Friends and Family discounts

Advertise with us
shop deals on amazon
Shop deals on ebay
Bed & Breakfast / Short Term Rental Host Forum

Help Support Bed & Breakfast / Short Term Rental Host Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
TheBeachHouse

TheBeachHouse

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 24, 2013
Messages
4,452
Reaction score
373
Hi, I'm new here. We are buying an existing Inn at the end of the Summer and expect lots of friend to come stay with us. (I imagine this has been discussed and I did look, but didn't find it, so forgive if I'm repeating, but.....)
How do you handle friends and family? Do you offer a 10% discount? 50%? Second night free? Anything?
Thanks for input.
 
If you intend to use your B & B rooms as deductions on income tax, you must charge them. Family pays or you have to adjust the number of days you use as a B & B. This has been discussed previously. Of course, we all know people do it all the time and don't report it. But you really need to make it clear that you are a business and it has to be treated as such otherwise your friends and family may take advantage and take up more of your time than guests will.
 
We'll be open year 'round.
Are you saying that technically, if I give a rentable room for free, I've violated my Inn designation for tax purposes?
We have filed schedule E in the past, but not for an Inn (for an apartment.)
 
It depends on your friends and family.
shades_smile.gif
 
Repeat after me 'This is my business and my livelihood.' You'll need to say that a lot to yourself and to all your friends and rels who think they just struck it rich to know someone with a 'beach house' in New England.
We thought friends and family would show up in droves. They didn't. But, our plan was this - moms & dads stay free, but they have to come in the off season. Siblings stay free, they also have to come in the off season, preferably when we're closed. (BTW, you really can't do 'free' or the IRS looks at you very closely. So we ask everyone to pay something.) Friends? They get the off season rate in season.
I have no idea why hotels can let the owners/CEO's get comped stays but we can't but that's the way I've been told it is.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
We'll be open year 'round.
Are you saying that technically, if I give a rentable room for free, I've violated my Inn designation for tax purposes?
We have filed schedule E in the past, but not for an Inn (for an apartment.).
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
We'll be open year 'round.
Are you saying that technically, if I give a rentable room for free, I've violated my Inn designation for tax purposes?
Click to expand...
Yes, exactly. So everyone has to pay something.
 
EmptyNest said:
If you intend to use your B & B rooms as deductions on income tax, you must charge them. Family pays or you have to adjust the number of days you use as a B & B. This has been discussed previously. Of course, we all know people do it all the time and don't report it. But you really need to make it clear that you are a business and it has to be treated as such otherwise your friends and family may take advantage and take up more of your time than guests will..
Click to expand...
I guess I am different. I told my family and friends that this is our busy time of year. They are more then welcome in our personal quarters. Our nick name for that room is called the paupers roomLOL.
But if you want to stay in one of our Suites it must be as a paying guest. My sister in law comes every year with her girl friend and stays for 4 days We treat her just like our other guests. She loves it in this area as we have winery after winery.
 
I like the idea of the off season rate in season. Easy to explain, easy to apply and consistent.
I wouldn't apply this to many people, but I do expect some.
 
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
 
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
 
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
 
TheBeachHouse said:
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
Click to expand...
We are an inherently nosy group. I found the same place yesterday and wondered... ;-)
 
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
Click to expand...
We are an inherently nosy group. I found the same place yesterday and wondered... ;-)
.
Click to expand...
not me. to save you lots of trouble, the place isn't called the Beach House. But if I were to name it, I would name it that. We aren't planning to change the name even though we don't particularly like it. We want to ease into any changes. My understanding is that the place has many loyal guests.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
Click to expand...
We are an inherently nosy group. I found the same place yesterday and wondered... ;-)
.
Click to expand...
not me. to save you lots of trouble, the place isn't called the Beach House. But if I were to name it, I would name it that. We aren't planning to change the name even though we don't particularly like it. We want to ease into any changes. My understanding is that the place has many loyal guests.
.
Click to expand...
This is good. It was way too easy to find that place and you don't want guests finding this site if you need to vent!
In re making changes with a loyal following...we waited a year to change anything. (Obv you have to fix broken stuff!) This year I started stripping wallpaper. The very first guests who were big fans of the OO (original owner) had died so I figured I could start making changes! (8 years into it!)
I wanted to strip that wallpaper on Day 1. The older guests thanked me for 'not being rash'. Now they're gone. It may be 'bad enough' for the repeats that you're a new person. Really. You may get some of that. Guests get attached to the owners.
What we did do right off was get all new bedding. That really perked the place up without spending a fortune. We've bought new mattresses and done things the guest don't 'see' but can appreciate. And we've done a ton they can see and appreciate.
 
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
Click to expand...
We are an inherently nosy group. I found the same place yesterday and wondered... ;-)
.
Click to expand...
not me. to save you lots of trouble, the place isn't called the Beach House. But if I were to name it, I would name it that. We aren't planning to change the name even though we don't particularly like it. We want to ease into any changes. My understanding is that the place has many loyal guests.
.
Click to expand...
This is good. It was way too easy to find that place and you don't want guests finding this site if you need to vent!
In re making changes with a loyal following...we waited a year to change anything. (Obv you have to fix broken stuff!) This year I started stripping wallpaper. The very first guests who were big fans of the OO (original owner) had died so I figured I could start making changes! (8 years into it!)
I wanted to strip that wallpaper on Day 1. The older guests thanked me for 'not being rash'. Now they're gone. It may be 'bad enough' for the repeats that you're a new person. Really. You may get some of that. Guests get attached to the owners.
What we did do right off was get all new bedding. That really perked the place up without spending a fortune. We've bought new mattresses and done things the guest don't 'see' but can appreciate. And we've done a ton they can see and appreciate.
.
Click to expand...
We do plan to get new mattresses. But not until next spring at the earliest. We will be buying new furniture for the front room/common living room.
And we know people love the current owner. So we want to be respectful.
Wallpaper can be a b!tch, eh?
 
I do have a charge for my friends and family - I know I must charge thanks to that wonderful 3-letter agency - however they cannot tell me how much I must charge nor who pays it. My sibs, cousins, and my kids are booked in and there is a minimal charge that I pay as far as the books are concerned. - and include in the revenue stream for taxes. The rooms I give to my City/the churches/etc. are marked donation.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Madeleine said:
TheBeachHouse said:
EmptyNest said:
TheBeachHouse said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Beach House it really depends on who and when. I guarantee people WON'T come in the off season to see you, they want the beach.
But, having said that, if it is a family member of mine, I want to see them! I am not from a family who is always together all the time. When my Nana came out that was the last time I saw her. I would give anything for her to stay with us again!
People TALK about coming to visit, more than they do visit. It still costs money to go on vacation, drive or fly. It will make you nervous thinking that EVERYONE is going to known down your door to stay with you, then realize very few actually do.
Of course you may have that cousin overseas who thinks he/she can crash at your place for a month. So you know who they are and will prevent that.
My final thought - after 10 years of running a B&B, if I cannot do what I want when I want to, if I am so strict with my business as to miss out on the important things in life, like friends and family, I will dig myself into a quick grave. Be proud of your place, show it off. They can be great PR for you!
regular_smile.gif
.
Click to expand...
You make several good points. I learned long ago that I need to work to live, not live to work. Family and important moments matter more. So I appreciate your last paragraph.
We are good hosts. We've been told that by many. At this point, we live in a 4 bedroom house and it is full two or three times during each summer, so the people who have been visiting us in this town for years, will want to continue. I want them to have a great visit without giving away the farm (or the Inn.)
I did not realize that using a room without charging was a tax issue, so I am very glad I asked and heard that. Useful.
.
Click to expand...
I don't know if this is your place or not...if it is..I suggest a new website quickly.
.
Click to expand...
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
hmmm. is this my hazing for being the new kid?
Click to expand...
We are an inherently nosy group. I found the same place yesterday and wondered... ;-)
.
Click to expand...
not me. to save you lots of trouble, the place isn't called the Beach House. But if I were to name it, I would name it that. We aren't planning to change the name even though we don't particularly like it. We want to ease into any changes. My understanding is that the place has many loyal guests.
.
Click to expand...
This is good. It was way too easy to find that place and you don't want guests finding this site if you need to vent!
In re making changes with a loyal following...we waited a year to change anything. (Obv you have to fix broken stuff!) This year I started stripping wallpaper. The very first guests who were big fans of the OO (original owner) had died so I figured I could start making changes! (8 years into it!)
I wanted to strip that wallpaper on Day 1. The older guests thanked me for 'not being rash'. Now they're gone. It may be 'bad enough' for the repeats that you're a new person. Really. You may get some of that. Guests get attached to the owners.
What we did do right off was get all new bedding. That really perked the place up without spending a fortune. We've bought new mattresses and done things the guest don't 'see' but can appreciate. And we've done a ton they can see and appreciate.
.
Click to expand...
We do plan to get new mattresses. But not until next spring at the earliest. We will be buying new furniture for the front room/common living room.
And we know people love the current owner. So we want to be respectful.
Wallpaper can be a b!tch, eh?
.
Click to expand...
TheBeachHouse said:
Wallpaper can be a b!tch, eh?
Click to expand...
Yes indeed. BTW, we have a nanny filter on here so you can spell out bitch! (see what happens)
Never say bad things about the PO! Let the guests do it for you. We were told they walked on water until some other guests came in and said otherwise. It all depended on who we talked with. Our POs' were not good at repairs. Or updating. But everything was workable for a year.
No idea where you are and you don't have to say, but there's a great place in Portland to get mattresses. Made in Portland.
 
Back to the tax issue -- how is your business organized, and who actually owns the building?
In other words, if you own the building personally, it is your residence, and are renting out rooms most of the time, but using them yourself some of the time (e.g. letting family stay for free), then the IRS will scrutinize how much of the building's expenses you can claim as business expenses vs. what you have to accept as your personal, non-deductible, expenses.
It may be different if the business is its own entity (e.g. a corporation), IT owns the building, and it is leasing back to your your living quarters, perhaps as part of your compensation for working in the business....
 
Harborfields said:
Back to the tax issue -- how is your business organized, and who actually owns the building?
In other words, if you own the building personally, it is your residence, and are renting out rooms most of the time, but using them yourself some of the time (e.g. letting family stay for free), then the IRS will scrutinize how much of the building's expenses you can claim as business expenses vs. what you have to accept as your personal, non-deductible, expenses.
It may be different if the business is its own entity (e.g. a corporation), IT owns the building, and it is leasing back to your your living quarters, perhaps as part of your compensation for working in the business.....
Click to expand...
Good points about the differences between sole proprietorship and an LLC or S corp. That may be why the hotels can allow comp rooms for the owners and family.
 

Latest posts

Back
Top