Michigan State University Extension
Tourism Educational Materials - 33420027
06/06/02
Beginning A Bed and Breakfast in South Carolina: Guidelines for Development
Source: Clemson
Authors: Potts, Thomas; Amos, Carole
CONTENTS
I. Introduction ....................................1
II. Planning and Development.........................3
A. Is A Bed & Breakfast for me...................3
B. Meet The Professionals........................3
C. Defining Your Bed and Breakfast Theme.........4
D. Planning For Development.......................5
E. Identifying Expenses..........................6
Start Up Costs
Operating Expenses
F. Planning For Insurance........................7
G. Planning For Taxes............................8
H. Meeting Local Requirements....................9
Zoning
Health Regulations
Fire Safety
III. ADMINISTRATION: Developing Policies and
Procedures..11
A. Reservation Requests
B. Handling Reservations
C. Deposits/Cancellations/Refunds
D. Long Distance Calls
E. Office Equipment and Supplies
F. Bookkeeping/Accounting
G. Setting House Rules
IV. OPERATION: Developing an Operations Plan
A. Front Desk Operation
B. Housekeeping
C. Food Preparation and Service
D. Selling Your Area
E. Extras
V. PROMOTION: Developing A Marketing Plan
A. Brochures
B. Pubic Relations
C. Special Promotions
D. Newsletters
E. Business Cards and Other Promotion Items
F. Listing In The Yellow Pages
G. Advertising
H. Listing with a Reservation Service Organization
I. Travel Agents
J. Groups
VI.
APPENDIX
INTRODUCTION
Although Bed and Breakfast (B&B) operations were possibly
the earliest form of accommodations for travelers, in
many areas they were completely replaced by inns and
hotels. In the United States B&Bs are making a comeback,
serving travelers who want a special personal home-like
hospitality and a good breakfast to start the day. Today
we have over one hundred B&Bs in South Carolina, most of
which were started in the past decade.
Owning and operating a B&B can provide both financial and
personal rewards for some individuals and families. This
manual will provide information needed to decide if
operating a B&B is ideal for your situation. If your
decision is to began a B&B, the information in this
manual will assist you by providing the guidelines for a
successful enterprise.
This manual is not intended to serve as a source of
planning and health regulations which vary from region to
region. Be sure to contact the appropriate regulatory
authorities in your area early in your decision making
process.
Additional assistance is currently available both to
existing operations and prospective hosts regarding
operations, financial planning and marketing. For
additional information contact:
Rural Development Coordinator
Division of Community Development
SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone: 803/734-1449
Tourism Development Specialist
Clemson Cooperative Extension Service
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
263 Lehotsky Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-1005
Telephone: 803/656-0372
II. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
A. Is a Bed & Breakfast for me?
Many of us at some time in our lives think about owning
our own business. Before starting a venture, it is
important to be aware that the majority of small
businesses that are started end in failure. Careful
analysis of ourselves and our resource in conjunction
with proper planning will greatly increase our chances
for starting a profitable and enjoyable Bed & Breakfast
(B&B) enterprise.
Although you may have had a great experience as a guest
at a B&B during a business or vacation trip, you and your
family might not be suited to being the gracious,
thoughtful hosts that are required for a successful
operation.
You should ask yourself the following questions:
Does my family like meeting all types of people?
Do I like to fix attractive, interesting and tasty
breakfast dishes
Do I like to entertain strangers?
Do I mind giving up some of my privacy at home?
Can I always be cheerful and helpful around my guests?
Is my home always clean and neat?
Am I successful at managing and organizing my home
expenses?
If "yes" is your response to all of the above questions,
you might prove to be a successful B&B owner operator. If
your response is less than positive, you would be well
advised to consider some other type of endeavor.
B. Meet the professionals
One of the first things you should do is talk to those
who are operating B&Bs. Bed & Breakfast operations have
many characteristics that are unique. Obtain as much
insight into other B&Bs as possible before planning your
own operation.
Talk to as many B&B owners as you can about their
operations and your B&B plans. Don't be afraid to ask
simple and complex questions. It is far more efficient to
learn from the experiences of others.
If possible, offer to help at someone's B&B for a few
days.
Take advantage of any educational programs that are
available through associations, university extension
programs, and state tourism agencies.
Be sure to review available books, pamphlets and
articles for ideas on management, decor, and pricing.
(See list in Appendix.)
C. Defining your bed & breakfast theme
Most guests who visit B&B establishments do so for home
like atmosphere that offers a unique decor and
personalized treatment. Every B&B offers a different
experience. You must evaluate your home resources and
determine what unique qualities you might offer to your
guest.
Define the amenities that you might be able to provide at
your homes such as:
a scenic view
antique furnishings
types of rooms
library
fireplace
swimming pool
proximity to attractions
unique menus and services
Seriously consider how well your amenities will meet the
potential customer's, needs and what image you should
market. Be sure to deliberate the following:
How attractive is the neighborhood?
How accessible is transportation?
How close are good restaurants?
What is your home's image?
Is the floor plan acceptable?
Is the kitchen adequate?
Are there enough bathrooms?
Do the water and sewage systems work well?
Are private quarters possible?
Be sure to put your evaluation in writing. In your
summary ask yourself:
What makes my B&B concept different and better?
How will it best serve my guests?
Does my B&B concept have the potential to become
successful?
How might it grow?
D. Planning for development
An initial step in the development process is the
drafting of a business plan. Many wonderful business
ideas fail because they were not logically thought out. A
business plan is the framework and includes:
A basic description of your proposed business
The related goals and objectives
How you plan to become successful
The plan organizes on paper your thoughts of why you are
in business, what your market is, what your strengths and
weaknesses are, and your financial and management
environment. The plan will help you make insightful
business decisions and inform potential lenders about
your business. An excellent guide to developing a plan is
the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
publication "The Business Plan."
There are planning considerations in the B&B business
that have special industry related characteristics. These
variables include:
Revenue Forecasting
Start-Up Costs
Operation Expenses
You should understand these thoroughly prior to starting
your plan.
Revenue Forecasting: Accurately forecasting, your sales
revenue is an extremely difficult task. Even after you
have begun your operation you should continuously review
your forecast. Your perception of future sales is the
guide to expense and operation planning. Sales revenues
are calculated by multiplying the number of rooms rented
during a given period by the rate. Your best background
information for predicting sales is the data available an
past occupancy in your area.
Occupancy is the measure of the percentage of available
rooms that are rented. The South Carolina Department of
Parks Recreation and Tourism, The American Bed and
Breakfast Association and reservation service
organizations can supply occupancy information. Occupancy
varies with seasons, holiday's, days of the week, and the
weather. The occupancy rate during your first year will
depend on your market, the uniqueness of your B&B, and
the amount of promotion you undertake. Usually the
occupancy rates for new B&B operations are roughly forty
percent of the average occupancy rate of the hotels and
motels in your area. For example, if the hotels in your
area have an occupancy rate of 60 percent in June you
might have an occupancy rate of 24 percent that month.
However, some rural B&Bs average as low as 10 percent
occupancy during the first year.
After estimating your rate for the first year, you should
estimate for the second and third years of operation.
occupancy rate for these years will be affected by word
of mouth recommendations, marketing, and referrals. A
well managed B&B should increase its occupancy by over 10
percent per year. Projected occupancy alone will not
allow you to forecast your sales revenue.
To forecast sale revenues you must also set your room
rates. Revenues are determined by multiplying, room rates
by occupancy. Your rates should take into account start
up and operational coats. Remember that the rate you
charge should represent "fair value for the dollar."
There are many factors that influence the value of a
room. For example, rooms with private baths, luxury
amenities, excellent location, or in a heavy demand area
should have a higher rate. Lower rates would be charged
for rooms that lack private baths or have single beds.
The location and quality of accommodation and services
you provide will have a strong bearing on the rates
visitors will be willing to pay.
As a rule of thumb, you can probably set a rate somewhere
between what a small motel and a large hotel in your area
are charging. Check around with other operators in the
state and determine the average current rate for your
type of bed and breakfast.
E. Identifying expenses
As a beginning B&B operator you will face both start up
costs and operating expenses. Start up cost must also be
considered in your B&B plan. Although you might feel that
your home is ready for your first guest you will probably
find that improvements will be required to create an
ideal B&B facility.
Starts Up Costs: The first step in determining your start
up cost is to make a list of all the expenses that you
will incur. Your estimated cost will help you determine
if the B&B concept will profitably work in your home.
Be sure to review your cost list with knowledgeable
people in the industry and also make sure that you have
covered any cost that might be incurred due to local fire
& health ordinance requirements.
Operating Expenses will begin when you open for business.
These expenses will vary monthly and will be greatly
influenced by the number of guests. These expenses will
include:
food & beverage
soaps, dry cleaning, laundry
office supplies
maintenance
utilities
Salary, wages and employee benefits
marketing
It is important to identify your expenses, as accurately
as you can. Your profit is revenue brought in which
exceeds your costs. Your expenses will have an influence
on determining the rates you must charge to your guests.
TABLE 1
START-UP COSTS
Development Costs:
Renovations (electrical, plumbing, etc .)
Redecorations (painting, wallpaper, etc .)
Other Improvements
Sub Total
Other:
Furniture/Beds
Fixtures/Furnishings
Linens/Bedding
Towels
Cutlery/Dishes
Smoke Detectors
Entrance sign
Promotion & Advertising
Permits
Insurance
Telephone
Reservation Service
Miscellaneous Expenses
Sub Total
Total Start-Up Costs
F. Planning for insurance
Your current insurance likely will not be suited to the
needs of a B&B. Take a close look at your current
coverage with insurance professionals and determine what
additional coverage is needed.
TABLE 2
INSURANCE CHECKLIST
Liability (Minimum $1,000,000)
Comprehensive Personal Liability
Business Liability for B&B Operations
Personal Liability for Non-Owner Host
Products Liability for Food Served
Premises Medical for Business Guests
Premises Medical for Personal Guests
Property
All Risk Coverage-Building
Replacement Cost on Building
Peril Coverage on Contents
Replacement Cost Coverage on Contents
Contents Coverage for Non Owner Resident Host
Appurtenant Structure Coverage Business Related
Personal Property of Guests
Antiques and Fine Arts Coverage
Credit Card Coverage
Loss of Rental Income
Be sure to discuss your needs with several insurance
companies which offer special coverage. Do some
comparative shopping, but remember that the least
expensive source might not be the best insurance. Seek
out companies that have special B&B packages.
G. Planning for taxes
Taxes for home businesses can be extremely complicated.
Consideration should be given to:
Be sure to have a professional accountant who is familiar
with home-based businesses assist you in understanding
your legal obligations and developing a tax plan that
best suits your operation.
H. Meeting local requirements
Early in your planning process review your local zoning,
fire safety, and health regulations. Many of these
requirements are set at the local level. It is important
to contact the municipal planning and building
departments in your area and to inquire about business
license and operating permit requirements.
Zoning problems in rural areas are unlikely. At the local
or municipal level, there is a wide diversity in zoning
ordinances from town to town. If you perceive any
difficulties, work with zoning administrators and assist
them in understanding the type of business that you
propose. It is a good idea to provide them with B&B
zoning guidelines from other towns as examples. Zoning
review boards consider the beneficial or negative impacts
a B&B might have on the local area. They are concerned
about keeping the neighborhood values. Visual impacts,
and changes in traffic and parking will be considered by
the board. If it is necessary to obtain a zoning change
be sure to discuss your plans with neighbors and be
considerate of any associated concerns they may have.
Remember that obtaining a zoning variance will take time
and involve a public meeting. The assistance of an
attorney may be required.
Health regulations vary greatly from area to area, and it
is quite likely that you will have to meet state and
local regulations. You will have to meet requirements
pertaining to water quality, sewage disposal, food
storage and handling. Early in your planning process meet
with your health officials and become familiar with the
legal requirements. Have your health officials make a
preliminary examination of your home and discuss any
changes in facilities or planning operations that may be
required.
Fire Safety if another item that requires the
understanding of state and local codes. In many areas the
building code cover fire safety. Your B&B should have
smoke alarms, marked exits, and visible fire
extinguisher. Local requirements may also require fire
doors, additional exits, and storage areas for flammable
materials. Be sure to thoroughly review your requirements
with the local officials.
III. ADMINISTRATION:
Developing Policies and Procedures
Prior to accepting your first reservation, it is
important to develop basic operating and administrative
policies and procedures.
A. Reservation Requests
Reservation requests usually will be made by telephone or
through the mail. Experience has shown that most
individuals who call for reservations expect to get
through on the first or second attempt and few will
continue trying. Restrict family use of your reservation
telephone line. It may be worthwhile to install an
additional telephone for family and personal needs.
Consider the purchase of a telephone answering machine to
cover for you during your absence. The best solution to
the problem is to ensure that telephone lines are kept
open and that someone is available to provide information
and take reservations.
B. Handling Reservations
RESERVATION REQUESTS SHOULD BE ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY.
All inquiries for reservations should be handled in a
professional manner. A map indicating your location
should always be enclosed with your confirmation. You may
include information about events, attractions and tourist
facilities in the area. Your local Chamber of Commerce
and/or South Carolina Travel Information Centers (list in
Appendix) can supply this information. (Copies of these
forms may be found in the Appendix.)
Telephone Reservation Request:
This form outlines the type of information that you
require from anyone wishing to make a reservation over
the telephone. Advise callers that reservations will be
confirmed after you receive their deposit. Set a date by
which the deposit has to be in your hands (i.e. within 14
days).
Deposit Receipt/Reservation Confirmation:
Once you receive the deposit, prepare a confirmation and
forward it to the guest. Keep a copy for your records.
Ensure the deposit/cancellation/refund policy is clear on
this form. Staple your copy to the original reservation
request form.
Tracking Reservations:
Enter all reservations in a date book or calendar page
such as outlined in the Appendix.
Where more than one room is available, divide your
calendar into the desired number of spaces and indicate
the type of bedding available in each room.
Once a host has committed a room, the visitor's name is
entered in pencil in the appropriate space. When you
receive a deposit the guest's name may be entered in ink,
or the letter "D" for "Deposit" placed in the space.
A one-page/month calendar enables the host to see, at a
glance, what reservations are expected.
C. Deposit/Cancellation/Refund Policy
It is standard policy to request a ones night's deposit
at the time reservations are made, if possible. A credit
card number can be given over the phone for a deposit if
you accept credit cards. Confirmation is mailed only upon
receipt of the deposit.
Have a policy related to refunding in cases where
cancellations are made. Most hotels and motels will
refund deposits if cancellations are received up to 48
hours prior to arrival date. In determining your policy,
bear in mind that your ability to re-rent cancelled
accommodation decreases as you get closer to that date.
Ensure that your policy is understood by all guests by
clearly outlining it on your registration confirmation
form. An example of a refund policy is outlined on the
confirmation form included in the Appendix.
D. Handling Long Distance Calls
Charges for long distance calls are normally paid by the
caller. Remember however, responses to messages will
result in charges to you, the host. With this in mind,
you may want to advise callers that messages will be
returned a "collect call" basis. (Unless they are trying
to make a reservation .)
E. Office Equipment and Supplies
Keep a supply of stationery items, such as receipt books
and postage stamps on hand. Consider purchasing a
typewriter or personal computer to give your
correspondence a professional look. A personal computer
will go a long way to assist you in keeping records.
F. Bookkeeping/Accounting
The best time to set up a record keeping system is before
you start the business. Experience clearly indicates that
the use of an adequate record-keeping system increases
the chances of business survival. Too often, those
entering a business think they must keep records only
because it is required by the Internal Revenue Service.
However, accurate and complete financial records can help
the owner monitor the business and make plans for the
future based on financial knowledge rather than
guesswork.
Contact an accountant who is familiar with home-based
businesses, and develop a simple accounting procedure
which will make year-end calculations easy. Additional
bookkeeping information may be obtained by contacting
your local Clemson Extension service or technical
college.
G. Setting House Rules
Every business that operates smoothly runs with
guidelines. It is important to your guests to knew what
is acceptable to you. It would be to everyone's advantage
to have guidelines available to answer any questions they
may have. Making the list will also clarify the
boundaries to yourself.
When determining your house rules and regulations keep in
mind that your guests may be overwhelmed by a lengthy
list. Focus on the rules that you feel are most important
for a well run business. State your rules in a positive
manner. A long list of negative rules is a turn off to
customers. Post your policies in the rooms and at the
front desk; they will be respected if you make them
clear. Important or unusual items should be mentioned in
your advertising and reservation material.
Items To consider When Developing House Rules:
Pets
Children
Smoking
Alcohol
Check in/check out times
Keys
Breakfast hours
Kitchen privileges
Housekeeping
Visitors
Telephone usage
Laundry facilities
Tourist information
Credit cards/personal checks
Reservation/cancellations
Deposit or advanced payment
Provisions for handicapped guests
Equipment rentals
Use of house and ground areas
Emergencies
IV. Operation
Developing an Operations Plan
To develop an operation plan, you should begin by
deciding the following:
The activities to be carried out in the operation of
the business.
Who will carry out these activities. (This decisions is
very important. Couples and families should work out who
will do what in advance.)
What talents are necessary to make the business operate
smoothly.
How any inadequacies will be handled.
The objectives for the major activities, and the
policies and procedures for reaching them.
In a small B&B business you are both manager and
employee. As manager, you plan, implement, direct
policies and procedures, and evaluate the effectiveness
of the business operation. However, as employee, you are
also responsible for carrying out the following
activities involved in running the B&B business:
Front Desk Operation: Taking reservations, registering
guests, receiving payment and handling complaints.
Housekeeping: Cleaning procedures and schedules for
rooms and public areas, cleaning materials, room
furnishings, guest supplies, laundry supplies and
facilities, and contract cleaning.
Food Preparation and Service: Menu, food preparation and
storage, kitchen supply inventory, service location, meal
hours, dishwashing equipment, sanitation policies and
health regulations.
Selling Your Area: Promoting area attractions for the
entertainment of your guests.
Extras: Guest relations and amenities.
A. Front Desk Operation
Ensure that everything is ready for the arrival of
guests.
Take the time to welcome your guests upon their arrival.
Enquire about your brochure and other information to get
feedback as to whether it was helpful. Escort your guests
to their bedroom, and provide assistance with their
luggage.
Invite your guests into your living room following their
"settling-in-period," and offer them a complimentary
beverage such as coffee or tea. This casual meeting will
allow you to:
Answer any questions regarding directions, attractions,
events, etc. in your area.
Discuss breakfast hours. If you provide a choice of
breakfast items, this will be a good time to ask your
guests what they prefer.
Discuss house rules (smoking, parking, etc.)
Finds out about your guests' plans. Knowing their plans
will allow you to plan your own time. Make suggestions
about what to see. (Literature, maps, and brochures
about your area should be readily available for them to
browse through at their leisure. These are available from
your local Chamber of Commerce, Parks, Recreation and
Tourism, or Regional Tourism office. See Appendix for
addresses. ) Always have someone available while you
guests are in your home.
Explain your key policy. Provide a key to the front
door to the guest for the duration of their stay. This
allows freedom of movement at minimum inconvenience.
Register your guest. For the protection of the host,
all guests should register upon arrival. Registration
should include name and address of party, car license
number, and dates of stay. A simple guest register can
be a guest book like those commonly used at social
functions. These books are available at most card or
gift stores.
B. Housekeeping
Standard housekeeping procedures should be followed in
cleaning bedrooms and makings-up beds.
Fresh bedding and linens should always be provided after
guest checkout or every few days if the guests' stay is
for an extended period. Basic housekeeping should always
be provided daily.
Making the Bed:
Strip and shake out all bed linens to ensure no
valuables are left behind by guests.
Replace mattress pad if badly soiled r stained.
Spread bottom sheet over pad and smooth it out, tucking
both sides under mattress. If fitted sheets are not being
used, allow bottom of the sheet to hang free over the
foot of the bed.
Spread top sheet, making sure it is centered and that you
will have at least 8 inches to overlap blankets at head.
Tuck sheet and blankets together under mattress at foot
of bed only, making neat "hospital" corners and leave the
sides to hang. (Do not tuck top sheet under mattress at
sides because the bottom sheet will come lose when the
guest pulls down the top sheet and blanket to get into
bed.
Replace pillow cases, place pillows on bed with open
ends toward the outside.
Cover bad with clean bedspread or comforter, which
should hang evenly around the bed.
Dusting:
Dust build up can become a serious problem. Dust all
woodwork and furniture, picture frames, window sills,
clothes rack and shelving, heating/air conditioning
units, vents, and other furnishings.
Vacuuming:
Vacuum all carpeted areas. Hardwood floors should be dry-
mopped.
Furnishings:
Wash all ashtrays
Empty waste basket
Discard disposable items
Replenish glasses
Replace burned out light bulbs
Arrange any literature/stationary supplied in drawers
Adjust curtains,/drapes
Check for proper mechanical function of all items
provided
Replace all used toweling
Extending Mattress Life: To ensure a longer mattress
life, turn mattresses over two to three times per year.
Personal Belongings Left Behind: In order to ensure that
no personal belongings were left behind by departing
(guests, CHECK: Under beds, inside all drawers, backside
washroom door, and bathroom cabinets. Make arrangements
to return all such items to the guest.
One Last Look: After room is cleaned, stand at the door a
second, and take a good look around. Correct any
discrepancies. Deodorize each room.
Cleaning The Bathroom:
It is important from the health standpoint that bathrooms
are kept clean and sanitary at all times. Due to
humidity, unsanitary bathrooms quickly become a breeding
ground for germs and other harmful bacteria. The
following cleaning procedure should be followed on a
regular basis:
The toilet should shine clean with absolutely no sign of
staining. Place small amounts of bowl cleaner on swab and
clean inside of bowl, let the cleaner stay on for awhile
before flushing, wipe outside of bowl with clean
sanitized cloth.
Sanitize toilet seat, check to ensure that it is not
loose-if so, tighten bolts.
Bathtubs/showers, washbasins and tile should be cleaned
and wiped dry with a sanitized cloth. All chrome should
be polished.
Check and wipe dry inside shower curtain to remove any
buildup of soap and stains.
Clean and polish mirrors, vanity top and under rim of
washbasin.
Arrange clean towels, washcloths, bath mat and soap.
Check and refill facial tissue and toilet tissue
dispensers.
Mop bathroom floor.
C. Food Preparation And Service
The objective of developing a food plan is to provide the
guest with a memorable culinary experience. A number of
factors can add considerably to the guests' enjoyment of
the breakfast, such as a pleasant dining atmosphere,
attractive food presentation, stimulating conservation,
and a unique regional menu.
Always remember that a basic rule in food preparation is
to serve hot foods HOT and cold foods COLD. It is also
imperative that the kitchen area, the utensils, and the
person preparing and serving the food be clean and
sanitary.
State and local health regulations will restrict the
kinds of food you may serve. Due to the lack of
elaborate food preparation facilities, many B&Bs are
limited to serving a CONTINENTAL breakfast, which
normally includes rolls, fruit, coffee and juice.
However, you can make a continental breakfast distinctive
by offering high quality pastry and fresh fruit that are
attractively garnished and presented.
In addition to serving breakfast, it is good to have
coffee, tea, soft drinks, sherry and wine available to
guest when they arrive or throughout the evening.
Furthermore, a homemade cake or cookies are greatly
appreciated.
Preparing Breakfast:
Be creative in the planning and development of breakfast
menus. Croissants, muffins, and bread rolls can be
varied and specialized. A variety of home baked goods,
and homemade preserves also provide a nice touch.
Garnish the plate with slices of fresh fruit to provide
color and fill the plate. It is better to charge a
little more and provide a quality breakfast, than to
skimp and disappoint your guests. A variety of breakfast
menus and ideas may be found in cookbooks. Some are
specifically developed for small country inns and B&B
operations. Browse through a bookstore or library to
obtain new ideas.
Serving Breakfast:
Take car to create a pleasant breakfast environment for
your guests:
The table should be set with a nice cloth and napkins,
and your best china and flatware. Freshly-cut flowers
from your garden and crystal glasses for juice provide an
elegant touch to any morning meal.
Serve breakfast in the dining room, not in the kitchen.
Unless invited by guests, neither the host nor his/her
family should eat with the guests. It is acceptable to
join guest for coffee or tea once the meal is concluded.
When more than one group of guests share the breakfast
table, the host should take the time to introduce
everyone.
Breakfast may be served by preparing individual
portions for each guest or by letting the guests serve
themselves, country style, from dishes centrally placed
on the table. You may choose to serve buffet style from
a separate table or buffet.
Ample coffee and tea should always be available.
Breakfast in Bed:
You may choose to provide the option of breakfast in bed
to guests celebrating special occasions. (Consider that
accidents will occur and permanent food stains may result
to comforters, blankets, or carpets.)
D. Selling Your Area
When guests come to your property to stay they may depend
on your expertise in determining wheat they should do for
entertainment. As a service to your guests it is
important to be aware of all of the different
opportunities available in your area. You should make
yourself an ambassador for the area. Not only should you
be aware of the attractions in your particular town, but
within a radius of about 30 miles, as well. Local
museums, historic homes, theme parks, zoos, restaurants,
state parks, theaters, tours, parks, shopping
opportunities, night clubs, hiking trails, tennis, golf,
birdwatching, photographic opportunities, anything
special in the area should be compiled on a list of
"Things To Do" for your guests. Your local Chamber of
Commerce, SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism or Regional
Tourism Organization are all good resources for
information.
Be sure to keep abreact of events and festivals that
could be attended. Keep a supply of MAPS and brochures
on hand to give to your guests to assist them in planning
their activities. Some properties have bicycles
available. You may consider assisting your guests in
making reservations at restaurants or other attractions.
E. Extras
A word about SERVICE: Most of your guests select a Bed
and Breakfast or Inn over a standard hotel or motel
because they are searching for "something more than the
same old thing." The extras that you provide to enhance
their visit are limited only to your imagination. Here
are only a few ideas that you may choose to incorporate:
SOME "SECRETS" OF GREAT GUEST RELATIONS
Greet each visitor with a SMILE!!!
Present a clean and neat appearance.
Be attentive and friendly, listen carefully to what
visitors say.
Think of the visitor as a welcome guest. Treat them as
you would want to be treated.
Don't be "right," be polite.
Make a friend.
Speak of your community with pride. Never be negative.
Anticipate the needs of your guests and have materials
and information on hand.
Collect menus from popular restaurants to have
available.
Provide a list of churches in the area along with
workshop service hours.
If yours is a historic home, guests may be interested
in its history and architecture. Keep a write-up handy
for them to read.
Provide a copy of public transportation schedules.
Provide turn-down service in the evenings, with a candy
on the pillow.
Follow up visit with personal note, invite them back.
Amenities create a sense of luxury, build the image of
your B&B, and encourage favorable work-of-mouth
advertising. Consider the full range of amenities listed
below in relation to the projected image and cost of your
B&B.
Adapters
Aftershave
Air Freshener
Airport transportation
Antique furnishings
Art gallery
Baby strollers
Babysitting service
Baggage storage
Bar
Bath salts, bubbles
Bathrobes
Beach towels
Bicycles, mopeds
Boat charters
Books, library
Brochures
Candy dish
Card tables
Cheese tray
Children's games
Chocolates
Clothes brush
Cologne
Comforter
Computers, word processors (in room)
Corkscrew
Cotton balls
Courier Services
Curling iron
Departing gift
Deodorant
Drinking glasses
Drinks (complimentary champagne, wine, sherry, coffee,
tea, sodas
Extension cords
FAX
First-aid supplies
Flowers
Fruit Basket
Garden, trails, woodlands
Hair conditioner
Hairdryer
Hand cream
Hobby displays/collections
Homemade items/meals
Hors d'oeuvres
Hot tub/sauna
Ice bucket in room
Insect repellent
Interpreter
Iron, ironing board
Kitchen privileges
Laundry privileges/service
Laundry soap, bags
Letter openers
Limousine service
Lint removers
Luggage tags
Lunch/dinner
Maps
Membership in club/fitness center
Message-taking service
Mineral water
Mints/candy on pillows
Mouthwash
Nail polish remover
Newspapers
Piano
Pens
Photocopying
Picnic basket
Pillows (extra)
Playing cards
Radio
Raincoat
Reading material
Restaurant discounts
Sachet/potpourri in drawers
Safe for valuables
Safety pins
Secretarial services
Sewing kits
Shampoo
Shaving cream
Shoehorns
Shoe polish, mitts
Shoeshine service
Shopping discounts, gift certificates
Shower cap
Sightseeing tours
Skirt hangers
Slippers
Soap
Special rooms-music, billiard
Sports equipment
Spot remover
Stamps/stationery
Sunscreen
Swimming pool
Tee time reservations for nearby golf
Television/VCR
Telex
Tickets to events
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tourist information packets
Towels (large)
Typewriters
Umbrellas
Wheelchairs
V. PROMOTION:
Developing A Marketing Plan
Marketing is simply a way to inform people about what you
have to offer, thereby encouraging them to visit your
B&B. Always remember "MARKETING IS MORE THAN
ADVERTISING!"
The success or failure of many businesses is often linked
to the operator's promotional (marketing) effort. Give
careful consideration to the development and
implementation of a promotional strategy which is
realistic in terms of cost, time availability, and
overall attainability.
To be successful you must know your market. Thinking that
your product will sell itself is the most common
marketing misconception of new entrepreneurs.
The key elements in marketing are: product design,
identifying the market, promotion and advertising.
PRODUCT DESIGN
A product can be a physical object or a service, such as
a Bed & Breakfast. You must be committed to producing and
providing a quality product or service as discussed in
the Development, Administration and Operation chapters.
IDENTIFYING THE MARKET
After you have planned your product you should now to
know whom you are trying to sell. Is your market
individuals, retired couples, business travelers, groups,
vacationers, honeymooners? You will also want to
determine the income level, location and any other
specific characteristics of your potential customers.
This will determine how you advertise, where you
advertise, and also whether the product is likely to be
successful or whether you need to change it.
The customers' needs, wants, and wishes are very
important to the entrepreneur who wants to successful in
the marketplace. Market research has shown that the price
tag is NOT the first thing customers notice. First,
customers note the product, its general appeal, and their
desire to use it. Then they ask the price.
After you have done your market research, you should have
a fairly good idea of whether or not your business will
succeed. Your research also tells you where and how to
promote your product.
Marketing is a continuous process that should not be
neglected once you have launched your business. If your
product is not selling, consider changing the product,
the price, the services or special features you offer,
the name of your product, your target customers, or your
advertising methods. Remember, flexibility can keep you
in business when your competitors fail.
PROMOTION AND ADVERTISING
Few products on the market appeal to everyone. Your
financial success depends an your appeal to enough
customers to cover your expenses and a profit percentage.
Establishing your business requires a certain amount of
assertive personal selling. If the public does not know
that your facility exists, there will be little demand
for it. Creating public awareness and demand for your
product involves commitment to a promotional strategy,
and some hard work, especially in the initial years.
Careful thought should be given to the development of a
descriptive promotional brochure, and the implementation
of marketing strategy which is realistic and
cost-effective.
A. Brochure Development
A brochure advertising your operation will be THE MOST
IMPORTANT PROMOTIONAL ITEM you can use to build awareness
of your bed and breakfast operation. It does not need to
be expensive if you keep it simple. Select images and
words that will represent your B&B in an accurate and
inviting manner. Obtain as many brochures as possible
from other bed and breakfast operators, particularly
those nearby. Study them carefully and see which appeal
to you.
The brochure that you develop should be as informative as
possible, without appearing cluttered and distracting. As
your major selling tool, the brochure should contain all
the information about your facility that a guest requires
in order to make an informed decision to stay with you.
As a general rule, the basic brochure should contain:
Address of facility and names of hosts
Details about facilities and rates
Reservation procedure (credit cards accepted)
List of attractions nearby
Map of your location
Addresses of Visitors' Bureaus or Chambers of Commerce
(where more information may be obtained about attractions
in your area)
The brochure can be distributed locally to hospitals,
nursing homes, area chambers of commerce, restaurants,
area convention and visitor's bureaus, regional tourism
office, PRT Travel Information Centers, and Airport. (See
Appendix for list of addresses.) For wider exposure,
consider distributing the brochure to B&Bs in adjacent
counties and states. It is also the most important piece
that you would use in any direct mailing campaign.
B. Public Relations and Personal Selling Program
Building strong credibility within the community will
also help promote your B&B. Many guests are referred by
people living in your area. Local residents and
businesses like to recommend places that are an asset or
a unique feature of the community. If they believe you
are well prepared to offer a pleasant experience, they
will recommend you. Your community public relations and
personal selling program may include the following:
Make local residents aware that you are offering bed
and breakfast. This can be an excellent source of
referral business, particularly in smaller communities.
Support community programs. Become a member of the
chamber of commerce, better business bureau, local
merchant association, and the nearest convention and
visitors bureau.
Volunteer to give presentations on the B&B business at
local clubs and community gatherings. Learn if you can
advertise in annual or seasonal mailings. Request
permission to display your brochures. Become active in
civic and community groups and offer your B&B as a
meeting place to build rapport and cooperation.
Work with community, regional and state support groups
to develop tourism. Help develop promotional literature
on the history, season at events, and unique features of
your community. Be sure to contact the Regional Tourism
Organization in your area and the South Carolina Division
of Tourism. The S.C. Division of Tourism produces a
statewide brochure listing B&Bs in the state, so be sure
that you are listed in the latest publication.
Work with the PRT Travel Information Centers: Please be
sure that each Travel Information Center has a good
supply of your brochures. Contact the central office for
approval of your brochure and they will advise you on
distribution to the centers. (A complete list of these
centers is included in the Appendix.) Each center is
capable of making reservations for you. Many reservations
are made through their "discount coupon" program. This
program is offered to travelers requesting assistance
with reservations, offering them a discounted rate in
properties across the state who participate by offering
discounts to be used through the centers. The coupons are
featured on a board at each center and the staff makes
reservations for the traveler after they have made a
selection. This is offered as a FREE service to you and
at no charge to the traveler. It is important that the
Travel Information Center staff is also familiar with
your property. You should visit each center, introduce
yourself, take them a supply of brochures and invite each
staff member to come for a COMPLIMENTARY stay at your
B&B.
PRT FAMS: Contact PRT to advise them that you are
willing to participate in FAMs (familiarization tours)
that they may be planning in your area. Providing
complimentary lunch, room inspections, personal contact,
printed information to FAM participants would be a good
marketing investment. Follow up with a letter to each
participant telling them that you are glad that they came
and that YOU WANT THEIR BUSINESS.
Market your B&B through the local press. Send regular
news releases to area newspapers and radio and television
stations. Give guest TV and radio appearances describing
the amenities of your B&B. Consider hiring a freelance
writer to develop articles for submission to regional
newspapers. The S.C. Division of Tourism, Communications
Services, can assist you in this endeavor. Some
newspapers have a weekly calendar and tourism section
that lists the area's lodging accommodations. Finally,
develop a press kit including: a black and white
photograph, a brief history, and a description of your
B&B to give to newspaper reporters and freelance writers.
Some regional and local papers may wish to do a human
interest feature about your facility which will provide
free local publicity.
Visit large companies, manufacturing plants, regional
offices in your area too personally meet the executives.
Make them aware that you are in business and can provide
quality accommodations for incoming executives. Identify
key executive secretaries who are responsible for making
reservations for business travelers. Establish a program
for key secretaries, offering a bonus program as an
Incentive for bookings. Keep in constant touch with these
contacts, they are your best bet for weekday, repeat
business.
Entertain the key secretaries at a special dinner or
drop in to acquaint them with your property.
Send out a special Christmas gift or card to the key
secretaries with an invitation to spend the night to see
what the property offers to the business traveler. This
enables the secretaries to recommend a familiar property.
Cooperate with area businesses. Make personal sales
calls on business people, especially restaurant managers,
plant managers, personnel directors, stores, purchasing
agents, real estate salespeople, gas stations and
convenience stores. Follow up each visit with a personal
letter. See if they will stock your brochures, as well.
Local word-of-mouth referrals are a very solid way to
attract guests at little or no cost.
Contact private citizens and community leaders. Read the
local newspaper carefully and make personal calls to
local people holding family reunions, weddings,
confirmations, bar mitzvahs, and other events where outs-
of-town guests may be involved. Send out letters of
congratulation concerning awards, promotions, and
accomplishments to keep your business profile high among
community leaders.
Participate in Community Events. Keep abreast of
activities and events in the community, particularly
where these activities generate visitor traffic. For
example, if an annual sporting event takes place in the
community, contact the organizers and request that your
facility be listed in their promotional literature as an
alternate accommodation.
Answer inquiries promptly. People who make inquiries are
your most promising potential customers. Such inquiries
should be answered promptly, and with the information
requested. You should make it easy for those who inquire
to make a reservation by including a phone number they
can call collect or a self-addressed, stamped reservation
form.
C. Special Promotions
Consider offering holiday and weekend packages that
include activities such as hiking tours, biking, theater
tickets, fishing, golfing or historic tours. During the
off season, advertise special rates in newsletters,
newspapers, and regional magazines for families and
senior citizens, and offer family and friend promotions
to regular clients. Special events and package deals such
as these will create interest and generate publicity for
your B&B.
Try to plan special events for each season of the year
and encourage local merchants to co-sponsor and promote
the events. Nonprofit sponsorship may entitle you to free
public service announcements on radio and television.
Consider donating a free night at your B&B as a prize at
funding events.
D. Newsletters
An important tool for reminding former guests about your
B&B and generating repeat business is the newsletter.
Ideally, a newsletter will contain information on the
accommodations offered by your B&B, a history of the
home, promotional events and package deals, special
community attractions, and announcements of improvements
or additions to the B&B. You might also consider sending
out Christmas cards and other appropriate seasonal
greetings to past guests.
E. Business Cards and Other Promotion Items
Incorporating the name and logo of your B&B on business
cards, fact sheets; stationery, and policy sheets is a
relatively inexpensive promotional tool. Professional
business cards can help establish credibility, while
attractive, well written fact sheets can gain exposure
and promote the image you have created. Fact sheets can
be placed on bulletin boards, handed out to guests,
included in mailings, and sent to other B&Bs in your
region. Policy sheets posted in each room will outline
the rules of your establishment while reminding guests of
your business's name and logo. Also consider
incorporating the name and logo on in-house items such an
informational posters, placemats, and stationery and on
complimentary gifts such as matchbooks, pens, and
postcards. Making your name and logo as visible as
possible will make guests more likely to remember your
particular B&B.
F. Listing in the Yellow Pages
If you have a business phone number you are entitled to
one free listing in the yellow pages. Because B&Bs are
still a relatively uncommon form of lodging, your listing
may be most visible in the motel section. The majority of
people who consult the yellow pages are passing through
town and calling at the last minute to find a place to
stay.
G. ADVERTISING
Print advertising can be a very effective medium in
creating awareness among buyers. (Remember that
advertising is only one of the tools at your disposal. In
order to be effective, it should be used in support of
other promotional efforts and not stand alone.)
Note that one or two well-placed ads may be more
effective than a multitude of scattered ads in a variety
of publications. Consideration should be given to
advertising in publications which a visitor to the area
would consider while looking for overnight
accommodations.
When placing a large advertisement give a brief history
and description of your B&B in regional newspapers of
your major market. Then follow up with a series of
smaller reminder ads. You might also evaluate the cost
effectiveness of placing small and frequent ads in the
classified section under "Bed and Breakfasts" and in the
travel sections of regional magazines. Consider
purchasing advertising space in local chamber of commerce
brochures and specialty publications on local activities
such as golfing and hunting. When buying ad space,
compare prices based on cost and circulation.
Another consideration is to contact the South Carolina
Division of Tourism for its ad campaign schedule and
consider advertising where they have selected to
advertise the state. This is called "piggy-back
advertising." It compounds the effect of your
advertising dollar, gives you greater exposure and could
give you a price break by being part of a South Carolina
section in a publication.
Listing In Guidebooks: Listing your B&B in "guidebooks
is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to attract
guests, particularly distant customers. The cost ranges
from $15 to $60 per guidebook. (Some are FREE.) To decide
which books you would like to be listed in, browse
through the travel section of a bookstore. (See Appendix
for a listing of B&B guidebooks.) Ask other B&B
operators which ones have proven to be the most effective
for them. Select a reasonable number of guidebooks that
look attractive and compare them based on the following
factors:
Cost
Circulation volume
Market
Updating frequency
Membership requirements
Type of B&B descriptions
Exclusivity stipulations
Certain standards that must be met
Inspection policies
You may also want to inquire about liability and group
life insurance policies available to members. Also ask
about newsletters and other benefits. Because it may be
one to two years before a new or updated guidebook
reaches the bookstores, contact the guidebook's writers
before you open.
Broadcast Advertising. Broadcast advertising usually is a
more expensive form of advertising. Television and radio
are seldom used by a B&B, however, you might consider
using it to announce your opening and to promote your B&B
early in the busy season. Select a station that more or
less shares your target market segment. For radio
promotion to be effective, listeners should hear the name
of your B&B several times a day during a period of a
week. Seek professional advice in writing copy and
choosing background music so that you project the image
you want.
H. Listing with a Reservation Service Organization (RSO)
B&B Reservation Service Organizations maintain and
publish listings of B&Bs in various locations that
travelers may consult when deciding on lodging. The B&B
host pays a listing fee of anywhere from $5 to $200. RSOs
do charge a commission, usually twenty percent of the
guest's lodging fee. The commission is charged for repeat
guests as well. In exchange for the fees and commission
the RSO screens guests, handles deposits, and provides
some publicity. Most arrangements between B&B hosts and
an RSO are clearly described in the form of a signed
contract. Some RSOs require that your B&B conform to
certain standards.
There are many B&B reservations organizations to choose
from, so you will want to shop around in selecting the
RSO that best suits your needs. (You can obtain a current
listing of RSOs from: The American Bed and Breakfast
Association, P.0. Box 23486, Washington, D.C. 20008.)
I. Travel Agents
(Remember that travel agents are professionals who are
paid a commission per room night that they book in your
property.)
Target travel agencies in nearby large cities for a
sales blitz. (Charlotte and Atlanta, for example) Get a
phone book from the targeted cities or contact their
state tourism offices and request a listing of the travel
agencies in their state. Consider a direct mail piece to
all agencies offering them a free night stay per travel
agency. This will give you an opportunity to have them
familiar with your property and better sell the area as a
destination. Send travel agents information on the area
as well as a cover letter. Consider offering a travel
agent's discount to any other agents from their agency
who wish to come. They may not recommend your property if
they are not familiar with it. (This could be done in the
form of a postcard with a picture of your property on the
front, if you want to watch costs.)
J. Group Tours
(NOTE: Marketing to attract groups should only be
attempted by inns with at least twenty-four rooms.)
South Carolina PRT maintains the names of group tour
operators who are presently coming to or through South
Carolina if you decide to do a direct mail piece.
Include:
a cover letter inviting the tour operator for a
COMPLIMENTARY night's stay to "experience" your property
and see your area.
a brochure on your area as well as the brochure and fact
sheet of your property.
The most important information you need to include are
one- night and two-night packages which they could offer
to their clients. This should include a suggested
itinerary, PRICES, (including tax and gratuities) and
booking procedures. The price should be a NET price as
most tour operators add a commission.
Generally, tour operators will RARELY bring a group
somewhere that they have not personally stayed
before...they have to sell their own programs and answer
the questions of their travelers. PERSONAL calls need to
follow up each possible lead. Just sending them a
brochure WILL NOT sell your property! They HAVE to have
the packages.
Contact the South Carolina Division of Tourism's Group
Tour Marketing Division (803/734-0128) and ask to receive
their contact lists from the National Tour Association,
American Bus Association and Travel South Market Places.
These are lists of tour operators that they have met with
who have expressed an interest in bringing group tours
into the state. These tour operators should receive the
information described above from you as well.
VI. APPENDIX
Bed and Breakfast guidebooks:
Following is a partial list of guidebooks that you may
choose to contact for listing your property. This is by
no means a complete list. Browse in your local bookstore
to find names of others and to get an idea of what they
are like. Most of the costs range from $0 to $50,
according to their circulation. Each have different
publishing dates, and their copy deadline is usually six
months prior to their publishing deadline. CONTACT THEM
EARLY!
Bed and Breakfast USA: A Guide to Tourist Homes and Guest
Houses, Betty Rundback and Nancy Ackerman, $10.95, 725
pages, illustrated. Sandy Soule, Editor, E.P. Dutton, 2
Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (212/725-1818) Contains
listings in all 50 states, plus Canada. A chapter on how
to start your own B&B is included as well as sixteen
pages of mouth-watering recipes from B&Bs around the U.S.
The Official Bed & Breakfast Guide, For the US and
Canada, Phyllis Featherston and Barbara Ostler, $13.95,
illustrated, 148 East Rocks Road, P.O. Box 331, Norwalk,
CT 06852 (203/847-6196)
Country Inns and Back Roads, Jerry Levitin, (formerly
Norman T. Simpson) illustrated, 80 gages, $4.95 Harper
and Rowe Publishers, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY
10022 (707/25 5-2211).
Bed & Breakfast American Style, Jerry Levitin, (formerly
Norman T. Simpson) Harper and Rowe Publishers, 10 East
53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 (707/255-2211).
Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts, Inns & Guesthouses,
Pamela Lanier, John Muir Publications, Santa Fe, NM
87504.
Bed And Breakfast North America, Norma Buzan, Betsy Ross
Publications, 3057 Betsy Ross Drive, Bloomfield Hills, MI
48013 (313/646-5357). Guidebook of B&Bs featuring
specialty recipes from each. You may get some good ideas
for breakfasts!
Additional books that may be useful to you:
How To Open A Country Inn, Karen L. Etsell. The Burkshire
Traveler Press. Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262.
Start Your Own Bed & Breakfast Business - Earn Cash From
Your Extra Room, Beverly Mathews, $5.95, 180 pages,
Pocket Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
10020.
So You Want To Be An Innkeeper, Mary Davies, Pat Hardy,
JoAnn Bell and Susan Brown. 101 Productions of San
Francisco, 228 pages, order from Inn Review, P.O. Box
1789, Kankakee, IL 60901.
How to Start Your Own Bed & Breakfast, Mary Zandec.
Golden Hill Press, Box 122, Spencetown, New York 12165.
How to Open and Operate a Bed & Breakfast Home, Jan
Stankus. 290 pgs, Globe Pequot Press, $12.50.
Open Your Own Bed & Breakfast, Barbara Notarius and Gail
Brewer, 230 pgs, John Wiley and Sons, Business
Law/General Books Division, 605 Third Ave, New York, NY
10520.
Innkeeping Supplies and More lnnkeeping Supplies, New
Sources & Resources, Beverly Matthews, $5.00 Rocky Point
Press, P.O. Box 602, Santa Monica, California 90406.
These two booklets feature information about products for
inns.
How to Make Money at Innkeeping, Michael Vincent Kuntz,
Southern Hospitality Concept, Inc., 142-02 Eighty-fourth
Drive, Briarwood, NY 11435. Details budgeting,
housekeeping, front desk, food and restaurant
departments, etc. for medium to large-sized operations.
Guest Services - 500 Ideas, Innkeeping World, P.0. Box
84108, Seattle, WA 98124. Creative ideas from the "big
guys" in the hotel industry. Unique services and
amenities, adaptable to inns.
Secrets of Entertaining from America's Best lnnkeepers,
Gail Greco, Globe Pequot Press, $12.95. Contains
wonderful tips on a variety of subjects. Efficient ways
and time-saving ideas on how to clean house. Example:
Glassware clouded by mineral buildup will come clean when
soaked in a half gallon of water combined with a few
denture-cleaning tablets!
Associations:
The American Bed & Breakfast Association, 16 Village
Green, Suite 203, Crofton, MD 21114 (301/261-0180)
Membership of $150.00, newsletter, guidebook published,
also other publications and information for members.
Association of Professional Innkeepers, International,
JoAnn M. Bell, Executive Director, P.0. Box 90710, Santa
Barbara, California 93190 (805/965-0707) Membership
offers: newsletter, workshops, technical assistance,
index of members.
Resources:
"Innkeepers Guide To Travel Editors," Beverly Mathews,
$7.50, Rocky Point Press, PO Box 602, Santa Monica,
California 90406. Contains an updated, current list of
travel editors of hundreds of publications. A valuable
resource for creating free publicity.
South Carolina Tourism Regions
For tourism promotional purposes the state of South
Carolina has been divided into ten tourism regions. Each
tourism region is named and comprised of several
countries. The tourism regions are:
Olde English District: Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield,
Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York counties. This region
is located in the mid-northern border of the state. The
area offers more than 25 festivals and special events,
over 50 historic attractions, eight state parks, a dozen
golf courses and more than 32,000 acres of lake surfaces.
Contact: Olde English District Tourism Commission, P.O.
Box 1440, Chester, SC 29706, (803/385-6800).
Historic Charleston: Historic Charleston, comprised of
Charleston and Dorchester counties, is located on the
southeastern coast of the state. Seventy-three buildings
in this area are pre-Revolutionary, 136 are late 18th
century and more than 600 others were build by the
1840's. Carriage rides down cobblestone streets,
historic homes, gardens and buildings from the Colonial
ear, posh resort islands and Southern hospitality make
this region one of the top destinations of out-of-state
visitors in South Carolina. Contact Charleston Trident
Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. box 975, Charleston,
SC 29402, (803/577-2510).
Lowcountry and Resort Islands: The Lowcountry and Resort
Islands, comprised of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and
Jasper counties, are located along the southern tip of
the state bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Georgia. Sea
marshes, history, secluded beaches, first-class resorts
on semi-tropical islands, professional golf and tennis
tournaments make the Lowcountry and Resort Islands a
unique area of the state. Contact: Lowcountry Council
of Governments Tourism Program, P.O. Box 98, Yemassee, SC
29945, (803/726-5536).
Santee Cooper Country: Santee Cooper Country, comprised
of Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter
Counties, is centered around the Santee Cooper Lakes
(Lakes Marion and Moultrie) in the mideastern portion of
the state. More than 171,000 acres of fresh water lakes,
world-class fishing, golf courses, Revolutionary War
sites, old plantations and gardens attract thousands of
visitors to this area every year. Contact: Santee
Cooper Counties Promotion Commission, PO Drawer 40
Santee, SC 29142, (803/854-2131).
Pee Dee Country: Pee Dee country, comprised of
Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marion, Marlboro and
Williamsburg counties, is located in the northeast
portion of the state. Situated in the heart of the
state's agricultural belt, the region is famous for its
tobacco auctions and endless fields of cotton. Visitors
also find that the area has its share of historic sites,
beautiful gardens, colorful festivals, museums, and
recreational activities. Contact: Pee Dee Tourism
Commission, PO Box 3093, Florence, SC 29502 (803/669-
0950).
Capital City and Lake Murray Country: Capital City and
Lake Murray Country, comprised of Lexington, Newberry,
Richland and Saluda counties, is located in the middle of
the state surrounding Lake Murray. Thousands of tourists
visit the State House, universities and colleges, art
galleries, museums and the nationally acclaimed zoo. They
also enjoy the recreational activities of Lake Murray.
Contact: Lake Murray Tourism & Recreation Association, PO
Box 210096, Columbia, SC 29221, (803/781-5940).
Thoroughbred Country: Thoroughbred Country, comprised of
Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties, is
located on the midwestern border of the state. Tourists
visit Thoroughbred Country to experience the rolling
farmland, horse training and racing, peach orchards, old
town squares and festivals. Contact: Lower Savannah
Council of Governments/Thoroughbred Country, PO Box 850,
Aiken, SC 29802 (803/649-7981).
Old Ninety Six: Old Ninety Six, comprised of Abbeville,
Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick counties is
located in the western border of the state. Historic
homes and churches, a Revolutionary battle site, an opera
house, parks on lakes with fishing and boating make Old
Ninety Six a unique area of the state which attracts
thousands of visitors every year. Contact: Old 96
District Tourism Commission, PO Box 448, Laurens, SC
29360 (803/984-2233).
Discover Upcountry Carolina: Discover Upcountry Carolina,
comprised of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee,
Pickens and Spartanburg counties, is located in the
Northwest corner of the state. Discover mountain peaks,
whitewater rafting, art galleries, factory outlet stores,
backpacking trails and the Cherokee Foothills Scenic
Highway. Contact: Discover Upcountry Carolina
Association, PO Box 3132, Greenville, SC 29602, (803/233-
2690.) Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties, also
contact: Pendleton District Historical and Recreational
Association, PO Box 565, Pendleton, SC 29670, (83/646-
3782).
Grand Strand: The Grand Strand, South Carolina's most
popular vacation spot, stretches over 60 miles of beaches
along the Atlantic Ocean in Horry and Georgetown
Counties. The gently sloping beaches are some of the
widest on the East coasts perfect for shell hunting,
fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and strolling, The Grand
Strand is known for its golf courses, with over 60
courses available for play in the area. Historic
lowcountry homes, churches, beautiful gardens and
shopping all abound along the coast. Contact: Myrtle
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, P.0. Box 2115, Myrtle
Beach, SC 29578-2115, (803/626-7444) also contact:
Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, P.0. Box 1776,
Georgetown, SC 29442 (803/546-8436) or 800/777-7705).
South Carolina Travel Information Centers South Carolina
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
The Travel Information Centers are staffed by the South
Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
These centers are located on all interstates coming in
the state and on other major highways. An extensive
display of literature is available on accommodations and
attractions to give travelers an opportunity to see what
is available. As an added service, a complimentary
reservation service is available for accommodations
within the state. The centers will gladly stock a supply
of your approved brochure to assist visitors in making
reservations at your property.
BEFORE SENDING ANY LITERATURE TO THE CENTERS A SAMPLE
MUST BE SENT TO THE CENTRAL OFFICE FOR APPROVAL AND FOR
MAILING INSTRUCTIONS. PLEASE CONTACT THE MANAGER OF
VISITOR SERVICES, PRT, 1205 PENDLETON STREET, COLUMBIA,
SC 29201 BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION.
(803/734-0125)
1. US 17, SC/NC Border
P.O. Box 217, Little River, SC 29566 249-1111
2. I-85, SC/NC Boarder
Route 3, Box 140, Blacksburg, SC 29704 839-6742
3. I-26, SC/NC Border
P.O. Box 429, Landrum, SC 29356 457-2228
4. I-85, SC/GA Border
P.O. Box 38, Fair Play, SC 29643 972-3731
5. I-20, SC/GA Border
P.O. Box 6728, North Augusta, SC 29841-0728 279-6756
6. I-95, SC/NC Border
Rt. 1, Box 180, Hamer, SC 29547-9801 774-4711
7. I-95 Southbound
P.O. Box 493, Santee, SC 29142 854-2442
8. I-95, SC/GA Border
P.O. Box 400, Hardeeville, SC 29927-0400 784-3275
9. I-77, SC/NC Border
I-77 North, Fort Mill, SC 29715 548-2880
10. US 301, SC/GA Border
P.O. Box 572, Allendale, SC 29810 584-3950
TELEPHONE RESERVATION REQUEST
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
PHONE:
ARRIVAL DATE: TIME: VIA:
DEPARTURE DATE: TIME: VIA:
TYPE OF BEDROOM: NO. OF PERSONS:
RATE QUOTED: DEPOSIT REQUESTED (DATE)
AMOUNT OF DEPOSIT: DATE RECEIVED:
CONFIRMATION MAILED (DATE):
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & ARRANGEMENTS:
DEPOSIT RECEIPT & RESERVATION CONFIRMATION
TO: DATE:
We are pleased to confirm receipt of your deposit in the
amount of $
to cover the following reservations:
ARRIVAL DATE: TIME:
DEPARTURE DATE: TIME:
TYPE OF ROOM: # OF PERSONS:
DAILY RATE INCLUDING BREAKFAST: $
TOTAL COST OF ACCOMMODATIONS: $ xDays= $
MINUS DEPOSIT: $
AMOUNT DUE ON ARRIVAL: $
OTHER ARRANGEMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS:
DEPOSIT REFUND POLICY:
Full refund up to 14 days before arrival date
Full refund minus $10.00 administration fee up to 7
days before arrival date
No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before arrival
date
Hosts Names, Address
Phone
RESERVATION SHEET
MONTH:
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
References and information from the following excellent
publications was incorporated into this manual:
"Developing a Bed and Breakfast Business Plan," Robert D.
Buchanan, Extension Specialist, Purdue University and
Robert D. Espeseth, University of Illinois, Illinois-
Indiana Sea Grant Program, IL IN SG 88-2,300 February 88,
COMM-NA 85AA DSG083ON.
"Guidelines For Development And Operation of a Bed &
Breakfast Home in Alberta," Development Division, Alberta
Tourism, 16th Floor, 10025 Jasper Ave., Edmonton, Alberta
T5 J 323
The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or handicap
and is an equal opportunity employer.
Clemson University Cooperating with U. S. Department of
Agriculture, South Carolina Counties, Extension Service,
B.K. Webb, Director, Clemson, S.C. issued in Furtherance
of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home
Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base TD on 09/30/03.
Data base TD was last revised on 06/06/02.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
alexande@msue.msu.edu . Please read our
disclaimer for important
information about using our site.