The Bed And Breakfast Etiquette Guide [Know Before You Go]

Bed And Breakfasts
Written By Taz Zaidi

B&B Etiquette Guide

Bed and breakfasts differ from hotels in a few ways.

B&B hosts often live in or near the property, which means guests may share spaces with their host. This makes B&Bs great for meeting and interacting with a host and other travelers, but it also intimidates some travelers accustomed to the standard hotel experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover bed and breakfast etiquette that all travelers should know.

We’ll explore how B&Bs and hotels differ (regarding etiquette), how check-in typically works, the host and guest interaction, communal kitchen etiquette, shared bathroom etiquette, breakfast etiquette, how checkout typically works, tipping etiquette, plus answers to four frequently asked questions.

*Agoda.com is one of the best places to find and book a bed and breakfast. To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

What’s Different About Bed And Breakfasts?

B&B guests typically share some common spaces.

Kitchen access, bathrooms and more may be shared. Typically, the common areas in bed and breakfasts are smaller and more compact than a typical hotel lobby. Some B&Bs provide shared bathrooms as well (this is more common in budget B&Bs). If you’re completely new to bed and breakfast accommodation and want to learn how B&Bs work, click here. To learn how B&Bs compare to hotels (in atmosphere, price, safety, privacy and amenities), click here. To learn about the 13 B&B types (with 5 examples of each), click here.

B&B guests typically receive less overall privacy than hotel guests. In hotels, there’s usually less interaction between guest groups, while guests engage with staff, not a proprietor/host. Breakfast in mid to large hotels tends to be cooked in volume for all guests. In B&Bs, guests often interact with their host and other guests. Homemade breakfast is often served on a large table, where all guests sit and eat together.

While there are exceptions to these generalizations (most often in larger, staff-run B&Bs) and rules vary by property, you’ll generally find the guidelines we’ll cover below will apply to B&Bs around the world. Some hosts publicly post their own house rules and guidelines in the property for their guests to clearly see (for example, bathroom rules and quiet hours).

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

How Check-In Works

Hotels typically employ staff to work the business.

In contrast, bed and breakfasts are often family-run. This affects various aspects of a stay. For example, it’s common for B&Bs to accept guests between certain set hours (from 2 pm to 9 pm, for example). Many properties lack a reception area, and the hosts often live in or nearby the same property as their guests. Many hosts prepare based on their guest’s estimated arrival time (hosting may not be their full-time job).

Upon arriving to your B&B, your host usually greets you, shows you around the property and will explain things you should know (like WiFi password, curfew hours, how to park, etc.). This can be a great time to get to know the host and learn about local things to do and places to eat. In my experience, B&B hosts typically enjoy sharing their knowledge with guests.

Bed and breakfast check-in hours tend to be roughly the same as hotel check-in hours (earliest check-in between 12 pm and 3 pm). Some B&Bs only check guests in between a set time window (for example, 2 pm to 8 pm). Some B&Bs, like those that are thinly-staffed or family-run, may set their earliest check-in as late as 6 pm. When you book on Agoda.com, your check-in time is shown on your booking confirmation email. When possible, notify your host beforehand if you plan to arrive late or would like to check in early.

Interaction With Your Host

As a guest, expect some interaction with your host.

Some B&Bs feel more like a personal home than a lodging business (many are the host’s past or current residence, which was later turned into a business). For example, you may see the host cooking in the kitchen or see their children playing in common areas during your stay - this is all part of the B&B experience.

The level of interaction between you and your host ultimately depends on the level of service they choose to offer and the amount of interaction you seek out. Some hosts invite their guests to share a meal or deep conversation during a stay, while others remain more distant. To get a feel for a host’s personality and style, simply read their past guests’ reviews on Agoda.com.

During a meal, it’s common for the host to be present with their guests. Your host might linger nearby after serving your meal (in case you want to chat), but may leave the room if they sense you’d rather have privacy with your partner or group. There’s no need to feel pressured to constantly interact with your host during a stay, even if they’re often in the common areas.

Some B&B hosts choose to handle all hosting duties themselves, while others will split the duties between family, friends or staff. For many B&B hosts, hosting is not their full-time job. In the case that you stay in a B&B where the host/staff is not always present, your host should make it clear to you how to reach them in case you need anything during your stay.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Interaction With Other Guests

Bed and breakfasts have common areas where guests can easily interact with their partner/group or other guest groups. Shared areas could include a lounge, outdoor areas, a communal kitchen and bathrooms (depending on the room or property you book with).

Feel free to interact with other guests in the common areas, whether you’re alone, with a partner/family, or in a group. It’s common for B&B guests to interact at meal times, as the seating tends to be more compact in B&Bs than in hotels. Also, meals are often served on a large table where guests sit together. Many B&B hosts also lead group activities, such as wine tasting, guided hikes, cooking classes and more.

B&B Kitchen Etiquette

A single shared kitchen is a common B&B feature.

This is because many B&Bs were originally built to function as a family home, then were later modified to be a lodging business. The kitchen may be shared between guests and potentially the host. Some B&Bs provide private (en-suite) kitchenettes in each room.

In my experience, hosts often allow guests to use the kitchen facilities (fridge, stove, etc.) to cook or store food brought from outside. As a guest, if you do bring food in, label it with your name and checkout date, as this can help your host know which items to keep or throw out during and after your stay.

Wash what you use (utensils, pots, etc.) and return all dishes to where they belong. Don’t eat any food that is not yours. If you’re unsure whether you can use something, just ask. The host will typically tell guests if they can use particular condiments or ingredients. To learn exactly how to find a bed and breakfast that provides kitchen access, click here.

Many hosts also arrange a public snack table within the property, which could include finger foods, water bottles, tea, etc. From my experience, such snacks are typically free for all guests to take as they please (but let your host tell you this before you assume so!). If your B&B does have a treats table, take a fair amount for you and your group, so all guests can enjoy them.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Shared Bathroom Etiquette

Depending on the room and/or property you book, you might share a bathroom with other guests. If you are to share, this information should be clearly stated on the listing and your booking confirmation email. If your booking includes a shared bathroom, do not assume you have permission to use all toiletries in it (such as toothpaste and shampoo), unless a host says so. These items may belong to other guests. For a list of toiletries you should bring to a B&B, click here.

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Shared showers are usually busiest during morning and evening hours. When using the shower during these times, be conscious that other guests might be waiting (especially around the checkout time, when guests are likelier to be in a rush). Afternoon hours tend to be the best time to take a longer shower.

B&B Breakfast Etiquette

In my experience, the breakfast in a B&B tends to be more relaxed and flexible than breakfast in a hotel. For example, B&B hosts often ask guests what time they want breakfast served, rather than assigning a time for them. The person who cooks breakfast will likely be your host or their family member or friend.

Breakfast is typically served on one large dining table (where all guests sit together) or on multiple, smaller tables. It may be served outdoors (like in a patio) or in a kitchen (common in smaller B&Bs). Hosts may offer breakfast options or provide a standard meal to all guests. It may be served buffet-style or à la carte.

During meals, it’s common for all guest groups to sit together. Of course, it’s up to individual guest groups to decide how much they want to interact with other guests. Some hosts lay out a spread for guests to share. If this is the setup in your B&B, take what you need and let others have their share before taking seconds.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

How Checkout Works

Checking out of a B&B is similar to hotel checkout.

While the exact checkout hour will vary by property, expect the latest checkout time to be between 10 am and 1 pm. If you’ll check out earlier (prior to 8 am), notify your host the day prior (you may have to leave without seeing them) - as many B&Bs do not have a front desk worker during early morning hours.

Some hosts allow guests to check out late (ask first!). By checking out late without getting permission, you may be affecting how much time your host has to clean (hosts usually only have a 2-3 hour window to clean between guests, and many do not have staff).

B&B Tipping Etiquette

So, should you tip your bed and breakfast host?

Tipping your B&B host/innkeeper is not mandatory. But if you do enjoy any aspect of your stay (breakfast, tours, etc.), it’s a kind gesture to leave a tip to show your appreciation. Also consider tipping if you don’t have time to leave your room in clean condition. In large hotels, the reception, cleaning and bar staff are all different individuals. But in a small family-owned B&B, fewer people generally take on multiple roles.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Bed And Breakfasts Have Curfews?

Some bed and breakfasts have curfews. Because B&Bs are often family-run, there might only be one or two people working throughout the day. Many properties lock their front door by 11 pm or so (possibly earlier). If a B&B has a curfew (or if they lock the entrance by a certain time), your host should tell you beforehand.

Can You Smoke In A B&B?

Some bed and breakfasts allow guests to smoke on-property, others don’t. Of the properties that allow smoking, some have rules regarding which areas their guests can smoke in. To find a B&B that allows guests to smoke, go to Agoda.com and select the “Smoking area” filter below the “Property facilities” section.

Do You Knock At A B&B?

When you arrive at your bed and breakfast, it’s fine to knock on the front door. This might feel awkward, as B&B properties often resemble personal residences. If no one answers the front door, simply call your host or ask a neighbor. In my experience, neighbors often have the host’s personal contact information and have assisted the host’s guests in some way in the past.

Can I Eat In My Bedroom?

Bed and breakfast hosts typically do not mind guests bringing outside snacks or drinks into the property. However, they’ll often prohibit guests from eating in the bedrooms. In my experience, most hosts seem to prefer guests eat in the kitchen or common area(s).

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

It may feel odd checking into a bed and breakfast for the first time - as if you’re a stranger in someone else’s home. For a smooth stay, just use the guidelines above and respect your host’s rules! To learn more about bed and breakfasts, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find A Bed And Breakfast

Agoda.com provides bed and breakfasts for couples, solo travelers, groups and families. For today’s deals on B&Bs in your destination, click here. For a step-by-step guide showing you exactly how to find your ideal B&B, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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