LONG TERM GUIDELINES

Dear Guest,

This may be the first time you will stay in bed & breakfast accommodation. We would like, therefore, to give you some simple guidance on what to expect to avoid misunderstandings, disappointment or complaint.

Standards
This is a family home, not a hotel, which is reflected by the price.  Do not expect the same standards of accommodation or of service as a hotel.  Not everything will be brand new, and if appliances break down it may not always be possible to replace items immediately - as would be expected in a hotel – though the matter will be dealt with as soon as is practically possible.

Cleanliness
Hosts keep homes clean and tidy, but do not expect everything to be perfect, especially if there are children.

Bathrooms
Bathrooms will be cleaned regularly, but guests have a responsibility to leave it as clean and tidy as they found it.  If you do not have an en suite bathroom, or bathroom for your sole use, remember families will sometimes have friends visiting them who will also use the shared bathroom.

Noise
Hosts and guests need to be considerate of each other and to behave reasonably about playing music and entertaining guests.  Do not expect it always to be quiet.  Family life is sometimes busier and noisier than at others, especially at weekends and when friends are invited for meals.

Privacy of home owners
Please respect the privacy of the hosts and do not enter their private rooms. Access to these is not included in the package you have been offered.

Differences between homes
In a hotel all rooms are similar, but in homes every room is different.  Homes in the same price category on the website and in the brochure range in size, décor and furnishings.  Some are simply furnished, some quite luxurious, but all are of an acceptable standard approved by the agency.

Cultural differences
Our homes are typically English and provide typically English breakfasts, or Continental breakfasts. Please make allowances if you find these are quite different from your own country.

Absent hosts
Where guests are long term and comfortable with the routine of the home, if it is agreed, hosts may sometimes go away for a weekend or week. In these cases, fresh provisions such as milk and bread may need to be bought by the guest. You will obviously be refunded, but please try and keep receipts. 

Guidelines
The agency provides all hosts with a copy of guidelines on standards set by the Bed and Breakfast Homestay Association.

Problems & complaints
If you do have a problem you cannot solve with your host, or a complaint against the home, please contact the agency.  We will always be happy to help.

Yours Susanne Weichselberger, Sally Chilton & team