web page, guest information record, cash-flow projection worksheet, business plan, income/expenses worksheet and more. (7 x 10, 360 pages, worksheets, charts)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 6th edition (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762706570
• ISBN-13: 978-0762706570
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #863,356 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

141 of 142 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most complete, March 28, 2001

By	A. C. Shellhase (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Have you ever flirted with the idea of opening a B&B? Many people have, but most don't have any idea where to start. Jan Stankus's book will tell you everything you'll need to know whether you have one spare room or six.

I admit I was thinking about the possibility of buying a larger house than we can afford and putting the unused space to use as a B&B. I needed information, but surfing the Internet was a long and time consuming job.

I did end up with two trade journals, that I'll tell you about later, but there is no web site that has the plethora of information in this book.

This book is very well written. I actually sat down with it and read most of it straight through, like a novel. The index is so good you can easily go back to the topics you'll need if you pursue the B&B route.

Stankus doesn't pull any punches when she tells what's involved in owning and operating a B&B. I found out things like:

* the difference between a B&B and an inn

* safety concerns for yourself and your house

* zoning issues and ordinances

* insurance, fire laws, and other legal requirements

* furnishing and outfitting your home

* how to get in the guide books

* applying to and using an RSA (reservation service agencies)

* ways to market your B&B business

* what's involved in the B&B lifestyle

* your competition - how to find it and use it to your advantage

* how to price your rooms

* determining your start-up costs

* amenities - what are they and do you need them

Included are: some useful web sites; a state-by-state list of the RSA's; U. S. & Canadian tourist offices; and a number of various work sheets.

Stankus also deals with issues such as allowing pets or children as guests, medical concerns, food preferences and allergies.

There is enough information to give a reader a solid background in how a B&B works.

Here are some other sources if you're enamoured of the idea of a B&B:

* look for local or regional classes (many times taught by owners of B&B's)...

As always, Globe Pequot's "How To" series is chock full of useful information, reasonably priced, and delivers more than expected. I've decided B&B (or innkeeping) isn't for me. But, if you want to explore the option for yourself, I can't think of a better book to start with.

64 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Starting a B & B is more than just clean sheets!, June 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Open and Operate a Bed & Breakfast (Paperback)

A terrific book for the person thinking of starting their own Bed and Breakfast! Stankus has supplied a cornucopia of useful information. From sample forms to listings of help organizations in the B & B field, including suggestions on how to make your B & B successful! Sprinkled throughout the text are comments by actual Bed and Breakfast hosts/hostesses. How To Open and Operate a Bed & Breakfast is a straight forward guide to help the novice successfully achieve their goal of opening a B & B. A great book to read with a highliter in hand. I look forward to other editions.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Bed & Breakfast available, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

Found this entertaining, fun, and highly informative. If you need encouragement in starting a b & b biz, this is for you! Great anecdotes that are amusing and educational. Good advice all around. Particularly liked the checklists.