Created by The-Bohemian (contact me)
Hello world. My name is Bobbi and this is my lens on how I see the inner workings of a Bed and Breakfast. I am of German Bohemian Heritage and have... (more...)
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It's not the just the House, It's the Hospitality
Own a Bed and Breakfast, wanting one, or simply wishing for a great stay? Tips and trade secrets, aka, the real skinny on an industry/lifestyle marketed under the veil of romance. Keep your eye out for articles and stories about what really happens 'between the sheets'. From decorating, finance and daily operations...it's all on the menu (and that last one? you'll need plenty for breakfast)!
Okay, The Bed and Breakfast House
Yeah, it Helps to Have One if You Want to Be an Innkeeper
And I do www.the-bohemian.com In the Bed and Breakfast industry today however, there is no longer a standard issue structure. Plenty of Victorian homes have opened their doors to guests, but just as many unique properties have done the same, from carriage houses and cottages to yurts and storefronts. The offerings for accomodations are endless, which is why excellent hospitality will continue to set you apart.Successful innkeeping goes beyond clean rooms and a country breakfast. Thinking about or just starting in the field? There are questions you will want to ask yourself. Perhaps booking a room? These same questions may help you enjoy a more satisfying stay in what continues to be a popular option within the lodging and travel industry. Be prepared, Be happy...you can still do your research and... Be surprised!
Breakfasts and Bedtimes. There are still B&B's that lockup and instill 'curfews'. The reasons can range from security to comfort, and the innkeep may not come out and say it, but if you're planning a night on the town or late wedding dance the last thing you want to feel like is a naughty teenager creeping in after midnight. For aspiring innkeepers this is important, are you comfortable hitting the feathers before everyone is in or will you worry and even be concerned about the possible disruption of other guests? You might be creating a career of sleepless nights. New Ulm, Mn is the city of Festivals, we party, plus The Bohemian is big, roomy and solid with a layout offering lots of privacy so I've long ago put this issue to rest. The lock-up question still is tops on the list at check-in, and the sigh of relief I usually hear when I tell them "I don't" is audible. I want to welcome guests without alot of regs and restrictions. Guests are on vacation, not at camp. Which brings me to breakfast, making sure it's not continental unless clearly marked is a whole other column, but for right now, try your best to offer a range of time. It is half their stay and they are looking forward to it, but if you have done your job and gotten decent beds they just might not want to get up at the crack of dawn. Granted you may have to, but for heavens sake, give guests the freedom of sleeping in. For many innkeepers who may have offsite jobs this might not be a viable option, but it is another question: How fine can you draw the line between guest comfort and your own needs?
The greatest gift you can give the guests and ultimately the sucess of your business is the effortless grace in which you move about in their presence. It affords them a peaceful freedom, an unexpected and priceless amenity: Genuine Hospitality.
Web 2 Know
at least about online directories for Bed and Breakfasts
Innstar.com has done the research for you. This is a guy named Bill Wayne, who owns an Inn. You can read all about him at the site and how his rating system works.
That shared, here is who I'm listed with and why:
i love inns
And I just love these guys. They are super nice when I call and very helpful. They offer neat contests and creative marketing oppurtunities, partnering with many industries to cross promote bed and breakfasts. They also have lots of free stuff I can share with my guests like cereals and face cream. They have been around for a long time and have an informative newsletter.
Pamela Lanier's Bed and Breakfast Guidebook Pamela has been around forever and has just revamped her site. I like it. Excellent customer service.
BedandBreakfast.com Probably the biggest and most recognized. They do a terrific job at intergrating B&B's into mainstream travel. I like to remind them that may or may not be my guest and how that affects my business over all. Always a good round table discussion.
bbonline An innstar 5 and almost # 1 everytime on any search engine looking for B&B 'anything', but the only e-mail I get from them is my renewal notice...I do like the cool counter they have for visitors to your site and I get hits that generate stays.
Purple Roofs
A target audience that, again, translates into bookings.
MBBA My state association and they have a good blog.
Bellhop.com Offering some great options right now. Seems like a good site with a cute little dog too.
The Very Best Sheets
For guest comfort and innkeeping ease
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Bohemian Gifts From the Museum Store
Preserving Heritage with a Gift That Can Make a Difference
I love my Bohemian ancestry. It is interesting to discover so many 'finds'!: People, Places and Events of a fasinating culture. A Region that Inspires! Take a look and see what you may find and remember, peeking allowed 'cause HISTORY MATTERS! The Perfect Bohemian Present Great Books by Great Guests
Bohemian Encounters
The Mulligan
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 05/10/2008)
Waiting for White Horses
If I remember correctly, I met him in the downtown coffee shop, after asking the clerk if he was as handsome as his picture only to turn around and see for myself, he was, and I believe his wife thought so too. But they both stopped by the bed and breakfast with a box of autographed copies of the book and I've sold every one to rave reviews. His latest is above. Perfect for every golfer on your list, whether they read or not. It might even keep them off the course one aternoon, lord knows, I can't master that one.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 05/10/2008)
The Quest For the Lost Roman Legions: Discovering the Varus Battlefield
Our 'Hermann the Germann' towers above our little rural community, representing the German American contributions throughout the United States. This book helps explain why. It is a good read as it bounces from the battlefield of 2000 years ago, to the search for the blasted place.
Amazon Price: $24.75 (as of 05/10/2008)
Lost & Found in New Ulm, Minn.
Not so much about New Ulm, but some interesting concepts about depression. Mr. Glawe has some family here and he lead us in a nice book club. His sister in law does much of the ad and marketing for our local theater. Much appreciated and she is still at it with her new little babe too!
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 05/10/2008)
Viola's Hammer
My Mom said this was one of the best books she has ever read.
Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 05/10/2008)
Oh my Gosh! I've got to add another module!
We're gonna need a Bigger Caravan!
The Blackbird's Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland
A beautiful book. Perfect for anyone loving the story of the beloved St. Kevin, or anything Irish. Nature lovers on your list, the illustrations are moving which is a terrific contrast to the story. It should be in every classroom in regards to bullying and any young 'naughty' on your list. Jennifer's parents stayed with me. The story they shared would make a book itself. They were in Ireland at the remote St. Kevin gift shop when an advance copy of the book crossed the desk at the cashiers station...Can you imagine, such a parents delight! I can't believe this enchanting book would have gone unnoticed, but still...Life presents us with such magic everyday. I recall this may have been the illustrator's last book, which may contribute to it's extraordinary appeal as well. I am hard pressed to get through it without crying every time...as bad as the dang Polar Express!
Amazon Price: $11.90 (as of 05/10/2008)
The Great Caterpillar Adventure
Terrific 'kids outdoors' books. Real books by a real Mom. Children love to read about stuff they have done, and can do. The illustrations are bright, and you can put yourself right in them. Schelli is a podiatrist and there is a connection there to, I remember meeting her at a party in Chicago years ago, but she has roots to our brewery here, hence the cool spelling of her name. Trudi, her cousin, or sister (I'm in trouble on this one, but i've got a call in) has done innsitting here and can also be found at are local vineyard and she is awesome!
Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 05/10/2008)
Millions of Cats (Gift Edition) (Picture Puffin Books)
Never been out of print in over 75 years. A true classic. For more visit her lens. Why is she on the list? My baby's great great great Granny was Wanda's Aunt. I have admired that Ga'g art and her spirit since I was a little girl, sharing her bohemian story at whatever library in what ever part of the country I may have lived. All roads lead to home, and by golly, mine is my hometown, with a bohemian baby to boot-y.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 05/10/2008)
Gone Is Gone: or the Story of a Man Who Wanted to Do Housework
A great stocking stuffer, how much more crap does your husband need to keep him from helping anyhow!? A cute story, sure to produce some giggles on a tale as old as time.
Amazon Price: $10.46 (as of 05/10/2008)
The Great Bird Adventure
Amazon Price: $18.95 (as of 05/10/2008)
Recent Releases
Did some downtown local shopping & look what I found!
Dear Big, Mean, Ugly Monster
Not just to ease away the 'scaries', this bright book teaches tolerance and concerns about bullying. It delightfully portrays the power of the written word in addressing our fears and getting our needs met.
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 05/10/2008)
Boomer
A novel of friends and family navigating through lifes gentle beginnings into the more turbulant times of the 60's and back again. It is also an interesting journey through the changes that have taken place in the last century in the Midwest that will ring true for many. I notice my guests enjoy a frolic down a familiar lane, with a book that provokes fond memories. This will be a nice addition in that vien.
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 05/10/2008)
A Mirthful Spirit: Embracing Laughter for Wellness
Selections & quotes from some of our worlds best merry makers put together in this collabrative book. Another good one for the rooms here. Just one suggestion taken home could lead to a lifetime of laughter and wellness for the spirit.
Amazon Price: $14.78 (as of 05/10/2008)
Guest Musicians
Bed and Breakfast Blogs on Innkeeping
- Spring Fling at Cellardoor Vineyard!
- There is plenty happening at Cellardoor Vineyard May 10th (10am-5pm). Wine tasting, Food, Ferris Whe...
- On-line Reservations at Hampton Terrace
- We just returned from an innkeeper's conference in California where the glory of the Internet seem...
- Buyers' To Do List
- When purchasing a Bed and Breakfast, there are many items which need to be done by the buyer prior t...
- Heifer Stroll
- We are only five weekends away from a wonderful event - The Strolling of the Heifers. The newborn co...
More Hospitality
A Houseful of Ideas
In addition to striving to be a good host, I also want to help my guests make the most of their visit to the New Ulm area. I do believe they expect an 'expert' on the local tourism scene. In much the same way, those coming for romance may also be looking for a little nudge. There have been proposals under the oaks, carriage & limo rides and great theme baskets galore...but sometimes a little prep work is in order. And, as much as I'd like, I won't have you all as guests to share some ideas...but there are a few experts in the romance department. Try 300 Dates to get you started. Staying at a Bed and Breakfast is pretty romantic, but from what I hear from thousands of guests each year is, We Still Need Some Help! The-Bohemian GuestBook
All the best things I learn from my guests.....
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J_nine
What a great lens! Liked it so much I've added it to my lensroll. 5 stars for your hard work. Stop by mine sometime soon. Posted March 01, 2008 |
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rockycha
See it worked! Found you in the forum... Great lens - high fives ;) I once nominated a B&B for the register of historic places, very much like yours - that was fun! Posted December 19, 2007 |
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JaguarJulie
Great lens ... but you already know that I love anything BOHEMIAN, especially a bnb with that name! How cool. I've rated you 5 stars for fantastic amazing. Hope your bnb is a success. Posted November 16, 2007 |
Oktoberfests Around The World
While Oktoberfest in Munich remains the largest, oldest and original Oktoberfest, beer festivals do have a tradition in other parts of the world.
According to Wikipedia, the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany is the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (700,000+ visitors).
Other cities claiming to be the largest Oktoberfests outside of Germany include Blumenau, Brazil (600,000+ visitors, 1,000,000+ in 1988 and 1992) and Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (500,000+ visitors). Since September 2007, even Montreal boasts its own Oktoberfest.
It would be great to have a collection of all Oktoberfests in one handy list, so I'll go ahead and start it. Everyone is welcome to add a link to other Oktoberfest homepages.
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, the official website of th more...1 point
Oktoberfest New Ulm Minnesota German Festival Octoberfest
Oktoberfest is held in New Ulm, Minnesota. The fes more...1 point
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest began with the marriage of the Cro more...0 points
La Crosse Oktoberfest
Longtime volunteer this year%u2019s Mrs. Oktoberfe more...0 points
Oktoberfest Fredericksburg Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas, celebrates its German herit more...0 points
