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Your B&B guest departure experience matters more than you think.
Learn how to turn that last moment into lasting loyalty.
Before we jump into today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe—and if you’re watching this on YouTube, tap that bell icon so you never miss a future episode.
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Now, quick question:
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💡 What do guests remember most about your B&B—the breakfast, the bed… or the goodbye?
Stick around for a game-changing farewell tip at the end that could boost your 5-star reviews overnight.
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The Departure is the Encore
You’ve nailed the welcome, served a breakfast that could bring tears of joy, and even handled that mid-stay request for “a firmer pillow, but not too firm.” Bravo! But here’s the thing…
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Guests remember the end just as much—if not more—than the beginning.
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Why? Because their final impression is fresh when they leave that review, recommend you to friends, or decide whether to book again.
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📣 Have you ever checked out of somewhere and felt like a forgotten suitcase? That’s what we’re avoiding.
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Set the Tone Early: Departure Info at Check-In
Tip: Don’t wait until the last day. At check-in, let guests know:
- Checkout time (and what happens if they’re late)
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- What to do with keys or codes
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- Where to leave towels (if applicable)
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- Whether you offer breakfast on departure day
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But here’s the twist—deliver it in a way that still feels like hospitality, not a hotel policy sheet.
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🧠 Did you know? According to the “Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” course, clear communication upfront reduces last-day friction and awkward conversations by over 60%.
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Sample line at check-in:
“Just so you’re not scrambling in your slippers, checkout is 10am. If you need a bit more time, just give us a shout.”
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Offer a Flexible Farewell Breakfast
Some guests are out the door at dawn. Others linger like Sunday roast gravy. You can’t always predict it—but you can plan for it.
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Tip: Offer flexible morning options like:
- A takeaway breakfast bag (banana, muffin, local juice)
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- Coffee-to-go station
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- “Help yourself” early morning pantry
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🧁 Small gesture, big impact.
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🎙For more morning magic, listen to the Bed, Breakfast & Business Podcast for tips on crafting irresistible breakfast experiences—even for early birds.
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Build a Departure Routine (That Isn’t Cold)
Now, this bit can feel clinical—keys, payments, feedback forms—but it doesn’t have to be.
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Tip: Create a friendly, consistent routine:
- Ask how their stay was (face-to-face or via message)
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- Offer directions or travel tips if they’re heading somewhere
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- Mention your guestbook or review link with a smile, not a script
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🥇 “We’d love your feedback—it helps us keep getting better. And if you want to leave a review, we’d be thrilled!”
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Add a Personal Farewell Touch
This is the “WOW” moment. It’s where guests go from “good stay” to “can’t wait to come back.”
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Options to consider:
- A handwritten note (bonus points if it includes a memory from their stay)
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- A discount card or rebooking code
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- Local treat (wrapped biscuit, jam, sachet of tea)
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💬 “Thanks for choosing us—safe travels and we hope your next stop is as special as your time here.”
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Not just an exit—an encore.
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📌 Quick tip from the “Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” course: Even a $1.00 parting gift increases the likelihood of a repeat booking by 35%.
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What If They’re Rushing Out?
Some guests will dash before sunrise. Life happens. Don’t take it personally. That’s where automation or planning helps.
- Send a friendly message after they leave:
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- “Wishing you safe travels! We loved having you—drop us a line if you’re ever back in town.”
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- Automate your review request email or text
(But always personalise the first line.)
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Guests won’t remember your thread count.
They’ll remember how you made them feel.
“Your B&B Starter Blueprint” shows you how to turn comfort into connection.
Download it now! You can find a link in the show notes.
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How do you say goodbye to your guests?
Do you leave a note, shake hands, or just wave through the window?
Drop your favourite departure ritual in the comments.
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Here Are Your Key Takeaways
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In Conclusion
You don’t need a grand piano or valet parking to make guests feel special as they leave.
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Just a little attention, a warm smile, and maybe a muffin in hand.
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Because in the B&B business, the goodbye is your final hello to their next booking.
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📘 Want to go deeper?
Join the “Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” course. Get the tools, templates, and support you need.
If you liked this episode, you also might like “What To Do When A B&B Guest Complains” episode 47.
https://bedsbreakfastsbusiness.com/2024/09/what-to-do-when-a-bb-guest-complains-047
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