to think this is unusual? B&B ringing to ask what time we'll arrive.

[CuriousMama]

They rang this morning and asked this. Dp and I are staying at this B&B over the weekend, haven't been before. I was a bit flustered when they asked as our arrival depends on when the dcs are picked up by exdh. I asked if we had to give a specific time and he said yes as he'll have staff ready. They give you bucks fizz and a hot towel on arrival, maybe that's why? I can leave dcs tbh as they're old enough but I'm always worried they don't turn everything off. Can't rely on exdh to do that.

I'm not worried about it but just wondered if anyone else has had this?

They aren't always manned all day, its not a hotel with a 24 hour reception, so they need to know when to be there to let you in.

Yes normal.

Only had this when travelling long distance for a holiday let and the owner was worried about handing over the key. Can you just tell them you'll ring them when you're an hour from the B&B?

Whenever we stay in holiday cottages they always ask for an estimated arrival time. I've never seen it as a big deal tbh, they need to arrange for the property to be unlocked, or be there to meet and greet....

I assume a small B&B works in a similar way.

B&Bs always do this.

Normal

yes it is normal they just want to make sure the room is sorted and they will be at home , not that i stay in many b n bs but give a estimate then they know somebody will be in ,

I am why the hot towel

I've stayed in loads of B&Bs and have never experienced it so they don't always do it.

Mrsjay not sure about the hot towel, I wondered that myself? I think it's more of a boutique B&B perhaps they do this? It's a first for me, had it after an Indian meal and on a flight but never a B&B

I'll ask if it's ok to ring when we set off, we're 1.5 hours away so should be ok?

Normal

a) They are making sure you are still coming

b) They want to make sure your hour of arrival is reasonable. Also they might want to advise you as to the best place to park which might vary according to the time of day you arrive, if there is no off road parking.

I think it indicates good service. I've stayed in millions of B&Bs and only the better ones bothered to check.

Yes it is a good one MrsCSA that'll be why then. I usually stay at busy ones in Whitby etc... that probably always have someone there between booking in hours. That or hotels that are always manned.

I once stayed at a hotel/pub in Scotland and the fire alarm went off during the night. We were all in the street with no staff. I think they were supposed to be there for insurance reasons? That was ages ago though and may have been to do with the size of the place?

Yes its usual. Most are run by just a family, so if for example they know all guest are coming between say 4pm-6.30pm, they can get on with life outside b and b before and after

Many hotels also do this as it allows them to let the people before you choose to stay in hotel longer. Many do check out at 10am, but you can pay extra to stay until 12/2pm. If you are estimating 2pm arrival this won't work as room needs cleaning etc inbetween so if you say your arriving early eve then they know for sure thy have time to do this

Mrsjay not sure about the hot towel, I wondered that myself? I think it's more of a boutique B&B perhaps they do this? It's a first for me, had it after an Indian meal and on a flight but never a B&B

you will be like erm thank you and be all awkward you won't know what to do with it enjoy your break

That reminds me to never book a small b&b.

It would make me uncomfortable and stressed to be working to a time when on holiday.

Big beach hotel with 24 hour reception for us.

But even a big beach hotel you tell on first day of estimated arrival surely? Same as b and b/ small hotel

If you go on holiday with a company you are still telling hotel a time just that company tells it for you ( based on flights/ transfer etc)

we do, just a rough idea so that if we are going out for lunch or doing something with the DC's we can make sure we are back. Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable thebody but it is the only way we can get a life.

the last B n B we stayed in we arrived later on in the evening and had a snooze then went out for dinner we did have a key but the landlady came down the stairs in her dressing gown to make sure the door was locked

Why was that a problem for you Mrsjay?

Are you off to WGW for the weekend then? If so I'm deeply, deeply jealous. [hsmile]
Have fun!

One DH & I used to stay at wasn't manned all the time, because the owner also had another B & B a couple of miles away, so she would leave a note on the door to say she wasn't there and the key under the mat :o. It was very rural, gorgeous and wonderfully peaceful (life before the DC :o).

no was just weird meeting a stranger on the stairs making chit chat with her jim jams her bed and breakfast was lovely

her in*

Yep it's normal. Lots of hotels also ask now too. Bucks fizz and hit towels sounds nice :)