Cancellation policy at small properties

I would expect everyone to be a little considerate and be aware of our cancellation policy.

Assumption doesn't work to well with such a large industry; this involves a little of your time and you can avoid any inconvenience that might arise at a later time.

"Cancellation policies tend to be stricter at small B&Bs than at big hotels, and with good reason, said Bill Carroll, senior lecturer at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

Cancel your reservation at a four-room B&B at the last minute, and the innkeepers lose 25% of the night's income, compared with just one-half percent at a 200-room hotel, Carroll said.

Although policies vary widely, Sandy Soule, vice president for marketing at BedandBreakfast.com, a marketing service for nearly 10,000 B&Bs, said many B&Bs charge one night's rate or 50% of the total stay -- whichever is more -- if you cancel less than a week before your stay."

Los Angeles Times/Travel October 23, 2009