MANY YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE WE WELCOMED THE FIRST STRANGERS INTO OUR HOME. I now feel qualified to comment on our experience and include information that we would have found helpful when we took what seemed at the time quite a brave step. My husband spent all his working life in the hospitality industry and we first met whilst studying hotel and catering management at the same college back in the late 50s. Now, nominally retired, we have gone full circle - back to serving meals and making beds - and enjoying it more than ever! The difference between then and now is that we fill our empty bedrooms with guests as a pleasure, rather than solely through financial necessity. Tolerance, flexibility and a sense of humour have been needed on occasions, but our guests have been absolutely great and since starting our business our faith in humanity has soared". Read Helen's book for guidance on: - DOING YOUR INITIAL RESEARCH - COMPLYING WITH THE LAW - PREPARING THE ROOMS - LOOKING AFTER YOUR GUESTS - MARKETING YOUR B&B - PRICING AND BOOK KEEPING Contents: Acknowledgements; Preface; Introduction; 1. Researching the project; 2. Complying with the law; 3. Setting up the rooms - decor and equipment; 4. Looking after your guests; 5. Filling your rooms; 6. Organising money matters; 7. From B&B to guest house; Summary Further information; Index.

Author Biography

Having both had careers in the hospitality industry, author Helen Jackman and her husband 'retired' to a small B&B in rural Kent which they have run successfully for over ten years. When they took what seemed at the time quite a brave step they could find no British publication aimed at this 'hobby' end of the market. This book was written to fill that gap and to help others enjoy opening their homes to guests. Helen is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.