Open Your Own Bed and Breakfast

Experience the joy-and profits-that come from managing your own bed and breakfast!Whether you already know the magic that comes with owning a B&B or you are at the planning stage, the fourth edition of Open Your Own Bed & Breakfast-now updated with everything you need to know about online marketing-guides you through this special world. Barbara Notarius, one of America's most widely recognized and respected B&B experts, shows you how to make your dream a reality. Some of the essential information provided in this book includes:

• Your responsibilities-and those of your guests
• Financial considerations
• Advertising, the Internet, and working with a reservation service
• Evaluating your home's assets and liabilities
• Conforming to the ADA
• Legal, tax, and insurance issues, including recent changes in the tax code
• Interviews with successful hosts
• Lists of B&B associations, guidebooks, and B&B reservation services

This new edition is an informative update of every aspect you need to know in order to run your B&B smoothly and successfully. Combining a meticulous business approach with a sincere appreciation for the pleasure that comes with running a B&B, Open Your Own Bed & Breakfast is an invaluable resource.

Acknowledgments. Introduction: America Is Waking Up to Bed and Breakfast. Bed and Breakfast Defined: Basic Principles. Is Bed and Breakfast for You? Evaluating Your Home's Assets and Liabilities. Financial Considerations. Starting Up. Public Relations and Advertising. The Internet. Working with a Reservation Service. Operating Smoothly: For Hosts Who Market Themselves. Increasing Profitability. Specialty Bed and Breakfasts. Construction. Best Breakfasts. Interviews with Successful Hosts. Appendix A: Bed and Breakfast Reservation Services. Appendix B: Publications. Appendix C: State Bed and Breakfast Associations. Appendix D: Sources. Appendix E: Online Directories. Appendix F: Reservation Software. Index.