My first guest is not as wonderful as I had hoped :(

My first guest checked in on Saturday night. Totally unexpected... He called when he was an hour away and needed a place for that night, plus the next 10 days. I was so excited! Unfortunately, I found out quickly that he's young, socially awkward, and inconsiderate. :/
I serve breakfast between 8-11 am, at the guest can choose what time to eat. I explained this policy, and he told me he wanted breakfast served at 10 am. So, my husband and I woke up Sunday morning and prepared a beautiful meal- everything was perfect and I was so excited. 10 am came and went. He never came down until 11:30. I gave him the satisfaction of the doubt- there had been a time change, it was his first night... Whatever... I hoped it meant he just slept exceptionally well in my lovely little guest room. I reheated my beautiful meal in the microwave and served his breakfast with a smile on my face. And bit my tongue the rest of the day.
This morning, again, I get up and make another beautiful breakfast. At 10:30, I sigh and wrap it up and throw it in the fridge. I leave a note on the table politely explaining again that breakfast is served from 8-11, and that if he wishes to eat, he needs to tell me a time during that period and then needs to show up at that time. I go about my morning work. I hear him finally head downstairs at 11:45- I wonder if he seemed surprised to find no breakfast and instead a note... He steers clear of me all afternoon. Finally about 9 pm, I see him pass through and ask what time he would like breakfast tomorrow morning. He says "I'll let you know." Excuse me?? I'm going to bed soon! I tell him no, I need to know now. He says "I'll try for 11 am." This time my husband- the"Enforcer"- says "No, if you want breakfast you need to be down here at 11 or there will be no breakfast." He reluctantly agrees to 11 am....
I just know I'm making breakfast for myself again tomorrow...

sorry that your first guest wasn't all you had hoped but don't let this put you off - how many nights is he staying for? remember he doesn't know you don't have other guests - say I am sorry but we have to go to bed now as the other guests need early breakfast - so we do need to know now. Trouble is people make no connection between the person they see and the person who is cooking breakfast

You poor thing! I have a lump in my throat for you reading this. It gets better, it really does! Hang in there.
Consider this, after all the hopes and dreams, now you have a story to tell. We did that here long ago "Who was your first?" I asked. My first was an internet hook up who no showed for breakfast, and not as bad as your, but not a happy first either. It still effects me to think about it and helps me going further to not take it all so personal, and a hard lesson to learn day one. So sorry.
Everyone here will now give advice, including me. 11am in not breakfast, even at McDonalds they start serving lunch. You are being nice, you will stop being so nice after this, me thinks.

I hope you have gotten his credit card and have made him pay in advance. Sorry this is happening to you. Stick around here and read all of our past posts. You will get educated big time quickly
You can always just tell him. You will not provide anything more than a continental breakfast or none and deduct say $5.00 a day from his payment.

Sorry your first dumped you into reality right off the bat! We all have gone into this business with visions of all happy smilee faces at the breakfast table.
This guy A) may not be a morning person B) may not be a breakfast person C) may like to live by the seat of his pants without a clock to dictate him For what ever the reason, he is who he is and there will be others like him that will pass through your door. As time goes on you will adjust to the Joe Public but it will always hurt that they did not enjoy the efforts of your labor in the kitchen.
May the next guest far exceed your guest expectations!
BTW - I do think you should revise your breakfast time, 3 hrs is far too long to be confined to the kitchen when there will be lots of things you need to get done. We each have our own ways to do breakfast, there is no ideal way so you will adjust as you see this working for you. I will throw out how I do it, as I am sure others will as well. # of people/rooms/space at the table(s) all have a part in determining these hours.
We have 5 rooms and can seat all at the same time, I serve 8:30-9:30 as open seating and will be a little flexible if someone is a little late. With business guests I will do breakfast as early a 7, but try no earlier than 7:30. (I need my beauty sleep too) My check out is at 11 and I sure don't want people still @ the table that need to be moving along!
Again, best wishes!!! There will be many that will be that ideal guest, promise!

How many rooms do you have? Like someone noted, 3 hours is too long to hang around. If you have only 1 room then you ask and you know when you have to be in the kitchen. Not with this guy, but live and learn.
First thing to learn...don't take it personally. It's not you, it's him.
You're hitting the ground running. It's better than having all sweetness and light for months and THEN getting slammed with this guy.

So sorry this happened to you with your first guest. Hopefully, this will be an exception!
I agree with the others...when you allow guests to choose their breakfast time, you need to narrow their window. We had 5 rooms (max of 15 guests with double suites and sleep sofas) and I had a window 7-9AM weekdays, and 8-9:30 AM weekends. With a full house, I had a sign-up for two seatings at 8:30 and 9:30 AM that I had in my guest info area that I directed them to.
I had folks sign up for breakfast every day with a small form which I left on their door after their room was freshened up. The form was right above their room lock so practically impossible to miss. And, it was part of the check-in spiel.
Here's what it said, but it was fancy with a background and printed in color.
Breakfast Time Request for (day & date)__________
Please respond by leaving card at Check-In area by 9pm on
__(date)________. Thank You!

Name/Room_________________________________
_________ Breakfast Time (Select between 7:00-9 AM weekdays; 8-9:30 AM Weekends)
__________Number of persons
Please Circle Your Morning Hot Beverage Choice(s)
Reg Coffee Decaf Coffee Tea
You'll find out that you need to do whatever it takes to make your life easier! Good luck!

I hope you got paid up front!! You will find that most of the people who come to a B & B are truly nice and appreciative.
We all get our "turkeys". I was stiffed last week - horse people who said "we didn't know" - they were not my norm of horse owners, they were transporters. When they called, I was in arestaurant with friends (forward calls to cell phone) and could not write anything down. Horse people are reliable, no problem. I wait up until they call at 1 AM for me to go to the Interstate, guide themin to the stable, the horses are in the stalls, and when I ask what time is breakfast so we do not disturb my other guest in-house, she tells me they are booked into the Ham-Inn for $30. I informed her the farmer only stables horses of my guests. That is when I get the we didn't know. They found me someplace and I list my guests only.
My feeling is from now on, horse people will not be in the trusted category BUT somewhere along the line THEY will get THEIRS. Some one will stick it to them and although I will not get to see it, I know it will happen. But oh how I wanted to drive down to the Ham and deflate a tire on the trailer and on the truck. They DID pay for the stable - I do not take a cut of that money because the stable provides a service I cannot do without. The farmer would not have been pleased either because we both know MY kind of people are responsible and respectful of his stable. The only time HE ever had a problem was with another transporter that came in.
BTW - I have 3 rooms and because of the diversity of my guests (horses to leisure to business) my guests are told to choose a time between 4 AM and 10 AM. I get up 2 hours before the chosen time to prepare breakfast and if it is 10, I get to do other things before I start breakfast.

gillumhouse said:

I hope you got paid up front!! You will find that most of the people who come to a B & B are truly nice and appreciative.
We all get our "turkeys". I was stiffed last week - horse people who said "we didn't know" - they were not my norm of horse owners, they were transporters. When they called, I was in arestaurant with friends (forward calls to cell phone) and could not write anything down. Horse people are reliable, no problem. I wait up until they call at 1 AM for me to go to the Interstate, guide themin to the stable, the horses are in the stalls, and when I ask what time is breakfast so we do not disturb my other guest in-house, she tells me they are booked into the Ham-Inn for $30. I informed her the farmer only stables horses of my guests. That is when I get the we didn't know. They found me someplace and I list my guests only.
My feeling is from now on, horse people will not be in the trusted category BUT somewhere along the line THEY will get THEIRS. Some one will stick it to them and although I will not get to see it, I know it will happen. But oh how I wanted to drive down to the Ham and deflate a tire on the trailer and on the truck. They DID pay for the stable - I do not take a cut of that money because the stable provides a service I cannot do without. The farmer would not have been pleased either because we both know MY kind of people are responsible and respectful of his stable. The only time HE ever had a problem was with another transporter that came in.
BTW - I have 3 rooms and because of the diversity of my guests (horses to leisure to business) my guests are told to choose a time between 4 AM and 10 AM. I get up 2 hours before the chosen time to prepare breakfast and if it is 10, I get to do other things before I start breakfast..

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gillumhouse said:

...because of the diversity of my guests (horses to leisure to business) my guests are told to choose a time between 4 AM and 10 AM. I get up 2 hours before the chosen time to prepare breakfast and if it is 10, I get to do other things before I start breakfast.

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I don't think even obstetricians on delivery night are that accommodating!

I'm so sorry you are having this experience. We all want our first guest to be wonderful and ohhh and awww at everything we created.
With very little sluthing I was able to find your website and see that you have only the 1 room. It looks beautiful, but with a room rate as low as yours you're going to get the wrong 'type' of guest. Value yourself, your "homestay" and your time more and it's amazing how your guests will also!
All of us can tell you that rules, policies and rates changed frequently, especially in the beginning. Also, it's tough, but try not to take it personally. I'm sure the young man staying with you has never stayed in a place like yours before. If he likes to sleep in, maybe you should do a bagged breakfast and leave it for him so he can eat whenever he feels like it.
Stick around here and you'll learn a lot. One of the first things you'll learn is PITAs stink!

Breakfast Diva said:

I'm so sorry you are having this experience. We all want our first guest to be wonderful and ohhh and awww at everything we created.
With very little sluthing I was able to find your website and see that you have only the 1 room. It looks beautiful, but with a room rate as low as yours you're going to get the wrong 'type' of guest. Value yourself, your "homestay" and your time more and it's amazing how your guests will also!
All of us can tell you that rules, policies and rates changed frequently, especially in the beginning. Also, it's tough, but try not to take it personally. I'm sure the young man staying with you has never stayed in a place like yours before. If he likes to sleep in, maybe you should do a bagged breakfast and leave it for him so he can eat whenever he feels like it.
Stick around here and you'll learn a lot. One of the first things you'll learn is PITAs stink!.

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Good idea about the bagged breakfast. This could be someone going thru a rough patch and he just needs to sleep. Knowing he doesn't have to 'get up' will help all around.
J- don't worry that you are not dazzling him with a full, plated breakfast. Sometimes just knowing the innkeeper cares enough to work around a rough situation makes life easier for everyone. We regularly do an early breakfast for our biz guests. And for our train guests we pack a breakfast for them to eat on the train. For family get togethers we'll leave the buffet set up until later so they can all grab something, even the teens.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone! I think I will definitely reconsider the timeframe I'm offering for breakfast. I had to laugh when I read that even McDonalds stops serving breakfast at 10! And I like the idea of a form too. Right now I have only one room, but we have plans to expand in a year or two. We figured we would give it a shot and learn the hard lessons now before sinking a lot of money and time into it. It has been my dream since high school to have a classy B&B, so I'm excited to be on the path now! It's a little discouraging that my first guest was a bit troublesome, but I know they won't all be this way. The first phone reservation I took, we talked for nearly 30 minutes like we were old friends. I've already had interactions with some really fantastic people that I really look forward to meeting. And we've received reservations from people from 3 different countries! Awesome!
So here's the update: He showed up this morning- about 5 minutes late but I'll take what I can get with this guy! He seemed to love the breakfast and we had a nice conversation/philosophical debate on what's good and bad about America... I am not one to talk with strangers about my own political and ideological beliefs and opinions, so it was awkward... He just kept pushing and pushing it. I just tried to smile, nod and change the subject. How do you guys typically respond to guests that want to talk politics?

BD is right...your price, for your location, is kinda low. You've got some big cities nearby to draw from.

Jsenocak said:

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone! I think I will definitely reconsider the timeframe I'm offering for breakfast. I had to laugh when I read that even McDonalds stops serving breakfast at 10! And I like the idea of a form too. Right now I have only one room, but we have plans to expand in a year or two. We figured we would give it a shot and learn the hard lessons now before sinking a lot of money and time into it. It has been my dream since high school to have a classy B&B, so I'm excited to be on the path now! It's a little discouraging that my first guest was a bit troublesome, but I know they won't all be this way. The first phone reservation I took, we talked for nearly 30 minutes like we were old friends. I've already had interactions with some really fantastic people that I really look forward to meeting. And we've received reservations from people from 3 different countries! Awesome!
So here's the update: He showed up this morning- about 5 minutes late but I'll take what I can get with this guy! He seemed to love the breakfast and we had a nice conversation/philosophical debate on what's good and bad about America... I am not one to talk with strangers about my own political and ideological beliefs and opinions, so it was awkward... He just kept pushing and pushing it. I just tried to smile, nod and change the subject. How do you guys typically respond to guests that want to talk politics?.

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Jsenocak said:

So here's the update: He showed up this morning- about 5 minutes late but I'll take what I can get with this guy! He seemed to love the breakfast and we had a nice conversation/philosophical debate on what's good and bad about America... I am not one to talk with strangers about my own political and ideological beliefs and opinions, so it was awkward... He just kept pushing and pushing it. I just tried to smile, nod and change the subject. How do you guys typically respond to guests that want to talk politics?

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We talk politics. That's how we do it. You don't have to debate. You can ask leading questions and get the guest to do all the talking. Turn it back on them if you'd rather not discuss it. 'Interesting way to put that, why do you feel that way?' or, 'Hm, I never considered that, tell me more.'
Your Euro guests will definitely talk politics. At least ours do. And you might find it more because of your location.
You might want to rethink posting as 'yourself'. It was pretty easy to figure out where you are, so you're 'out in the open' posting.
Great that you have gotten more bookings! Good luck with all your plans!

Breakfast Diva said:

I'm so sorry you are having this experience. We all want our first guest to be wonderful and ohhh and awww at everything we created.
With very little sluthing I was able to find your website and see that you have only the 1 room. It looks beautiful, but with a room rate as low as yours you're going to get the wrong 'type' of guest. Value yourself, your "homestay" and your time more and it's amazing how your guests will also!
All of us can tell you that rules, policies and rates changed frequently, especially in the beginning. Also, it's tough, but try not to take it personally. I'm sure the young man staying with you has never stayed in a place like yours before. If he likes to sleep in, maybe you should do a bagged breakfast and leave it for him so he can eat whenever he feels like it.
Stick around here and you'll learn a lot. One of the first things you'll learn is PITAs stink!.

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Breakfast Diva said:

With very little sluthing I was able to find your website and see that you have only the 1 room. It looks beautiful, but with a room rate as low as yours you're going to get the wrong 'type' of guest. Value yourself, your "homestay" and your time more and it's amazing how your guests will also!

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UP THOSE RATES! I too found your site, you are more than that, location location, and breakfast too? I am GLAD YOU ARE ON THIS FORUM. You have been here before as an aspiring, welcome to the from aspiring to perspiring side!

I even found you! (regulars here are snickering)
As said by others UP those rates! Check out what others are charging in the area and get in line with them. You are in an ideal location and should get folks from several major regions. Unfortunately at that rate you will bring in more PITA's than good folk! Honestly.

I found it too and second what others say about the rates. Way low and will attract the people you don't want, and make the ones you DO want suspicious. They'll shy away, thinking there must be something wrong you're not telling them about.
Nice doggie.

Haha, ok... I'm not sure if its a good thing or not that so many of you could find me..? So I guess I need to change my screen name on here so I'm not so "out in the open"!
And it's interesting that so many of you say I should increase the rates. I did research other rates in the area, and I know they are all considerably higher than me. I guess I'm still trying to figure out exactly "what" I am... With only one room, I think it's hard to call myself a true B&B and charge those sorts of rates. I know that what I currently have is more along the lines of a homestay. But I don't want it to be a typical homestay- I want guests to feel pampered and well taken care of, like they would at a classy B&B... I figured that I would be lucky just to get 4-5 nights per month. So, I priced low to see what would happen... I've been really surprised at the reservations I've gotten so far. At this point, honestly, I'm not really in this for the money (although a little extra cash never hurts anyone...)- it truly is meant to be a learning opportunity and the chance to meet and interact with some interesting people from around the world. But I definitely understand what you guys have said- charging too low can bring the wrong crowd and make others wonder what's wrong with the place!! I will definitely consider this!
Thanks so much everyone! I admit I was a little afraid to post on here at first- I was afraid all the "real" innkeepers would laugh me off the boards for having a one-room place! but you guys definitely have a lot of great knowledge and advice, and this is a wonderful resource for an aspiring innkeeper like me!

Jsenocak said:

Haha, ok... I'm not sure if its a good thing or not that so many of you could find me..? So I guess I need to change my screen name on here so I'm not so "out in the open"!
And it's interesting that so many of you say I should increase the rates. I did research other rates in the area, and I know they are all considerably higher than me. I guess I'm still trying to figure out exactly "what" I am... With only one room, I think it's hard to call myself a true B&B and charge those sorts of rates. I know that what I currently have is more along the lines of a homestay. But I don't want it to be a typical homestay- I want guests to feel pampered and well taken care of, like they would at a classy B&B... I figured that I would be lucky just to get 4-5 nights per month. So, I priced low to see what would happen... I've been really surprised at the reservations I've gotten so far. At this point, honestly, I'm not really in this for the money (although a little extra cash never hurts anyone...)- it truly is meant to be a learning opportunity and the chance to meet and interact with some interesting people from around the world. But I definitely understand what you guys have said- charging too low can bring the wrong crowd and make others wonder what's wrong with the place!! I will definitely consider this!
Thanks so much everyone! I admit I was a little afraid to post on here at first- I was afraid all the "real" innkeepers would laugh me off the boards for having a one-room place! but you guys definitely have a lot of great knowledge and advice, and this is a wonderful resource for an aspiring innkeeper like me!.

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Jsenocak said:

Thanks so much everyone! I admit I was a little afraid to post on here at first- I was afraid all the "real" innkeepers would laugh me off the boards for having a one-room place! but you guys definitely have a lot of great knowledge and advice, and this is a wonderful resource for an aspiring innkeeper like me!

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Awww, we're not so scary. It's not the number of rooms that makes you an innkeeper, it's professionalism. It sure seems like you've done some homework, spent $ on your website and are approaching innkeeping with high standards. Congrats!
So, when you call yourself a 'homestay', does that mean that the guest shares common space (living room, etc.) with you? How much is private guest area and how much is shared?

Breakfast Diva said:

Jsenocak said:

Haha, ok... I'm not sure if its a good thing or not that so many of you could find me..? So I guess I need to change my screen name on here so I'm not so "out in the open"!
And it's interesting that so many of you say I should increase the rates. I did research other rates in the area, and I know they are all considerably higher than me. I guess I'm still trying to figure out exactly "what" I am... With only one room, I think it's hard to call myself a true B&B and charge those sorts of rates. I know that what I currently have is more along the lines of a homestay. But I don't want it to be a typical homestay- I want guests to feel pampered and well taken care of, like they would at a classy B&B... I figured that I would be lucky just to get 4-5 nights per month. So, I priced low to see what would happen... I've been really surprised at the reservations I've gotten so far. At this point, honestly, I'm not really in this for the money (although a little extra cash never hurts anyone...)- it truly is meant to be a learning opportunity and the chance to meet and interact with some interesting people from around the world. But I definitely understand what you guys have said- charging too low can bring the wrong crowd and make others wonder what's wrong with the place!! I will definitely consider this!
Thanks so much everyone! I admit I was a little afraid to post on here at first- I was afraid all the "real" innkeepers would laugh me off the boards for having a one-room place! but you guys definitely have a lot of great knowledge and advice, and this is a wonderful resource for an aspiring innkeeper like me!.

Click to expand...

Jsenocak said:

Thanks so much everyone! I admit I was a little afraid to post on here at first- I was afraid all the "real" innkeepers would laugh me off the boards for having a one-room place! but you guys definitely have a lot of great knowledge and advice, and this is a wonderful resource for an aspiring innkeeper like me!

Click to expand...

Awww, we're not so scary.

It's not the number of rooms that makes you an innkeeper, it's professionalism. It sure seems like you've done some homework, spent $ on your website and are approaching innkeeping with high standards. Congrats!
So, when you call yourself a 'homestay', does that mean that the guest shares common space (living room, etc.) with you? How much is private guest area and how much is shared?
.

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Thanks I think high standards are important. I am constantly asking myself what I would want and expect if I was choosing a place to stay- and I'm extremely picky!
The private space is the guest room (obviously...) and the full bath. The shared space includes the living room, dining room, office (desk space and printing/fax use), and I also allow some shared use of the kitchen for guests (fridge, microwave, etc...). I consider a homestay to be a small place- one or two guest rooms, that is mostly geared towards international and student travelers and also can accommodate longer stays, and is often more focused on cultural exchange than your average inn or hotel. I like this aspect because we're an international family ourselves!