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Helpful Bed and Breakfast Etiquette Tips

By Michelle & Keith Sanheim
River Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast, Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada

Bed & Breakfasts around the world are all unique and will vary by country, region and even city. There are small hotels that advertise as a B & B – we are not referring to these, as the owner is frequently not an occupant. Here are a few things that they all have in common for you to consider when staying at any true Bed & Breakfast.

1. Each and every true Bed and Breakfast is someone's home. Please bring your manners. Enough said?
2. Your hosts will love having you stay with them and will be helpful, accommodating and courteous. Even more so when treated with respect.
3. Check-in / Check-out times are so you can receive a heartfelt welcome when you arrive. They will vary so confirm them with your hosts and try your best to adhere to them.
4. Delays are a potential peril of any travel and welcoming our guests is part of making your stay comfortable and memorable. Please notify your hosts if your arrival time changes uncontrollably. Time is precious for B & B owners and your hosts will be grateful.
5. You may share your B & B with other guests. Great for meeting people and sharing stories but schedules may not coincide. Please bear this in mind when planning your activities.
6. Please, knock or ring the bell when you arrive for the first time. There is nothing more uncomfortable than being caught off guard as someone is standing in your front entrance and you don't know who they are.
7. Pets, smoking, dietary restrictions, unusual arrival times, and outside guests are all things that should be clarified when making a reservation. They will be different at each place you stay.
8. Advance notice is strongly suggested. Showing up unannounced may or may not be accommodated. The host may be out picking up groceries, working in the yard or otherwise unavailable. Even a call shortly before you arrive would be appreciated.

River Gate Inn Specific Etiquette

First, please enjoy yourself! Despite the following etiquette suggestions our atmosphere is very relaxed. Respectful behaviour and common sense make most of these suggestions into reminders.

1. Upon arrival, if someone has not arrived after ringing the bell, there is a phone provided to call. If we are in the yard your call will reach us.
2. Help us preserve the condition of our historic home by removing your shoes at the entrance. It helps keep the house cleaner for everyone to enjoy as well. Slippers are provided.
3. We take pride in our breakfasts and they require preparation. Please let us help provide something appropriately tasty if you have dietary restrictions by letting us know in advance.
4. The dining room is available to use 24 hours a day. Assistance in keeping it the way you found it by throwing away trash and placing used dishes in the designated spot ensures everyone has an enjoyable experience.
5. Accidents do happen. Please notify us of any spills, breaks or stains promptly so we can attend to them quickly.
6. The River Gate Inn makes coming and going at any hour convenient. Outside of reasonable hours, consideration for other guests by keeping noise to a minimum is appreciated.
7. Our Bed and Breakfast is located in a beautiful, quiet and private residential neighbourhood. Consideration for our neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum, driving responsibly into Armstrong's Point and respecting private property is vital to maintaining a great enjoyable environment for our guests – present and future. Thank you.
8. Valuable antique furniture is in every room of the house. It is all functional but please tailor your actions with this in mind. The liability of moving the furniture is best left to your hosts.
9. Parking is ample when done properly. Care should be taken to ensure more than one spot is not taken by your vehicle and others can pass.
10. Please help conserve energy by turning off lights when you are finished, if you have turned them on.
11. You may see forms of wildlife on the property. Various woodpeckers, birds, rabbits, squirrels, owls, beaver and raccoons are all fairly visible. Enjoy them but please leave nature to exist as you found it.
12. The River Gate Inn home is getting close to one hundred years old. Damaged caused by inappropriately clogged plumbing destroys part of our history. Please consider what you are putting in any drain.
13. Kindly point out things you like as well as suggestions for improvements. Remember, we want everyone's stay to be incredible and memorable. We strive daily to improve everything at the River Gate Inn Bed and Breakfast. Respectful suggestions are gladly welcomed.
14. Enjoy yourself. Our atmosphere, despite all the suggested etiquette is very relaxed. Mutual respect and courteous common sense make most of these etiquette tips redundant.
15. Small businesses all struggle with the high costs of advertising. If you liked your stay please share your experiences. Word of mouth advertising is our best endorsement. There is no bigger compliment than having our guests recommend the River Gate Inn Bed and Breakfast to all their friends and family.