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[AuntG]

This morning when I was making a breakfast casserole, I thought how much work there must be for someone who operates a B&B. You have to be up early, look nice and deal with the public (things that seem difficult to me). I put onions, mushrooms and broccoli in my casserole, but so many people would turn up their noses at one or more of those ingredients. Have any of you run a B&B, and if so, how was the experience?

[mac116]

Sorry, I have not run a B&B, but we've gone to the same one about 90 miles away for several years.  A breakfast casserole/strata would be served with juice, fruit, and a variety of sweet rolls, croissants, and bagels.  No ordering, or apologizing for what was served.  I think there were plenty of choices.  Just my opinion here, but I think that people are becoming a bit too picky about their food, while the rest of us stress about "what can we serve to please everyone."

[drizzellla]

Years ago, my friend's parents did that. They both were burned out from their jobs "in the big city". So they bought a beautiful house in the Poconos. They both fixed it up. And it was really such a show place, it looked so nice.

But being new, they had trouble bringing in customers. A group of us went up on several occasions and we were the only ones in the house. And since we were friend's of their kids, we always had such a good time. They could be relaxed. 

They hung in there for several years and then gave up. With such a large house there was lots of upkeep, utilities and expenses. They never made enough money to cover it.

[Witchy Woman]

@AuntG

I currently own one.

The lovely cottage style home that was built for my parents was standing empty, so we decided to try the B&B idea.

However, we made a decision early on (for a variety of reasons), that we would NOT cook for guests.  

Over the years, we traveled to many B&Bs up and down the East coast.  What we came to realize is we really weren't all that crazy about having breakfast at a given time with strangers.  

My husband is a great guy, but he is not all that social in the morning.  He just wants his coffee in peace and quiet and doesn't really want conversation.

I can manage, but feel much the same way.

So, we provide lots of breakfast options inside the cottage for guests to use as they please.

That includes fresh baked goods and fresh seasonal fruits.  Cereal, oatmeal, eggs, snacks, tea & coffee.

I get that people want a "free" meal, but I have gotten very positive feedback that they also appreciate the privacy.

We make it plain that we won't be cooking, so everyone understands that.  However, they are also getting a complete home, not just a room.

Our bookings are mostly weekends, and I am retired, so it works out well.

[Peaches McPhee]

A few years ago, husband and I stayed at a B&B and had a long talk with the owner.  He loved it, but was getting burned out . . . and was looking to put it on the market.  Just like has been said.  Long hours, having to be "on" constantly, and the running a kitchen at all hours (this B&B also had dinner service).  He said that the averag time of ownership of B&Bs is about 10 years.  

[Snicks1]

It is definitely not for me. I have no desire to be "on" and serving strangers first thing in the morning.

[CelticCrafter]

Since I don't like to cook and only do it so we don't starve, all they'd be getting from me is a pot of coffee or tea with styrofoam cups and danish or donuts from the local bakery on paper plates!

[software]

Not a B&B but helped my (late) aunt & uncle run a small motel near a resort area in rural TN.   In the morning about all they would make is coffee but there was a toaster, with bagels, bread, fruit, juice-- very simple "help yourself" things.   

She was a great cook but like you say why the hassle?

She was a great host otherwise,   They had 10 rooms and about half were rented on a weekly basis.   

Their only downside (they were retired when they bought it) was no freedom.   By noon, they would be finished with everything -- laundry, cleaning the rooms and clearing the "breakfast" area.   They would hang out in the "office" the rest of the day, friends & family could visit but for the most part, they were tied to the property.

After a while they became good enough friends with one of their weekly tenants that those tenants would run the property for them if they needed to go out of town for a few days.    It takes a certain type of personality to deal with people every day.   It's not for everyone.

[chrystaltree]

Never ran one but stayed in them, many time.  Breakfasts were always continental breakfasts.  Nothing complicated like omlettes or breakfast casseroles and they were always buffet because guests get up at varying times.  Get up too late and the sausages and bacon would be gone!!   I like the experience but we always stayed in really nice, well run ones that friends recommended.   Generally, it's shared bathroom and I don't like that.  But I like the feel of staying in a private home with antiques and a "genteel" setting.  

[AuntG]

Spoiler

I've stayed in three and breakfast was a big thing at all of them, but it was handled differently.

1. The dining room was large and had eight individual tables - there was a three hour window to go down for breakast.

2. A breakfast basket was brought up to the room - we picked from fifteen minute intervals for it to be delivered.

3. At a set time, all the guests went to the dining room and ate at a large table - I disliked this one because you ate at 9am or had to settle for just tea or coffee.