Setting up a B&B

beatle

Hi,
I am thinking about setting up a B&B in my house (living in small town with plenty of tourists), but before I start making any investments (en-suits and minor changes in house) I want to know more about what it means to run a B&B.

I have tried the web for advice (enterprise ireland, google etc) but have found vey little useful stuff there. Where do I turn for advice on fees, tax and other costs? Does anyone have any advice for me? Is there maybe an association for Bed and Breakfast owners? I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks yous.

B

Uncle Chenzo

First port of call - Bord Failte. They will help you out, think of all the bord failte approved b+b's around the country. They have a massive B+B network. To get approved, you have to meet their list of standards, you also have to pay them a percentage.

An idea would also be to try to isolate the current b+b's in your area, get into your car and drive around to them say, on a Friday or Saturday night and see how many cars are parked outside of them - to gauge their level of business, also do so on the not so busy nights Monday's, Tuesdays. At least you'll know if their is a market there. Check out what offers local hotels have, and try to beat them. Lots of people don't like staying in hotels as they are perceived as lifeless, soulless places. Some people like the local edge, the personal touch

It would be ideal to have your B+B close to the nearest hotel, so as to accommodate overflow. Also nearby attractions always help, fishing, hill walking, cycling etc...

Also, Web presence. Get a name, register it, and put it up. Even if it's just a splash page for the time being, get the clock ticking on it, visitors do their homework - especially when they come to an expensive country like this.

Hope some of this helps.

Best of luck.

emkbrown

Thought you might be interested in this...

http://bedandbreakfastworldblog.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/are-you-starting-a-bed-and-breakfast/