The Old Parkdale Inn in Mt. Hood, OR

Green bed and breakfasts are becoming more and more popular, adding an environmentally conscious twist to the quaint, quiet and natural charm of a traditional B&B. Interest in eco-friendly travel destinations is on the rise, and a green bed and breakfast can provide a comfortable and guilt-free stop for conscientious travelers.

1. What is a green bed and breakfast?
A bed and breakfast is a quaint alternative to a traditional hotel. It's a cozier experience for travelers, who receive a peaceful night in a cottage-type setting (usually), and a meal prepared by the owners and/or staff of the B&B in the morning. Many eco-entrepreneurs have found that a green B&B, one in which the house may be LEED-certified, energy efficient, and/or full of the sights and sounds of nature, and where the breakfast they serve is organic, local, seasonal and sustainable, is a terrific business for them.

Great examples are the Old Parkdale Inn in Mt. Hood, OR, and the Rosemary Cottages in Point Reyes, CA.

2. What required knowledge or skills are necessary?
You'll need good people skills, as B&Bs tend to be about the experience, rather than just the physical setting for most travelers. You'll need to be able to prepare food and provide clean lodgings.

Rosemary Cottages in Point Reyes, CA

3. How much money is required to start?
$$$-$$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

4. What is the income potential?
$$$ (on a scale of $ to $$$$$)

5. What is the best location for a green bed and breakfast?
Good locations for B&Bs tend to be quaint and rustic tourist areas, as many of your clientele will be older and more interested in culture, history, and tradition. Thus, Cape Cod is a quintessential B&B hotspot, whereas a surf town with few services and little history or culture might not.

6. Three best questions to ask yourself to find out if this business is right for you (if you can answer yes to all three, this business might be for you):

Interested in starting one in your community? Where do you begin? What permits do you need? Who are your target customers? How do you find them? What is the best use of your limited advertising dollars? What's the best way to attract a great employee or volunteer? What does an average day look like? What strategic tips do veteran eco-entrepreneurs suggest for startups like you?

There's a lot to think about, but rest easy! Our mission is to help you succeed, so set up a free half hour consultation with Scott Cooney, GBO's Principal, and author of Build a Green Small Business (McGraw-Hill). You may also order a free (S&H only) copy of Scott's book by clicking on the picture of the book cover below.