B&B plans ... Maybe.

[lukesdad]

The wife and I have been talking over the christmas period about our plans for the future,and we think we d like to offer a B&B here for cyclists.

We wouldn t do it while the boys were still small. The reason Im posting this now is we are going to start some work on the house this year and obviously a B&B will have some bearing on what we do. Has anybody else done anything similar.

The house is 5 bedroom. Set in a rural 20 acres between the towey and teifi valleys. Great views to the brecon beacons 60 miles away The south and mid wales mtb centres are all within an hours drive. The west wales coast is 12 miles away. I also have in our woods a purpose built mtb track quite technical (not sure how I d stand letting anyone on it re; insurance maybe at their own risk.) The roads are quiet here and great for touring etc.

Id offer full workshop facilities, and the wife has even said she wouldn t mind if a partner brought a horse

What do you all think,are we to far away from major population areas? Is it the type of area and facility you would use. Any advice comments would be appreciated as we have to make a decision soon.

 

[Alan Frame]

What do you all think,are we to far away from major population areas?

I would regard that as being a major plus point.

 

[wafflycat]

Do have things like a local pub/restaurant where guests can get lunch & evening meals, or will you have to consider providing those. If you do, it's a much more tying job than a simple B&B oepration.

 

[upsidedown]

If you've got a technical MTB track on your land I would pay to come for some tuition.
Sounds brilliant.

 

[ASC1951]

It's not an easy way of earning a living. Have you been through the pros and cons with a couple of non competitors?

There will be loads of advice on t'interweb, much of it aimed at selling you a book or a course. Here is one at random which doesn't seem to be http://www.startabedandbreakfast.co.uk

 

[lukesdad]

Do have things like a local pub/restaurant where guests can get lunch & evening meals, or will you have to consider providing those. If you do, it's a much more tying job than a simple B&B oepration.

Forgot to add Im a chef And Ive held the odd michelin star in the past, we grow a lot of organic fruit and veg as well. So if there was a call for it. Evening meals would be included. Unfortunatley this part of wales is not blessed with great eating out facilities although there is the odd exception.

 

[lukesdad]

It's not an easy way of earning a living. Have you been through the pros and cons with a couple of non competitors?

There will be loads of advice on t'interweb, much of it aimed at selling you a book or a course. Here is one at random which doesn't seem to be http://www.startabedandbreakfast.co.uk

Thanks for that. Ive been in the hospitality buisness most of my life so the pros and cons im pretty familiar with.

 

[lukesdad]

If you've got a technical MTB track on your land I would pay to come for some tuition.
Sounds brilliant.

We re starting some courses this year within the club, Im still not sure how I stand with private use have to look into it.

 

[gavintc]

It is something I am considering as compulsory retirement comes for me in 2 yrs time. Good luck with the plans, at least you have some understanding of the business. I would widen your market to outdoor enthusiasts and capture walkers, climbers and others as well.

 

[Soltydog]

and the wife has even said she wouldn t mind if a partner brought a horse

Sounds good. Can I book a break for this year

 

[Globalti]

One word: QUALITY.

Don't buy polycotton sheets, buy the best cotton. Don't put naff electric showers in the bathrooms, give visitors a good hot vigorous shower. Don't put cheapo toiletries in the bathrooms; put something nice like Molton Brown. Don't serve cheap food, give good quality stuff. Keep the place plain, simple and warm and don't assume visitors are interested in hearing your life story. People are happy to pay more than the standard B&B rate if they know the quality is good and by giving quality you will assure yourselves of repeat visits and good recommendations.

End of sermon.

 

[BrumJim]

I can see the biggest problem being a lack of somewhere to eat in the evening.

What is the difference between B&B and half-board hotel? Are there any legal/cost implications? Food prep/hygene? What are the implications of providing cooking arrangements for guests? Other than capital cost and regular cleaning bills, of course.

Also like the idea of a bit of tuition on your course - did that once in Wales myself, and learnt quite a bit about Mountain Biking. Problem seemed to be that there was very little business outside school holidays, so getting the facility working for more of the year could be key to a good income stream.

I'd only stay at a remote B&B for one night unless there was somewhere to get or sort out food for the evening meal. Other than that, it seems like a great idea.

 

[Kirstie]

The big issue for a touring cyclist using a B&B is whether there's some where within walking distance to have an evening meal. For mtb'ers it's less important as they're normally prepared to drive anyway, but they still like a nice pub and a roaring fire to sit down in front of, as they tend to go away in larger groups. XC mtb'ers tend to spend more on accommodation than DH'ers - they're more rough and ready.

Running a B&B would be my idea of hell on earth but if you're used to the hospitality industry it might not be so bad. A friend of a friend (a guy) did this for a number of years in Betws - ie a mtb'er B&B. His wife had a proper job and he did the B&B. He gave up after a few years because he couldn't stand the daily grind ie cooking full english x 10 and then washing and ironing all the bedding and towels day in day out. I don't think he' liked the servile nature of it.

 

[sheddy]

CTC might be a start re insurance (£10M liability cover?)

 

[Globalti]

A friend of a friend (a guy) did this for a number of years in Betws - ie a mtb'er B&B. His wife had a proper job and he did the B&B. He gave up after a few years because he couldn't stand the daily grind ie cooking full english x 10 and then washing and ironing all the bedding and towels day in day out. I don't think he' liked the servile nature of it.

You don't have to do this any more - just employ a couple of Czechs, Lithuanians or Poles and suddenly you'll be amazed how much work a person will happily accomplish if they're not British and work shy.