Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)

In this festive episode, I share some of the funniest and most memorable moments from my 17 years of running an award-winning B&B in Shropshire. From spider mishaps to dog antics, and even a few guest mix-ups, this light-hearted look back at my time as a B&B owner is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Whether you’re dreaming about starting a B&B, already running a bed and breakfast, or just curious about the pros and cons of running a B&B, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the real-life experiences of a B&B host.

For a more serious podcast about the Pros and Cons of Running a B&B listen to this podcast.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction

• My background running a successful B&B and teaching aspiring B&B owners since 2006.


• Why I decided to share funny anecdotes for my final podcast of 2024.

The Realities of Running a Bed and Breakfast

• The inevitability of things going wrong and how to prepare for them.


• Insights from Benjamin Franklin and Jay Shetty about preparing for the unexpected.


• How to navigate the challenges of running a B&B with preparation and a sense of humour.

Spider Mishaps

• The oversized spiders that come with living in a converted granary.


• The time a guest unknowingly carried a house spider on her shoulder at breakfast.


• How a disappearing spider in a pile of towels led to a neighbourly favour I’ll never forget.


• A particularly awkward post-shower encounter with an eight-legged visitor.

Learning Point: While dealing with critters may not be glamorous, having a plan in place for pests is essential for maintaining calm and providing a great guest experience. 

Dog Antics in a Bed and Breakfast

• Mitsi and Murphy, my rescue dogs with big personalities.


• Mitsi's "goose" moment with a guest and her sleepover with a guest's greyhound.


• Murphy’s muddy paw prints, stolen croissants, and an embarrassing skirt-pulling incident.


• The accidental guest "in the lounge" misunderstanding that didn’t go quite as planned.

Learning Point: Running a B&B with dogs can delight animal-loving guests but requires clear boundaries and preparation to avoid mishaps. Learn more in my blog posts: How to Run a Dog-Friendly B&B and Running a B&B and Owning a Dog.

Funny Guest Mix-Ups

• Inviting a teenager looking for a party to his “room.”


• Mistaking two Jehovah’s Witnesses for course participants during a busy training day.

Learning Point: Establishing a clear check-in process may not seem exciting but can save you from awkward situations and help create a professional first impression.

Running a Bed and Breakfast with Chickens

• Managing chickens at a B&B and dealing with the aftermath of a fox attack.


• Puss the hen, her knitted chicken jumper, and a guest’s amusing question about “pregnancy.”

Learning Point: Guests may not always understand the realities of keeping animals, but handling their concerns with empathy and sensitivity helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere. 

Why Listen to This Episode?

If you’ve ever wondered about the day-to-day realities of running a bed and breakfast, or you’re considering starting a B&B yourself, this episode offers a light-hearted but honest perspective. You’ll hear real-life stories that highlight the quirky, funny, and sometimes surprising side of hosting guests.

Resources for Aspiring and Current B&B Owners:

• Mini Workshop: Basics of Setting Up a B&B – A great place to start if you’re dreaming of opening your own bed and breakfast.


• Full Online Course: How to Set Up and Run a B&B – Everything you need to know to turn your dream into a reality.

Subscribe to the Podcast:

Stay updated with new episodes packed with tips for marketing a B&B, improving your guest experience, and navigating the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy one! If not, I hope you enjoy some time to relax and recharge over the holiday season.

See you in 2025, and happy hosting!