interior designer designing bed and breakfast for school project!

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heathergill

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Hi All!
I am an interior design student in Dallas designing a Bed and Breakfast for a school project. I have created a few questions that I would like to get answered to design a more efficient and complete project! The following are the questions. If you have a bit of time, please respond and answer them briefly! I greatly appreciate any feedback with this project. Thanks!
Heather
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
 
If you really want a complete project, don't only focus on the front of the house. Design for the innkeepers as well. Where and how do they live and work? What's the layout of the laundry? Kitchen? Where are the supplies kept?
You could design a gorgeous 'home' that would be totally unsuitable as a business.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
In an old house, unless there is a room on the first floor that can be used as a guestroom AND can be plumbed with a bathroom - you cannot. Depending on State laws, number of rooms, and old rather than new construction - ADA not required
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
No. Himself is handicapped - we have the first floor room for us.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
Smoke & carbon alarms, specified exits, and being smart enough to be located across the street from the fire dept
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
Cleaning
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
And none of these questions has a hill of beans relation to interior design (not meaning to be snarky, but how DO these questions relate to interior design?
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Ah - bed & Breakfast - so yes, IF the guests choose the same breakfast time, they will meet each other at the table.
__________________
 
design in 2 closets for linen and supplies on each floor - that would be a good start
 
Assuming you are starting with "new" or "renovated" construction (i.e. a blank slate), that's already got the space-programming (e.g. the owner's quarters and storage closets mentioned above), engineering-infrastructure (e.g. bathrooms for every room with more-than-adequate plumbing, wiring, HVAC, etc...), and architectural design appropriate for a B&B...
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
There are a ton of resources out there to help you address this question, from the feds, states, and disability advocate organizations. Besides a range of mobility impairments (what we think of most commonly), you also want to consider designing for sight- and hearing- impairments as well.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
None of our cottages really have any special accommodations to make them more accessible -- yet.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
Smoke and CO detectors, hard-wired with battery backup and interconnected will likely be required by code or your insurance company. We also equip each cottage with a fire extinguisher (professionally serviced each year). We don't currently have any emergency lighting but are looking at hand-crank flashlights that don't use any batteries. Our decks have a nice cable railing system that meets code without impinging too much on the view.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
Procedurally, a regular thorough cleaning regimen ensures cleanliness. But there is a lot you as an interior designer can do to make the cleaning easier (or harder): the selection of surface finishes, the nature of trim details, the choice of fixtures and fittings, even the color palette can make a difference.
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
From an interior design point of view, we talk here on the forum about things like ensuring plenty of easily accessible electrical outlets, especially near bedside night stands; charging stations and docks; dim-able clock radios; strong wi-fi signals; personalized climate controls (but with systems that are quiet!); white-noise generators; in-room refrigerators (but that are quiet!); smart TV's and so on; beds need to have headboards for leaning pillows against, and good lighting for reading in bed.... So there are design issues here in the choices of furnishings and their arrangement.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
We have our list, not sure how generally applicable it is...
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
What we do here is unique to our situation, but from a more general B&B / interior design perspective, I think you are getting at the common spaces in the Inn and how they are designed and utilized.
 
OK, the others have clued me in to what you were getting at. I think of interior design as decorating and layout as architect.
Although over 100 years old, the interior of my house is excellent for a B & B. The owner's quarters are on the first floor on one side of the house that allows the innkeeper to access any room on the first floor but remains private for the innkeeper. IF it were not for the fact the "sunroom" became a workshop rather than inn office, there would be a "common room" that must be office instead. Owners quarters should be separated totally from the guest side.
One amenity that also helps with the cleaning is a personal shower head in each of my showers. I can spray, scrub and rinse and guests can have the spray where they want it and how (what setting from gentle to massage force) OR have the regular shower head. I have a claw-foot tub in the private bathroom for those who want to soak (or with kids) as well as a large shower stall. The original bathroom replaced the claw-foot with a 60 inch shower in the shared bathroom. Private ensuite bathrooms are the way to go if possible (old houses usually dictate the possibles).
My additional amenities include a large front porch with chair and glider, lawn chairs to use in the yard or at functions at our City Park (plays, concerts, Improv performances, etc), and in cooler (cold) months a dining room complete with tea or coffee (fresh-roasted here) for as long as they wish to talk or play cards or games (we have several). A relaxing "common area" is optimal. We offer books (to be stolen) for our guests' pleasure.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
In an old house, unless there is a room on the first floor that can be used as a guestroom AND can be plumbed with a bathroom - you cannot. Depending on State laws, number of rooms, and old rather than new construction - ADA not required
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
No. Himself is handicapped - we have the first floor room for us.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
Smoke & carbon alarms, specified exits, and being smart enough to be located across the street from the fire dept
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
Cleaning
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
And none of these questions has a hill of beans relation to interior design (not meaning to be snarky, but how DO these questions relate to interior design?
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Ah - bed & Breakfast - so yes, IF the guests choose the same breakfast time, they will meet each other at the table.
__________________.
Hi! Thanks for your responses. These questions are applicable to interior design because we are trying to best fit the users of the building according to how the spaces are used. Therefore, getting feedback from employees or facilities staff always helps us improve a layout, fix what is inadequate, and add things that are not existing in a design. Also, it is possible to re-design an existing building to accommodate an ADA/ universal design layout! Some of you responses seemed a bit snarky, but I will thank you for responding anyways! I really appreciate getting this feedback from everyone in the industry to create a stronger, more useful project.
 
Assuming you are starting with "new" or "renovated" construction (i.e. a blank slate), that's already got the space-programming (e.g. the owner's quarters and storage closets mentioned above), engineering-infrastructure (e.g. bathrooms for every room with more-than-adequate plumbing, wiring, HVAC, etc...), and architectural design appropriate for a B&B...
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
There are a ton of resources out there to help you address this question, from the feds, states, and disability advocate organizations. Besides a range of mobility impairments (what we think of most commonly), you also want to consider designing for sight- and hearing- impairments as well.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
None of our cottages really have any special accommodations to make them more accessible -- yet.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
Smoke and CO detectors, hard-wired with battery backup and interconnected will likely be required by code or your insurance company. We also equip each cottage with a fire extinguisher (professionally serviced each year). We don't currently have any emergency lighting but are looking at hand-crank flashlights that don't use any batteries. Our decks have a nice cable railing system that meets code without impinging too much on the view.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
Procedurally, a regular thorough cleaning regimen ensures cleanliness. But there is a lot you as an interior designer can do to make the cleaning easier (or harder): the selection of surface finishes, the nature of trim details, the choice of fixtures and fittings, even the color palette can make a difference.
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
From an interior design point of view, we talk here on the forum about things like ensuring plenty of easily accessible electrical outlets, especially near bedside night stands; charging stations and docks; dim-able clock radios; strong wi-fi signals; personalized climate controls (but with systems that are quiet!); white-noise generators; in-room refrigerators (but that are quiet!); smart TV's and so on; beds need to have headboards for leaning pillows against, and good lighting for reading in bed.... So there are design issues here in the choices of furnishings and their arrangement.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
We have our list, not sure how generally applicable it is...
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
What we do here is unique to our situation, but from a more general B&B / interior design perspective, I think you are getting at the common spaces in the Inn and how they are designed and utilized..
Thank you so much for your responses! They really are going to help so much in the development of my project!
 
OK, the others have clued me in to what you were getting at. I think of interior design as decorating and layout as architect.
Although over 100 years old, the interior of my house is excellent for a B & B. The owner's quarters are on the first floor on one side of the house that allows the innkeeper to access any room on the first floor but remains private for the innkeeper. IF it were not for the fact the "sunroom" became a workshop rather than inn office, there would be a "common room" that must be office instead. Owners quarters should be separated totally from the guest side.
One amenity that also helps with the cleaning is a personal shower head in each of my showers. I can spray, scrub and rinse and guests can have the spray where they want it and how (what setting from gentle to massage force) OR have the regular shower head. I have a claw-foot tub in the private bathroom for those who want to soak (or with kids) as well as a large shower stall. The original bathroom replaced the claw-foot with a 60 inch shower in the shared bathroom. Private ensuite bathrooms are the way to go if possible (old houses usually dictate the possibles).
My additional amenities include a large front porch with chair and glider, lawn chairs to use in the yard or at functions at our City Park (plays, concerts, Improv performances, etc), and in cooler (cold) months a dining room complete with tea or coffee (fresh-roasted here) for as long as they wish to talk or play cards or games (we have several). A relaxing "common area" is optimal. We offer books (to be stolen) for our guests' pleasure..
Thank you so much for your response! You mention City Park, does that mean you are located in New Orleans? Also, do you have a specific designer that you used to create your bed and breakfast, or did you renovate it yourself?
 
OK, the others have clued me in to what you were getting at. I think of interior design as decorating and layout as architect.
Although over 100 years old, the interior of my house is excellent for a B & B. The owner's quarters are on the first floor on one side of the house that allows the innkeeper to access any room on the first floor but remains private for the innkeeper. IF it were not for the fact the "sunroom" became a workshop rather than inn office, there would be a "common room" that must be office instead. Owners quarters should be separated totally from the guest side.
One amenity that also helps with the cleaning is a personal shower head in each of my showers. I can spray, scrub and rinse and guests can have the spray where they want it and how (what setting from gentle to massage force) OR have the regular shower head. I have a claw-foot tub in the private bathroom for those who want to soak (or with kids) as well as a large shower stall. The original bathroom replaced the claw-foot with a 60 inch shower in the shared bathroom. Private ensuite bathrooms are the way to go if possible (old houses usually dictate the possibles).
My additional amenities include a large front porch with chair and glider, lawn chairs to use in the yard or at functions at our City Park (plays, concerts, Improv performances, etc), and in cooler (cold) months a dining room complete with tea or coffee (fresh-roasted here) for as long as they wish to talk or play cards or games (we have several). A relaxing "common area" is optimal. We offer books (to be stolen) for our guests' pleasure..
Thank you so much for your response! You mention City Park, does that mean you are located in New Orleans? Also, do you have a specific designer that you used to create your bed and breakfast, or did you renovate it yourself?
.
Lord no. I am in the small City of Shinnston in the great State of West Virginia (not to be confused with the Great State of McDowell County (pronounced MAC Dowell) and an in-State joke). It is actually named Ferguson Memorial Park on about 18+ acres of land donated by citizens and cleared by volunteers with many of the things located in the Park done by volunteers (funded through donations and grants and City matching funds).
Re my B & B - this house (now 102 years old) told me in 1994, "Stop looking, I am yours.) I had planned to eventually be a B & B after the aunt I invited to come live with us croaked. The old bat went out and bought a house while we were out of town - so I was able to open in 1996. The only major reno we did re rooms was to take half of the room I use as storage/linens/where to put it and create the private bathroom where I wanted it (could tie in to the existing plumbing and still have half the room for my use) and then reno the existing bathroom to replace the claw-foot with the 60 in shower. We had deconstructors do the work to my design.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
We are a 200 year old historic property and cannot handle anyone with serious disabilities or in wheelchairs. We are exempt from ADA and it would be impossible to comply if it was required.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
We have re-landscaped the property to allow access to the main floor without having to use steps, have installed full bench seats in our 7 foot by 7 foot showers, added support handles in all bathrooms in the showers/by the commodes.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
In addition to the bathroom changes:
A free to use 911 cell phone/gps unit in every guest room. They are Samsung Galaxy S4's hard coded by Verizon to only dial 911 and to automatically inform the operator of where the phone is located using GPS. It will accept incoming calls and texts, only outbound calls are blocked. Guest are allowed to take the phone with them hiking, to dinner or anywhere they like while they are here. It provides data for google maps and ability to dial 911 but everything else is non-functional unless they connect to wireless. We have over 300 historic sites, restaurants, wineries and points of interest pre-pinned on the maps for guests. If they do not return the phone when they leave they would be charged $119, but that has never happened.
Sprayed all wooden stairs with varnish and sanded the surfaces to make them anti-slip.
Fire escape ladders and fire extinguishers in every guest room, public room and hallway.
Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup in every room and hall.
Battery CO2 detectors.
Video surveillance of the entire property and all public spaces.
Perimeter and driveway alarms.
Automatic sensors on all heaters in rooms that shut off the unit if an obstruction is detected.
Every outlet in every room is GFI protected.
Automatic generator backup on all bedside outlets used for CPAP machines or other medical devices.
Coded door lock that allows guest to set a four digit pin to access the door.
Nightlights and flashlights in every room that come on automatically if there is a power outage. Along with emergency lighting in the hallways that does the same.
Emergency cards in every room showing the location of all exits, extinguishers and fire escapes and ladders.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
We have annual inspections from our insurer, the health department and the state Bed and Breakfast Association. We both have passed the state sanitation requirements and keep our licenses current. We have daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly check lists to make sure nothing gets missed. These are for cleanliness but also for safety, like a weekly testing of each smoke detectors and checking the gauge on each fire extinguisher
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
Only the basics in each room like bottled waters, wine and hi-ball glasses, toiletries, and hair dryers. WIFI everywhere including outside, and a public refrigerator, washer and dryer for their use.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
Some dietary requests such as Kosher or ultra vegans. And we get some unusual requests, like nudists, ghost hunters and some security requests when politicians stay here but nothing else. The MENSA group asked us to turn off the internet so no one could cheat.
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Breakfast, public spaces in the Inn and they tend to gravitate to the firepit by the vineyard because of the views.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
We are a 200 year old historic property and cannot handle anyone with serious disabilities or in wheelchairs. We are exempt from ADA and it would be impossible to comply if it was required.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
We have re-landscaped the property to allow access to the main floor without having to use steps, have installed full bench seats in our 7 foot by 7 foot showers, added support handles in all bathrooms in the showers/by the commodes.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
In addition to the bathroom changes:
A free to use 911 cell phone/gps unit in every guest room. They are Samsung Galaxy S4's hard coded by Verizon to only dial 911 and to automatically inform the operator of where the phone is located using GPS. It will accept incoming calls and texts, only outbound calls are blocked. Guest are allowed to take the phone with them hiking, to dinner or anywhere they like while they are here. It provides data for google maps and ability to dial 911 but everything else is non-functional unless they connect to wireless. We have over 300 historic sites, restaurants, wineries and points of interest pre-pinned on the maps for guests. If they do not return the phone when they leave they would be charged $119, but that has never happened.
Sprayed all wooden stairs with varnish and sanded the surfaces to make them anti-slip.
Fire escape ladders and fire extinguishers in every guest room, public room and hallway.
Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup in every room and hall.
Battery CO2 detectors.
Video surveillance of the entire property and all public spaces.
Perimeter and driveway alarms.
Automatic sensors on all heaters in rooms that shut off the unit if an obstruction is detected.
Every outlet in every room is GFI protected.
Automatic generator backup on all bedside outlets used for CPAP machines or other medical devices.
Coded door lock that allows guest to set a four digit pin to access the door.
Nightlights and flashlights in every room that come on automatically if there is a power outage. Along with emergency lighting in the hallways that does the same.
Emergency cards in every room showing the location of all exits, extinguishers and fire escapes and ladders.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
We have annual inspections from our insurer, the health department and the state Bed and Breakfast Association. We both have passed the state sanitation requirements and keep our licenses current. We have daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly check lists to make sure nothing gets missed. These are for cleanliness but also for safety, like a weekly testing of each smoke detectors and checking the gauge on each fire extinguisher
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
Only the basics in each room like bottled waters, wine and hi-ball glasses, toiletries, and hair dryers. WIFI everywhere including outside, and a public refrigerator, washer and dryer for their use.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
Some dietary requests such as Kosher or ultra vegans. And we get some unusual requests, like nudists, ghost hunters and some security requests when politicians stay here but nothing else. The MENSA group asked us to turn off the internet so no one could cheat.
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Breakfast, public spaces in the Inn and they tend to gravitate to the firepit by the vineyard because of the views..
Thank you so much for your response!!!! You really gave me some great things to think about when designing my b&b!
 
'Some of you responses seemed a bit snarky, but I will thank you for responding anyways!'
wow, really? busy innkeepers have taken so much time to respond to your lengthy questions and you say this?
 
heathergill said:
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?

each room has a sitting area, wifi, a tv and an electric fireplace.
the house has a common living room (no tv) where guests visit, do puzzles, read. we also have several outdoor seating areas.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
In an old house, unless there is a room on the first floor that can be used as a guestroom AND can be plumbed with a bathroom - you cannot. Depending on State laws, number of rooms, and old rather than new construction - ADA not required
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
No. Himself is handicapped - we have the first floor room for us.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
Smoke & carbon alarms, specified exits, and being smart enough to be located across the street from the fire dept
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
Cleaning
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
And none of these questions has a hill of beans relation to interior design (not meaning to be snarky, but how DO these questions relate to interior design?
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Ah - bed & Breakfast - so yes, IF the guests choose the same breakfast time, they will meet each other at the table.
__________________.
Hi! Thanks for your responses. These questions are applicable to interior design because we are trying to best fit the users of the building according to how the spaces are used. Therefore, getting feedback from employees or facilities staff always helps us improve a layout, fix what is inadequate, and add things that are not existing in a design. Also, it is possible to re-design an existing building to accommodate an ADA/ universal design layout! Some of you responses seemed a bit snarky, but I will thank you for responding anyways! I really appreciate getting this feedback from everyone in the industry to create a stronger, more useful project.
.
heathergill said:
Hi! Thanks for your responses. These questions are applicable to interior design because we are trying to best fit the users of the building according to how the spaces are used. Therefore, getting feedback from employees or facilities staff always helps us improve a layout, fix what is inadequate, and add things that are not existing in a design. Also, it is possible to re-design an existing building to accommodate an ADA/ universal design layout! Some of you responses seemed a bit snarky, but I will thank you for responding anyways! I really appreciate getting this feedback from everyone in the industry to create a stronger, more useful project.
SNARKY???? Everyone has tripped all over themselves to be polite.
I am an old bat who does not care after reading this statement. You are in college - good for you. All you have to do is classwork and perhaps a job. Good for you.
The innkeepers are the housekeeping staff, cooks, galley slaves, marketers, front desk (if we had one), GM, switchboard, laundry, MOTHERS, WIVES, active in their communities, YOU invaded our place to have companionship, ask a whole slew of questions which many too the time to answer in detail and you have the gall to term our answers snarky? Especially OF YOU had taken a bit of time to put a few words in the search box (top right) many of those questions would have been answered. And amenities (soap, shampoo, makeup removers, etc. really do not have any relation to interior design. And interior design still means decorating more than construction. Had YOU been specific in what YOU were talking about several of us would not have wasted time with the initial responses. I realize I am wasting time writing this but I am po'ed enough by your words to give you a piece of my mind as we old bats call it. You are fortunate this is seen by others - I would REALLY tell you what I thought of your disrespect of people kind enough to try to help you. Guess what kind of reception the next one asking this kind of question is likely to get thanks to your disrespect.
And had you ever visited an actual B & B you would know employees and facilities staff are hotel words and had you rvrt actually seen a house that is 80 to 100 years old that had been rescued by an innkeepers or just a house that old, you would know what you said about redesigning to accommodate ADA was asinine - and that is not even including the expense involved. Flat out from me specifically - go away. You insulted a group of the most caring people that exist.
 
Gosh! I am afraid I am a little late to be helpful, so I think I'll go for snarky.
It's great that you imagine that innkeepers have thought about any of your questions out of context, as you have presented them. I am sure, with two or three bits of information that look appealing in our answers, you'll successfully design the perfect bed and breakfast. Don't forgot to put us in your footnotes.
 
• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
We are a 200 year old historic property and cannot handle anyone with serious disabilities or in wheelchairs. We are exempt from ADA and it would be impossible to comply if it was required.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
We have re-landscaped the property to allow access to the main floor without having to use steps, have installed full bench seats in our 7 foot by 7 foot showers, added support handles in all bathrooms in the showers/by the commodes.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
In addition to the bathroom changes:
A free to use 911 cell phone/gps unit in every guest room. They are Samsung Galaxy S4's hard coded by Verizon to only dial 911 and to automatically inform the operator of where the phone is located using GPS. It will accept incoming calls and texts, only outbound calls are blocked. Guest are allowed to take the phone with them hiking, to dinner or anywhere they like while they are here. It provides data for google maps and ability to dial 911 but everything else is non-functional unless they connect to wireless. We have over 300 historic sites, restaurants, wineries and points of interest pre-pinned on the maps for guests. If they do not return the phone when they leave they would be charged $119, but that has never happened.
Sprayed all wooden stairs with varnish and sanded the surfaces to make them anti-slip.
Fire escape ladders and fire extinguishers in every guest room, public room and hallway.
Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup in every room and hall.
Battery CO2 detectors.
Video surveillance of the entire property and all public spaces.
Perimeter and driveway alarms.
Automatic sensors on all heaters in rooms that shut off the unit if an obstruction is detected.
Every outlet in every room is GFI protected.
Automatic generator backup on all bedside outlets used for CPAP machines or other medical devices.
Coded door lock that allows guest to set a four digit pin to access the door.
Nightlights and flashlights in every room that come on automatically if there is a power outage. Along with emergency lighting in the hallways that does the same.
Emergency cards in every room showing the location of all exits, extinguishers and fire escapes and ladders.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
We have annual inspections from our insurer, the health department and the state Bed and Breakfast Association. We both have passed the state sanitation requirements and keep our licenses current. We have daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly check lists to make sure nothing gets missed. These are for cleanliness but also for safety, like a weekly testing of each smoke detectors and checking the gauge on each fire extinguisher
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
Only the basics in each room like bottled waters, wine and hi-ball glasses, toiletries, and hair dryers. WIFI everywhere including outside, and a public refrigerator, washer and dryer for their use.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
Some dietary requests such as Kosher or ultra vegans. And we get some unusual requests, like nudists, ghost hunters and some security requests when politicians stay here but nothing else. The MENSA group asked us to turn off the internet so no one could cheat.
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Breakfast, public spaces in the Inn and they tend to gravitate to the firepit by the vineyard because of the views..
Wow! Old Tavernkeeper I am very impressed! I too live in Virginia, would love to come and stay at your B&B! Do you have a website?
 
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