Dear Jacquelyn,

I will be traveling to New England this September and staying in a Bed and Breakfast. I have never stayed in a B&B before. Are there rules of etiquette of which I should be aware?

Dear Reader,

Most people know what to expect when staying in a hotel. But a bed and breakfast works a little differently. Most bed and breakfasts offer not only a relaxing place to sleep but an extremely unique experience. For starters, the host is typically the person who owns the home.

Personalized service and mingling among guests are a large part of the appeal. There are some basic etiquette tips you should know and follow for a pleasant B&B experience.

For starters, it is very important that the innkeeper is aware of any special needs that you have including dietary restrictions, allergies, or special requests, such as a person with a disability-accessible room in advance of your check-in date. Making special requests known prior to your arrival will give the innkeeper the opportunity to handle special arrangements. Often there is a small staff, or just the owners, trying to make your visit pleasant. Pay attention to the check-in times and make an effort to adhere to them.

When traveling to a B&B with children or pets, notify the hosts in advance. It’s also a good idea to let them know about any special celebrations, like a birthday or anniversary. Sometimes they may provide complimentary upgrades or gifts for the occasion.

If a B&B is run by the owners, tipping is not expected. Your best reward for a good experience in a B&B is a good online review. Make sure you provide details, such as any extra things the innkeeper does to make your stay a pleasant experience. If they have housekeeping help, you may leave a tip in the room. The same tipping guidelines apply to staying at an inn as they do in a hotel.

There aren’t many rules. It’s just common sense and treating others the way you would like to be treated. Only better.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation. All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2018 Jacquelyn Youst