Your bed and breakfast name sets the tone for what your guests can expect. A good name says a lot about an inn. You want the name to be memorable and give a great first impression.
Ideally, You Need A Long List of Names to Choose From
It is important to take your time and come up with a long list of potential names before deciding. Get a talented group of friends together, and start randomly calling out names. Have someone write down all the bed and breakfast name suggestions.Permit your gathering of people to suggest whatever name comes to mind. By allowing everything to be spoken, you will eventually have a list of great potential bed and breakfast names.
Bed and Breakfast Naming Exercises
To come up with a new name, you might use these techniques:
Brainstorming
Write down any words, ideas, or images that come to mind when you think about your inn and its surroundings. Don’t censor yourself; just let the ideas flow.
Historical & Cultural References
If your inn is in a location with historical or cultural significance, consider names that reflect that heritage.
Visual Imagery
Think about the images you’d like your inn to evoke, and try to incorporate them into the name.
Word Association
Start with a word that describes your inn (like “cozy” or “elegant”), and list other words that come to mind.
How to Evaluate Bed and Breakfast Names
Only after you have generated this list of names should you start to evaluate them. When you have a name in mind, consider the following before committing:
The name of your bed and breakfast establishes the ambiance and anticipations for your guests. A well-chosen name speaks volumes about your establishment. It’s essential to select a memorable name that leaves a positive and lasting initial impression.
Fitting
Appropriateness: to your local surroundings (e.g. do not have a beach in the name unless there is one) and to what you offer
Brand Fit: Make sure the name aligns with the image and experience you want to create for guests.
Relevance: The name should be relevant to the property, the surroundings, and the experience it offers. For example, if your inn is located by mountains, you may want to have mountain, retreat, or chalet in your name.
Painless
Legality: Make sure the name you choose isn’t already trademarked or used by another business. You can conduct a business name search in your local jurisdiction and/or a trademark search in your country.
Limitations: Does it limit future expansion? If you might expand or change your business in the future, make sure your name won’t limit those opportunities.
Maturity: Not too funny (this may suggest you do not care about your hospitality business)
Significance
Emotional: A good name can evoke the feelings or experiences that guests will have at your inn. For example, “Whispering Pines” might suggest a quiet, peaceful getaway.
Memorable: Is it easy to remember? If guests struggle to recall the name, they may have trouble finding your inn online or recommending it to friends.
Originality: Not too common (make sure the name stands out)
Uniqueness: Your inn’s name should be different from competitors. This helps create a memorable brand and makes it easier for customers to remember and recommend you.
Understanding
Easy to Say: Simple to pronounce aloud by others (have others repeat the name aloud)
Meaning: Without an unintended meaning (think of the words in various contexts)
Simplicity: The name should be easy to pronounce, spell, and remember. This is particularly important for online search and word-of-mouth referrals.
Sound: How does it sound when spoken aloud? This can reveal issues that aren’t apparent when you just see the name written down.
Spelling: Spelled like it sounds (makes it easier to find)
Translation: Does it translate well? If you expect international guests, it can be helpful to check if your inn’s name has a different or inappropriate meaning in other languages.
Other Words for Bed and Breakfast
There are plenty of words that bed and breakfasts use to describe themselves. Some names are more common, depending upon their location in the world.
- B&B
- Boutique Hotel
- Cabins
- Cottage
- Country house
- Country inn
- Estate
- Farm
- Garden inn
- Guest accommodation
- Guest house
- Hideaway
- Homestay
- Hotel
- House
- Inn
- Lodge
- Manor
- Mansion
- Oasis
- Palace
- Place
- Ranch
- Resort
- Street Inn
- Suites
- Valley Ridge
- Village Inn
Visualize Your Bed & Breakfast Name
Visualize how your business name will look in a logo, outdoor sign, and on your website.
Be sure to get your own custom innkeeper email address.
Examples of Potential Innkeeper Email Addresses
innkeeper@yourbedandbreakfast.com
stay@yourinn.com
vacation@yourboutiqueinn.com
What You Must Make Sure…
When you know what you want to call your bed and breakfast, you must make sure the domain name (website address) is available before you register your business name. If there are already bed and breakfast inns with that name, it is best to choose a different name to avoid confusion.
You also want to be consistent when you secure your social media links across platforms. This includes Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter. It makes is much easier for guests to find you when your handles are the same across the board. (Ex: @bnbname)
Do You Love Your Bed and Breakfast Name?
Above all, make sure you love your name, since you will likely say it over and over throughout your time as a bed and breakfast owner. Smart innkeepers ask for ideas from others and take time to choose their bed and breakfast name. Choosing the name of a bed and breakfast inn can significantly affect its appeal and brand recognition.
Do Your Guest Rooms Have Names?
Finally, there are several advantages for bed and breakfast owners to name each of their guest rooms. We share several reasons, along with an example of each.
Personalization & Uniqueness
Giving individual names to guest rooms adds a personal touch and sets the B&B apart from generic hotels. It creates a unique and memorable experience for guests, making them feel special and valued.
Example of Personalization & Uniqueness
A B&B near a beach might have rooms named after different seashells, such as “Nautilus Suite,” “Conch Cove,” and “Sand Dollar Retreat.”
Branding & Theme Reinforcement
Naming guest rooms can contribute to the overall branding and theme of the bed and breakfast. It helps reinforce a specific ambiance or concept that the B&B wants to portray.
Example of Branding & Theme Reinforcement
A B&B in a countryside setting with a rustic theme might name their rooms after local flora and fauna, such as “Meadowview Suite,” “Oakwood Retreat,” and “Bluebird Nest.”
Enhanced Storytelling & History
Room names can provide an opportunity to share the history, significance, or interesting stories associated with the property or area. It engages guests and adds depth to their stay.
Example of Enhanced Storytelling & History
A historic B&B located in a colonial town might name their rooms after notable figures or events from the town’s history, like “Washington Suite,” “Franklin Room,” and “Revolutionary Retreat.”
Differentiation & Room Categorization
Naming guest rooms can help differentiate them based on their features, size, or amenities. It allows B&B owners to create room categories that suit various guest preferences and budgets.
Example of Differentiation & Room Categorization
A B&B in a mountainous region might name their rooms based on the scenic views they offer, such as “Valley Vista Suite,” “Mountain Majesty Room,” and “Sunset Overlook.”
Marketing & Online Presence
Memorable room names can attract attention and generate interest when listed on booking websites or mentioned in online reviews. It helps marketing the B&B and sets it apart from competitors.
Example of Marketing & Online Presence
A B&B in a wine-producing region might name their rooms after different grape varieties, such as “Chardonnay Chamber,” “Merlot Retreat,” and “Pinot Noir Haven.”
The Advantages of Naming Your Rooms
Thus, by naming guest rooms, bed and breakfast owners can enhance the guest experience, reinforce their branding, and create a unique and memorable stay, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
B&B Consulting
Licensed Realtor Rob Sales, of B&B Consulting, is a good example of having a business name that fits his business. That literally is what he does. If you’re an aspiring innkeeper, with lots of questions, you are welcome to contact Rob for a complimentary consultation. Likewise, Rob works with current B&B owners who are interested in selling their inns.