Deck the Halls: Bring Joy to Your Inn

Deck the halls for the holidays and welcome your Bed & Breakfast guests with more than seasonal decor and a few twinkling lights. Bring added joy and peace of mind to your Inn knowing you are prepared. Capture the spirit of the season, and welcome your guests by providing a memorable trip that will be cherished all year long. Here’s how:

Gear Up For Weather

Gather extra tools for the winter weather to protect yourself and property. Make sure you have large, slip-resistant doormats to prevent guests from tracking in snow and sliding on a wet floor. An area for wet shoes can help keep your floors drier and cleaner. Purchase ice melting salt for the driveway and sidewalks to prevent a slip and fall claim.

Don’t forget to bring inside any outdoor furniture that is not all-weather resistant. Any fabric cushions, umbrellas, and even rugs should be stored away somewhere dry to keep them in good condition.

Your visitors might not be used to the climate in their winter vacation destination, and many may travel with just the basics. It’s always a nice gesture to prepare your guests for anything the weather might throw at them with a few simple items. An ice scraper for the rental car, hand warmers, as well as hats and gloves, can make a guest’s day cozier and easier. If you wanted to go the extra mile, you could brand these items with your Inn’s logo.

Safety First

Getting the basics right is the first step in preparing your Inn for the winter. Schedule a checkup with a heating and cooling specialist before the busy season to ensure your systems are in tip-top shape. The change in seasons means it's also a great time to change out your air filters and check batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries for these devices should be changed every six months and CO detectors need to be replaced every five years.

Portable fire extinguishers are another important safety tool and should be readily available at your Bed & Breakfast. The NFPA recommends a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that can be used on all types of fires. Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and placed near all cooking areas, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and outdoor fire pits.

Taking care of these basics will not only keep your guests happy but will also keep your Bed & Breakfast safe. Looking for more cold weather tips for your Inn? Check out our Winterizing Checklist.

Sparkly Clean

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a headache this season. While it’s never a small task, it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your bed and breakfast, and your guests. Disinfecting your property helps prevent the spread of disease, including the coronavirus. If a person coughs or sneezes on a surface or rubs their eyes and then touches a doorknob, light switch, or any common household item, those often used items are infected with germs. Long story short … it’s possible for a guest to check out and leave the space contaminated for the next visitor.

Before setting out your décor, a deep clean of the Bed & Breakfast is a must. Start from scratch while dusting all objects, disinfecting everything from the walls to the furniture, and working hard to remove all grime in the kitchen. For more cleaning ideas, download our Simply Spotless COVID Cleaning Checklist.

Décor

Spread some holiday cheer and make your Bed & Breakfast feel extra cozy with simple touches like wreaths, lights, and seasonal throw pillows. Stick to non-denominational items, such as simple pine garlands, a cute snowman, bottle brush trees or string lights to keep the mood fun and enjoyable for all guests.

And don't forget to capture your Inn’s holiday look with high quality photos. They are a great way to enhance your property's social media presence and can be used on your website to brighten it up for the season!

Local Holiday Guide

Bed & Breakfasts help travelers live like locals for a short time, so why not help them shop like locals too? Create a list of your favorite local mom-and-pop stores, boutiques, and treat shops as well as any products you recommend. Use a free online template with cute holiday graphics and borders to make it extra festive. This can help your guests take care of any last minute gift shopping or help them figure out what to bring to a family meal.

Does your community have a fun holiday festival or unique tradition? Share a list of local holiday activities and events with your guests, or stick event fliers on a bulletin board or calendar. These simple touches go a long way to making sure your guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience while staying at your Inn.

Deck the Halls Safely this Year

Making your Bed & Breakfast festive for others during the holidays is a great way to spread joy. Keep that joyful feeling all year long by knowing your Inn is protected with the right insurance coverage. Rest easy knowing you have comprehensive coverage. Speak with one of our CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance experts or request a consultation!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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