Running a B&B is that job that many people dream of. You get to be your own boss, work from home and escape from the stress of the 9-5. Karen Thorne, founder and owner of B&B Academy and award winning B&B owner, shares all the secrets of starting up, running and marketing a successful B&B, getting 5 stars reviews whilst creating a lifestyle you'll love
#30 - 7 Things the Bed and Breakfast Owners Will Never Agree on
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
(https://bandbacademy.co.uk/)Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop
(https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/first-steps-to-owning-a-b-b-mini-course-find-out-more-evergreen-1)Full B&B Course (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/Online-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!
21 Apr 2025
#30 - 7 Things Bed and Breakfast Owners Will Never Agree On!
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 (https://bandbacademy.co.uk)
Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/first-steps-to-owning-a-b-b-mini-course-find-out-more-evergreen-1)
Full B&B Course (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/Online-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!
23 Jan 2025
#29 Social Media for B&B Owners: It's Not All About Direct Bookings
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 (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/)
Bed and Breakfast Academy Mini-Workshop (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/first-steps-to-owning-a-b-b-mini-course-find-out-more-evergreen-1)
Full B&B Course (https://www.bandbacademy.co.uk/Online-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!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
68
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