I don't like posting rules around the house. It's characteristic of hotels and takes away from the homey feeling I'm trying to create for my guests. However, people are vastly different in their expectations so this has prompted the need for some guidelines to be posted. Ultimately signs help to avoid the embarrassment of guests and owners alike in the event of misunderstandings. As a parent, enforcing house rules was much easier. If my kids didn't like my rules - tough. As a B and B owner, I have to be a bit more diplomatic. I've done enough Customer Service training over the years to know that even though the customer is not, in reality, always right, they deserve to accommodated to the best of one's ability and within reason.
In the beginning, I had to decide what kind of B and B I wanted to run. For example: Would I allow children? Would I allow guests to sleep more than 2 to a room? Would I allow guests to cook meals? The answer to all of these questions in my mind was NO but nonetheless, circumstances arose which caused me to bend some of my rules - many times without regret but sometimes with. Also, there were the minor common courtesy rules that were mentionned verbally but didn't seem important enough to warrant a sign.
Now that I'm in my third year, I have come to a point where some points (minor or not) need to be stated in black and white - carved in stone so to speak. So after much Google searching trying to find examples of friendly, non-threatening bed and breakfast signs, I gave up and made my own policy sign in the form of a poem which I have framed and placed in full view. Hopefully, my guests will enjoy the concept enough to read it and heed my message without being offended:
Welcome to our home and enjoy your stay.
Here’s few things to note as you begin your day:
1. Breakfast is always a group affair
We set the time and offer good, hearty fare.
If special diets are what you need
Let us know right away to help us succeed.
2. Tea and coffee you may make without fuss;
But we ask that you leave any cooking to us.
3. We’re happy to talk; but we would ask that
breakfast is served before we chat.
4. Room or maid service we don’t provide
But we are more than happy to be your guide.
We’ll show you the sights in the County to see
From Sandbanks Park to Waapous winery.
5. To keep out pests, please close outside doors.
6. And keep your shoes on; you’ll not harm our floors.
7. The lounge and kitchen are shared places.
Please help us maintain them as uncluttered spaces.
8. We recycle and compost, so just ask us where
to put any garbage or organic fare.
9. Smoking inside, of course, is taboo;
but, we do have an outdoor spot for you.
10. Please be careful of what you flush
Toilet paper as a rule is the only acceptable mush.
11. If there’s something amiss just let us know
And we’ll do our best to not let it go.
If you need our assistance, then ring the doorbell
If you don’t get an answer, then try Diane’s cell.
Our mission as owners is simple and true:
To provide a relaxing stay for you.
- Diane and Michael
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