Where can I find more information about starting up and running a bed and breakfast?
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M$2 Answers
There are many more books. Complete Idtiot's Guide To Running a B&B is highly ranked, with reviews by B&B owners who say it's comprehensive. How to Open and Operate a Bed and Breakfast is also highly-rated. And another example is How to Open a Financially Successful Bed and Breakfast or Small Hotel . There are several more, but those three should give you a lot to think about.
Besides reading, you could also try out a couple of B&Bs at a good distance from your area. Stay a few days, and perhaps the friendly proprietors would be will to share with you if there are any organizations or e-groups they find helpful, or any magazines.
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M$
BOOKS:
How to Start and Operate Your Own Bed-and-breakfast
By Martha W. Murphy, Amelia R. Seton
Preview: http://books.google.com/books?id=QT-FlAk6w6YC&dq=start+bed+and+breakfast&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=b0ztSd2aHJu4sgO6uMHhAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11#PPP1,M1
How to Open and Operate a Bed & Breakfast
By Jan Stankus
Preview: http://books.google.com/books?id=voAlaB3jF4UC&dq=start+bed+and+breakfast&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=b0ztSd2aHJu4sgO6uMHhAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12
Open Your Own Bed & Breakfast
By Barbara Notarius, Gail Sforza Brewer
Preview: http://books.google.com/books?id=d3V3IY8q-RUC&dq=start+bed+and+breakfast&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=b0ztSd2aHJu4sgO6uMHhAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13#PPP1,M1
ONLINE:
"Developing a Bed & Breakfast Business Plan" - http://www.innvirginia.com/cms_files/b&b_business_plan_yzzp9p.pdf
B&B Resource Directory - http://www.businessinfoguide.com/bed-breakfast.htm
Also, the Small Business Administration (http://sba.gov/) will help you start a B&B and can provide free training.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
In addition to the magazines, websites and importantly dead tree books that Trace references, talking to current Bed-and-Breakfast owners is worthwhile.
The B&B community isn't competitive and is filled with nice folks who like to help. Talking to these people about the business, personal and service sides of the business will be invaluable. Just make some calls!