Behind the Scenes of Running a B&B with Kate O’Donovan | Bed and Breakfast Academy

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate O’Donovan, owner of Maple Bank B&B in the stunning UK Lake District and a graduate of my B&B Academy course. Kate shares her journey from corporate life to running a thriving seven-room B&B and offers practical insights for aspiring and current B&B owners.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own B&B or looking for inspiration to improve your guest experience, this episode is packed with valuable advice and honest reflections on what it’s really like to run a bed and breakfast.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction:

• My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.


• Introducing Kate O’Donovan, her background, and the story behind Maple Bank B&B.

Choosing the Right Location:

• Why Kate and her mum chose the Lake District for their B&B.


• How location impacts year-round business opportunities and guest demographics.

Creating an Exceptional Guest Experience:

• The importance of focusing on how guests feel during their stay.


• Practical ways to make guests feel at home, from thoughtful touches to dog-friendly amenities.

The Realities of Running a B&B:

• Managing guest expectations and setting clear boundaries to protect your time and well-being.


• Strategies for dealing with negative reviews and unexpected challenges.

The Importance of Work Experience:

• How real-world experience can help aspiring B&B owners decide if the lifestyle is right for them.


• Kate’s new mini work experience programme for potential B&B owners.

Lessons Learned:

• Why it’s critical to delegate tasks and focus on what you do best.


• Kate’s advice for balancing the financial and emotional demands of running a B&B.

Connect with Kate:

Visit Maple Bank B&B at www.maplebank.co.uk for more information or to get in touch with Kate.

Connect with Me:

Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.
Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.

Enjoy the episode, and happy hosting!