Making a Good Impression on Guests

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Entrance

Imagine you are a guest coming to your B & B for the first time. Carefully look at the guest entrance.

• What mood does it set?
• Is it inviting?
• Is there a sign?
• Is the walkway clear and safe?
• Is there a porch light?
• Is it clear that you should ring the bell or just walk in?
• Is the yard well kept and nicely landscaped?

Bedrooms
 

Take a look at your potential guest bedrooms objectively. Put yourself in the guest's shoes.

• Is this a room a guest will enjoy?
• Is the paint and/or wallpaper in good condition?
• Is the mattress comfortable?
• Will it provide good support?
• Is there adequate closet space?
• Is there a chair for reading and relaxing? It will save wear and tear on the mattress.
• Is there a desk or a place to write letters?
• Is there proper lighting for reading and writing?
• Is there a full length mirror available for dressing?
• Have you provided a night light and smoke detector in each room as a safety feature?

Think about the bed linens. Be sure that you have an adequate supply. Double or triple sets of everything for each room;.sheets, towels,blankets etc comes in very handy to help you manage your time in changing the room for the next guest.Or, in case damage occurs to a bedspread, rather than having to replace the whole set, you have a spare to save you;.temporarily.

• Are sheets of high quality fabric?
• Are they fresh or worn?
• Do you have adequate blankets?
• Are pillows fresh and fluffy?
• Can you provide a selection of pillows to suit guests' needs?

Cleanliness

Probably the most important thing to impress your guests is the cleanliness of your home; their bedroom and bathroom.

• Are there cobwebs in the corners or behind the furniture?
• Is dust collecting under the bed?
• Furniture should be polished and dust-free.
• Drawers should be free for guests belongings.
• A scented lining in drawers adds a nice touch as well. Do be aware however, that some guests may have allergies or breathing disorders. If you fill your rooms with potpourri, candles and other types of scents, you may cause more problems; have very sick and unhappy guests.
• Some type of towel rack in each room may also be appreciated especially if guests are sharing a bathroom.
• Clean curtains or draperies framing shining windows are also a main requirement.

Ingenuity is often key to guestroom comfort. To expand limited closed space, a chest of drawers can be added, or attractive shelving with hooks can be mounted on a wall.

• A inexpensive round wooden table can become a nightstand or writing area.
• Coordinated curtains,draperies,bed covers, pillows and tablecloths and shower curtains can be easily made from decorator sheets.
• Live plants, flowers--real or silk--add a nice touch.
• You should be able to provide extra hangers,blankets or pillows for your guests.
• A luggage rack is also another item that will save wear and tear on your bed coverings and mattress.
• Consider providing a bed tray for guests.
• A pitcher of water and glasses on a tray is often appreciated.
• Some hosts provide a small decanter of liqueur for a nightcap. ( Be sure to check your state's dram laws in regards to providing alcoholic beverages, or you can be held liable.)

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Today, guests expect a private bathroom. There are some though, who won't mind sharing a bathroom, although it is getting rare. Carefully look over any bathroom that guests will use from their viewpoint.

• The sink, shower, toilet should all be impeccable.
• There should be no unsightly mold or mildew on tiles, grout, around faucets or on the shower curtain.
• Mirrors should shine.
• Floors should be spotlessly clean.
• Be sure to include a wastebasket. Use a throw-away liner for more sanitary clean up.
• Paper towels and paper cups are more sanitary for guests.
• Extra towels, soap, tissues and toilet paper should be easily accessible.
• Adequate lighting and high quality mirrors in the bathroom are a must for both men and women!

• A non-skid floor surface or rugs with a non-skid backing should be used.
• A non-skid surface or mat in the tub or shower is also needed.
• Check the temperature of your hot water to assure that no one will be scalded.
• Make sure that there is ample hot water for all your guests needs.
• Are faucets dripping? This can be a most irritating sound for a guest trying to get a good night's sleep.
• Another safety feature you may want to consider at some point is the use of GFI circuits in the bathroom to prevent shock.

• If there is too little storage space, consider hanging shower caddies or corner shelving.
• Shelving with pegs will add extra hanging space for towels.
• Wicker plant stands can also hold towels.
• You may want to box in plumbing features under the sink and use louvered doors for a decorative effect.
• An old dry sink or a chest of drawers can be made into a sink as well by cutting out a hole in the top and placing the sink bowl and fixtures in place. If you are handy and can do it yourself, you may be able to save quite a bit of money in the remodeling and redecorating process.