B&B owners and operators (usually one and the same) are social folk, who enjoy welcoming guests into their homes. They enjoy the interaction with people from around the globe, and are accommodating and helpful to their guests.  B&Bs are small establishments (sometimes only 1 or 2 rooms), and are sometimes just one of the businesses that the owners are involved in. With that in mind, here are a few tips that will ensure a pleasant visit for both you and your hosts.

1. Plan to arrive (if at all possible) within the check-in times. Most B&Bs have check-in time range between 2:00 or 3:00 PM until about 6:00 PM. B&B operators want to be home to welcome you, but they have errands to run, meetings to attend, groceries to shop for (very important - could be your breakfast!) They just cannot be home all the time, and they really appreciate you arriving during the time range they have designated. By prior arrangement (well ahead of time), most hosts are happy to adjust the check-in time if you absolutely cannot arrive in the time range. Please plan to arrive before 9:00 PM - your hosts may go to bed very early - remember they are up early in the morning getting your breakfast ready.

2. If there are any changes to your travel plans, or if you will be checking in later or earlier than expected, please call your hosts to let them know.

3. Check-out time should also be respected. Your hosts may be expecting another guest to check in that day, and most B&B operators do not have staff - they do it all. They want to have time to ensure the room is as pristine for the new guest as it was for you when you checked in. If you would like to have a late check-out, please discuss it with your host either when you check in, or up to the day before you are due to to depart (at the very latest).

4. You will be consulted about what time breakfast will be served. Please appear at the agreed-upon time. Breakfast is a meal that is difficult to "hold", and if other guests are on time for breakfast, you are holding everyone up.

5. Respect the home - ask your hosts if they prefer you to remove your shoes, inform the hosts if you have spilled or broken anything, hang wet towels in the bathroom (don't throw them on the bed), don't put your suitcases on the bedspreads.

6. Most B&Bs are in residential neighbourhoods - when outside, remember that sound carries at night when all is quiet. Many neighbours go to bed early because they have to get up for work, so it is best to refrain from making any noise after 8:00 or 9:00 PM. When inside, keep your TV sound low, and try to avoid disturbing other guests (and your hosts) in the house.

Our aim is to provide a beautiful, peaceful environment for you to enjoy - we don't like lots of "rules" either. It just boils down to common sense and courtesy, so if we all use plenty of both, everyone should have a great experience!