The Bed and Breakfast Academy Podcast
Karen Thorne
Recent Episodes
7 Things B&B Owners Will Never Agree On
Running a bed and breakfast means making hundreds of tiny decisions — and discovering that not all B&B owners agree on how to do things.
In this episode, Karen Thorne of Bed and Breakfast Academy takes a light-hearted look at seven topics that divide even the most experienced B&B owners. From toast tactics to baked beans, it’s a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to running a successful B&B.
Karen shares personal stories from her 17 years of running a Five Star Gold B&B, and how she learned to trust her guests — and herself — rather than follow every rule in the book.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Whether guests should make their own toast or be served
- The pros and cons of communal breakfast tables
- The great ketchup debate — bottle or ramekin?
- Why background music at breakfast divides opinion
- Baked beans: a must-have or an unnecessary mess?
- Cake in the guest room — thoughtful extra or extra hassle?
- Why Karen chose to leave the star rating scheme and never looked back
Whether you’re just starting a bed and breakfast or have been running one for years, this episode will make you smile — and maybe rethink some of your own breakfast decisions.
Follow Karen
Bed and Breakfast Academy Website
Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop
Full B&B Course
Rate, Review & Follow the Podcast
Don’t forget to follow the podcast. Karen is adding new episodes regularly, and if you’re not following, you might miss out. Follow now so you never miss an episode!
Social Media for B&B Owners: It’s Not All About Direct Bookings
Learn how to use social media as a tool to connect with guests, showcase your B&B’s personality, and build lasting relationships—without relying on it for direct bookings.
B&B expert Karen Thorne of Bed and Breakfast Academy shares how social media can support your business while discussing the risks of over-reliance and what to do if you decide social media isn’t for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why social media isn’t just a sales tool for running a B&B
- The 80/20 rule: how to balance connecting with guests and promoting your business
- The surprising benefits of building relationships over the “slow burn” of social media
- Why social media is one piece of the puzzle when starting a bed and breakfast
- How to handle an exit from social media (and why deleting old accounts is key)
- The importance of diversifying your marketing efforts with blogs and email newsletters
- How Karen built trust with repeat guests through consistent, authentic social media posts
Whether you’re running a B&B or starting a bed and breakfast, this episode is packed with insights to help you market smarter, not harder!
Follow Karen
Bed and Breakfast Academy Website
Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop
Full B&B Course
Rate, Review, & Follow the Podcast
Don’t forget to follow the podcast. Karen is adding new episodes regularly, and if you’re not following, you might miss out. Follow now so you never miss an episode!
Real-Life Tales from Running a Bed and Breakfast (and What You Can Learn)
In this festive episode, I share some of the funniest and most memorable moments from my 17 years of running an award-winning B&B in Shropshire. From spider mishaps to dog antics, and even a few guest mix-ups, this light-hearted look back at my time as a B&B owner is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Whether you’re dreaming about starting a B&B, already running a bed and breakfast, or just curious about the pros and cons of running a B&B, this episode offers a fun glimpse into the real-life experiences of a B&B host.
For a more serious podcast about the Pros and Cons of Running a B&B listen to this podcast.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction
- My background running a successful B&B and teaching aspiring B&B owners since 2006.
- Why I decided to share funny anecdotes for my final podcast of 2024.
The Realities of Running a Bed and Breakfast
- The inevitability of things going wrong and how to prepare for them.
- Insights from Benjamin Franklin and Jay Shetty about preparing for the unexpected.
- How to navigate the challenges of running a B&B with preparation and a sense of humour.
Spider Mishaps
- The oversized spiders that come with living in a converted granary.
- The time a guest unknowingly carried a house spider on her shoulder at breakfast.
- How a disappearing spider in a pile of towels led to a neighbourly favour I’ll never forget.
- A particularly awkward post-shower encounter with an eight-legged visitor.
Learning Point: While dealing with critters may not be glamorous, having a plan in place for pests is essential for maintaining calm and providing a great guest experience.
Dog Antics in a Bed and Breakfast
- Mitsi and Murphy, my rescue dogs with big personalities.
- Mitsi's "goose" moment with a guest and her sleepover with a guest's greyhound.
- Murphy’s muddy paw prints, stolen croissants, and an embarrassing skirt-pulling incident.
- The accidental guest "in the lounge" misunderstanding that didn’t go quite as planned.
Learning Point: Running a B&B with dogs can delight animal-loving guests but requires clear boundaries and preparation to avoid mishaps. Learn more in my blog posts: How to Run a Dog-Friendly B&B and Running a B&B and Owning a Dog.
Funny Guest Mix-Ups
- Inviting a teenager looking for a party to his “room.”
- Mistaking two Jehovah’s Witnesses for course participants during a busy training day.
Learning Point: Establishing a clear check-in process may not seem exciting but can save you from awkward situations and help create a professional first impression.
Running a Bed and Breakfast with Chickens
- Managing chickens at a B&B and dealing with the aftermath of a fox attack.
- Puss the hen, her knitted chicken jumper, and a guest’s amusing question about “pregnancy.”
Learning Point: Guests may not always understand the realities of keeping animals, but handling their concerns with empathy and sensitivity helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’ve ever wondered about the day-to-day realities of running a bed and breakfast, or you’re considering starting a B&B yourself, this episode offers a light-hearted but honest perspective. You’ll hear real-life stories that highlight the quirky, funny, and sometimes surprising side of hosting guests.
Resources for Aspiring and Current B&B Owners:
- Mini Workshop: Basics of Setting Up a B&B – A great place to start if you’re dreaming of opening your own bed and breakfast.
- Full Online Course: How to Set Up and Run a B&B – Everything you need to know to turn your dream into a reality.
Subscribe to the Podcast:
Stay updated with new episodes packed with tips for marketing a B&B, improving your guest experience, and navigating the ups and downs of running a bed and breakfast. Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
If you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very happy one! If not, I hope you enjoy some time to relax and recharge over the holiday season.
See you in 2025, and happy hosting!
Behind the Scenes of Running a B&B with Kate O’Donovan | Bed and Breakfast Academy
In this episode, I’m joined by Kate O’Donovan, owner of Maple Bank B&B in the stunning UK Lake District and a graduate of my B&B Academy course. Kate shares her journey from corporate life to running a thriving seven-room B&B and offers practical insights for aspiring and current B&B owners.
Whether you're dreaming of starting your own B&B or looking for inspiration to improve your guest experience, this episode is packed with valuable advice and honest reflections on what it’s really like to run a bed and breakfast.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction:
- My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.
- Introducing Kate O’Donovan, her background, and the story behind Maple Bank B&B.
Choosing the Right Location:
- Why Kate and her mum chose the Lake District for their B&B.
- How location impacts year-round business opportunities and guest demographics.
Creating an Exceptional Guest Experience:
- The importance of focusing on how guests feel during their stay.
- Practical ways to make guests feel at home, from thoughtful touches to dog-friendly amenities.
The Realities of Running a B&B:
- Managing guest expectations and setting clear boundaries to protect your time and well-being.
- Strategies for dealing with negative reviews and unexpected challenges.
The Importance of Work Experience:
- How real-world experience can help aspiring B&B owners decide if the lifestyle is right for them.
- Kate’s new mini work experience programme for potential B&B owners.
Lessons Learned:
- Why it’s critical to delegate tasks and focus on what you do best.
- Kate’s advice for balancing the financial and emotional demands of running a B&B.
Connect with Kate:
Visit Maple Bank B&B at www.maplebank.co.uk for more information or to get in touch with Kate.
Connect with Me:
Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.
Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.
Enjoy the episode, and happy hosting!
Choosing the Right Online Booking Platform for Your B&B | Bed and Breakfast Academy
Join me as I chat with Heather Scott from the International Booking Engine Platform, Freetobook, about the key considerations when selecting an online booking platform for your bed and breakfast.
Heather shares her wealth of experience as a former B&B owner and current account manager for Freetobook, offering practical insights for B&B owners at every stage.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction:
- My background and experience running a B&B and training owners since 2006.
- Introducing Heather Scott, her experience as a former B&B owner and her current role at Freetobook.
What is a Booking Engine?
- Differences between booking engines, PMS (property management systems), and channel managers.
- How a booking engine manages bookings, payments, and guest communications.
Why You Need a Booking Engine:
The essential role booking engines play in guest convenience and business profitability.
Why not having an online booking system could hurt your business.
Key Features to Look for in a Booking Platform:
- Online booking capability for customers.
- Payment processing and security (GDPR, multi-factor authentication).
- Channel management to sync with platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. Communication features to build guest relationships.
- Reporting and analytics for managing occupancy, pricing, and more.
How to Choose the Right Platform:
- Practical tips for researching booking engines, including seeking recommendations and testing user experience.
- Understanding pricing models—monthly fees, pay-as-you-go, and hidden charges.
- Key questions to ask potential providers, such as support availability and flexibility with online travel agents (OTAs).
Connect with Heather and Freetobook:
Visit Freetobook at www.freetobook.co.uk to book a demo or contact their support team in Glasgow.
Connect with Me:
Visit Bed and Breakfast Academy for more blog posts, podcasts, and courses.
Check out the mini workshop for those considering starting a B&B.
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple to stay updated with new episodes.
Enjoy the episode and happy hosting!