One of the challenges of running a B&B is learning how to deal with difficult guests and knowing when to set or enforce boundaries. Most bed and breakfast guests are friendly and respectful, but every so often someone tests the limits — and you’re left wondering how to handle it without upsetting your other guests or your day.

Most of the time, in my experience, B&B guests are lovely. They respect your rules and treat your B&B as they would their own home. But occasionally, they push the boundaries of what you feel is acceptable. What do you do then?

If you struggle with boundaries at your own B&B, here's my guide to Setting boundaries when you're running a B&B

Managing Breakfast Orders in Your Bed and Breakfast

Because I ran my B&B on my own and offered an extensive breakfast menu, I asked guests to pre-order the night before. I did include a note saying they could still order in the morning if they preferred, but it might take a little longer. The majority of guests were happy to fill it in.

One morning, though, I collected a menu and discovered a couple had both ordered porridge — and two main courses each. I can’t remember the exact combination, but it was something along the lines of pancakes, full English, eggs Royale, and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. All for two people!

When they arrived at breakfast, they also helped themselves generously to the buffet table.

I was astonished that anyone could eat that much at breakfast — I’d have been done after the porridge — but I was also a bit annoyed.

It wasn’t just the cost (though the smoked salmon certainly added up). The real issue was the workload. With six guests all arriving at the same time, I now had to juggle eight cooked breakfasts. And I had no idea how they wanted them served — all on one plate? One after another?

They ate every bit, and I thought that might be the end of it. But no — the same thing happened again the next morning.

Handling Difficult or Demanding B&B Guests

At this point, I was getting cross.
Were they taking the mickey?
Did they not respect me or my business?
Did they realise how much extra work and cost it created?

As soon as breakfast service was over, I sat down with my breakfast menu, wondering how to reword it so this would never happen again. Should I change the website? Add a note? Tighten up the system?

Then I took a deep breath and stopped myself.
Right, Karen — go for a walk and think this through.

Once I’d calmed down, I reminded myself that guests are rarely trying to annoy you on purpose. Most of the time, they’re simply thinking about themselves — what they want for breakfast, how hungry they are, or how it works in a hotel. It’s not personal, even if it feels that way in the moment.

I recorded this video on dealing with difficult guests a few years ago, but it's still relevant today - How to deal with difficult guests

When to Review Your B&B Policies and Guest Processes

It’s rarely a good idea to change your whole process because of one awkward incident. This is where it helps to pause and think.

• Is it something that keeps happening, or just a one-off?
• If it’s happening often, is there something about your communication or process that’s confusing guests?
• If you do make changes, how will they affect the 99.9% of guests who follow the rules?

Would a big banner saying “IF YOU ORDER MORE THAN ONE MAIN COURSE EACH YOU WILL BE CHARGED” be off-putting for everyone else? Probably yes.

Should You Speak to Guests Who Break the Rules?

For me, that would have been a definite no. I’ll go to great lengths to avoid conflict!

But if you do decide to say something, it’s worth weighing up the risk. Could it lead to an awkward exchange, or even a negative review? And is it really worth it for one set of guests?

Sometimes You Just Have to Let It Go

Running a bed and breakfast means you’ll occasionally come across guests who test your patience or bend the rules. It’s easy to let one bad experience stick in your head and make you question everything.

But most of the time, it’s better to take a deep breath, remind yourself that it’s the exception not the norm, and move on.

Focus on the 99% of guests who are lovely, appreciative, and make all the hard work worthwhile. The odd greedy breakfast order isn’t worth your peace of mind.

Want to Learn More About Running a B&B?

If you’re thinking about starting your own bed and breakfast — or you’re already running one and want to make life a bit easier — I’ve created a range of online courses to help.

• The First Steps to Running a B&B Course  will help you decide if B&B ownership is right for you and what’s involved before you take the plunge.

• The Research & Business Planning Workshop  takes you through how to research your idea properly and create a realistic business plan, so you start off on the right foot.

• The How to Start and Run a B&B Online Course  goes deeper, covering everything from setup and marketing to pricing, breakfast service, and guest management.

All three are packed with practical advice and real-life experience from my 17 years of running a successful B&B — designed to help you avoid the common pitfalls and build a business that actually works for you.