Dear Jacquelyn,

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

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 handicap-accessible room in advance of your check in date. Making 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 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.

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