Question for our next issue:

Do you allow guests to bring pets? If so, how do you handle them?
Email your responses to InnkeeperNews@BedandBreakfast.com. If we publish your comments in the Innkeeper News, we'll thank you with a $25 credit in our Featured Properties Auction program!

We Asked:
What has been your biggest challenge in innkeeping, and how have you overcome it?

You Replied:

"When we first opened our inn eight years ago, we permitted guests to smoke at an outdoor sitting area (ashtrays provided) next to each guest room, as well as in the porch by the swimming pool. Despite our requests, many guests would still smoke in their rooms. Non-smoking guests were offended by the smokers and complained to us. The turning point came when we lost a week-long reservation because guests arrived to find their room smelling of cigarette smoke, and refused to stay.

Villa Nina Island Inn, Fort Pierce, FL

We then changed our policy, becoming completely non-smoking, inside and out. We are upfront about our non-smoking policy, and make it highly visible on our website. A copy of the policy, with severe penalties, is attached to all confirmations. Guests are asked to email us, acknowledging receipt of the confirmation and agreement to the non-smoking policy. End of problem! Many new guests tell us that one of the primary reasons they chose our inn was our totally no-smoking policy. Our revenues have not been significantly affected since we became completely non-smoking. When an incoming guest does not acknowledge the no-smoking agreement (typically due to a lack of computer skills), a copy of the non-smoking policy is given to the guest at check-in, with a signature required." Nina & Glenn Rappaport, Villa Nina Island Inn, Fort Pierce, FL

"Our biggest challenge has been dealing with people who are late arriving at our B&B, and late coming to breakfast. Waiting and waiting for them to arrive is very frustrating. While waiting for guests to get to the inn, I try to be patient, and to find things to do. For breakfast the thing that saved us is a food warmer. We always have breakfast ready right on time and keep it warm while we wait for them. It has not failed us yet." Kelly Crum, Inn at Norwood, Sykesville, MD

Letter to the editor:

"I just wanted to add a suggestion to the advice in Sandy's article, Password Anxiety. I bought a telephone/address book when I bought my first computer. It is alphabetized and tabbed for quick and easy reference. In it I have listed just about every computer contact I make, including ID numbers and passwords. This "little black book" is hidden in an obscure slot of my computer desk. This system works fantastically for me! Thanks for your on-line magazine; it's a valuable resource." June Campbell, Campbell Cottage B&B, Kelleys Island, OH