Travel is huge. It’s an escape from your everyday routine, and it’s absolutely one of the biggest industries in the world. If you happen to live in an area that sees tourists, then you can take advantage of that wanderlust and start earning some money on the side, or even transform your home into a fully operational business.
In some cases, you can even make your property into a tourist destination. Those with large plots, great views, or even a top location can easily start drawing in that tourist money by turning their property into a B&B. All you need to get started is to use this guide.
1. Sort Out the Legalities
The first step is to understand the legalities of opening a bed and breakfast in your area. In Pennsylvania, for example, there’s no statewide system for short-term rentals. Instead, you’ll need to look at your local municipality. In Philadelphia, you’ll need a Commercial Activity License, a Limited Lodging or Visitor Accommodation permit, and a local operating license. These requirements will be different in smaller municipalities, so always check your local area and make sure your ducks are in a row before you get started.
2. Scope Out Guest Space
The first step is, of course, to scope out the space that you have. If you have a large plot of land, then you may want to consider adding an outbuilding that you can turn into guest accommodation. You can easily and quickly have one erected by contacting one of the top pole barn builders Pennsylvania has to offer, for example.
Small, studio-sized guest houses are also a great option if you live in a more urban area and have space in your backyard. Then, of course, there’s the spare room, which you can rent out on a host of different sites, including Airbnb.
3. Dressing Up The Guest Spaces
Whether you’re converting your guest space or building one, the second step is to dress it up. In general, simple but widely liked décor is best. Choose comfortable bedding and aim to offer the key basics in every room (a kettle, tea and coffee, a mini fridge, and a TV).
If you want to really stand out, of course, you can go all-in on a theme. Just be aware that niche themes can also alienate possible guests. On the other hand, it could help your stay stand out and draw in guests.
You can also offer seasonal décor experiences. Going all out with a Christmas theme for your guest stays may make you a holiday highlight and draw in a huge number of guests during the season.
4. Create an Advertising Package
You will want to take well-lit photos of your guest spaces from different angles. If in doubt, look at what hotels near you are doing and aim to copy them. Even a new phone can take professional-looking photos with the right light, but you can always hire a professional photographer for the day to take photos on your behalf.
In addition to the photos, list out all the amenities your property offers, and look up the distance to top attractions near you. You can even create a guest package that includes things like walking tour routes, top restaurants to go to, and a list of recommendations (even if it’s just for takeout).
5. Outline Your Customer Service Offerings and Guidelines
Determine how much service you are willing to offer. This could mean offering every guest access to a continental breakfast, including pre-made foods like cereals, pastries, and bread, along with amenities like a toaster for guest use in a shared room. It could mean offering a fully cooked breakfast, or even no breakfast at all (in which case you wouldn’t be operating a B&B, but still a boutique stay). If offering food, make sure you look up health, food, and safety guidelines and requirements in your area.
6. List Your Property
The final step is to list and market your property. Be as detailed as possible while using positive, uplifting language that shows your property in the best light. To get new visitors in, offer a promotional period with attractively low nightly rates.
Once you start racking up the 5-star reviews, you can then adjust your prices to find the market threshold. You will want to keep detailed accounts of the costs to find the sweet spot that gives you the highest profits.
Also Read: Elevating Your Property with Expert Roofing Solutions: Insights from Diversity Roofing
7. Partner with Local Businesses
Another great way to get your B&B going is to partner with local businesses or think about how you can expand your operations based on what your property can offer. A farm with a large guest accommodation and a barn could, for example, start offering the entire space for weddings. Alternatively, you can partner with local tour guides and other nearby businesses where you agree to advertise each other’s businesses.
