Running your own bed and breakfast is definitely a change from the usual 9 to 5 job. And the Isle of Wight is the ideal place to open one; the small island off England’s south coast is popular all year round, is easily accessible from the mainland and has become one of the UK’s leading holiday spots.
If you do open a bed and breakfast Isle of Wight visitors should be flocking to your door. One way to ensure you have as many rooms occupied as possible is to buy an established business. It means you already have a customer base, and are assured of bookings even though the business is under new management. It also means more accurately predicting your costs and income, and not having to spend money on expensive alterations or improvements to your home.
Whether you buy an established bed and breakfast or open your own, the job of being an innkeeper is challenging yet fun. You can expect to work long days although you have the satisfaction of being your own boss and to some extent, taking care of things in your own time. Of course, you need to be comfortable around people; most guests choose a bed and breakfast over a hotel because of the personal touch and the feeling of staying in someone’s home. B and Bs are becoming increasingly popular with business travellers, and it isn’t just couples looking for a relaxing break who stay at them.
However, there’s a lot more to running a bed and breakfast Isle of Wight. You want to make sure your rooms are occupied, especially during the slower times of the year and it means advertising your business and having an easy to navigate website. Positive customer reviews are obviously important as are referrals from previous customers – another advantage in running an established business. Often it’s the small touches that give a b and b much of its charm and create an impression on guests, such as afternoon tea or sherry, a library of books to borrow, a packed lunch for those who want it, or free morning newspapers.
Running your own bed and breakfast can be profitable and satisfying. And arguably, one of the best places in the UK to do that is the Isle of Wight, whether you open your doors in Cowes, the largest town, the quaint village of Shanklin or the busy resort of Ventnor.
