Have you ever sat there, coffee in hand, daydreaming about opening up your own little B&B in the mountains or a tiny boutique hotel in a beachside town? This is something that many people aspire to or want their future to hold, and while it sounds dreamy on paper, sort of like bringing your own Hollywood movie to life, the reality is vastly different from how it's portrayed in the movies or appears as a guest.
And before you know it, this romantic notion of what life could be like is ruined by tears, stress, and permits threatening to ruin everything you've worked hard for. Let's take a look at what you need to know before you dip your toes into the world of being a B&B or Airbnb mogul.
Location Is More Than The View
While there's absolutely nothing that can wow more than the perfect view, some locations that have the best views aren't all they're cracked up to be. People want easy; they want places they can get to without having to take 2 planes and an Uber, then a speedboat to get to you. If you're eyeing up a small town, are there local motorway links, or is there an airport nearby? If you're in the middle of a city, is parking accessible, or is it better for people to take an Uber or public transport? While that little cottage in the middle of nowhere sounds idyllic, if people can't get to it easily, it's already going to struggle.
Comfort is King
Here's the thing: you need to know your target audience and build comfort around what they will find appropriate or at least expect. You see, people will forgive a creaky floorboard or the shower taking a minute to heat up, or other small quirky elements the property has. But a bad bed? You can't come back from that. You need a mattress that feels like sleeping on a cloud, not cardboard, hotel bedding that feels luxurious, not scratchy, pillows that don't sag, and blackout curtains. Because your guests, regardless of where they're travelling from, will always appreciate the extra effort towards their comfort, especially in the bedroom.
Personal Touches Still Matter
Hospitality at its heart is about people. It's about making them experience a stay away from home that makes them feel at home. You can have all of the notes, manuals, and automatic check-ins, but you need to remember the human touch, too. A quick hello over breakfast, writing about your favourite local eateries or nightlife spots, remembering their name when they come back through the door. It's the small things you can do that will matter and shouldn't be overlooked.
Then There's The Boring Stuff
No one gets excited about the paperwork, but when setting up accommodation for a paying guest to stay there, there is a lot of paperwork. There are licenses, insurance, fire safety checks, and food services rules, to name a few. And each state has different requirements, and that's before you meet federal laws, too. So before you start purchasing fancy soap dispensers and monogrammed towels, check the red tape; it's not the pretty part, but it's the part that gets and keeps you open.