Become a Member

Become a Member

Our highly esteemed family of 50+ Bed & Breakfast Inns is popular with discerning travelers who are looking for a very personal and unique hospitality experience.
Become Member

INTRODUCTION

What is the Bed and Breakfast Association of Kentucky?

 Our member inns enjoy a wealth of benefits though their association with BBAK and our criteria and quality standards for membership set the stage for our unparalleled level of Quality Accommodations and Guest Satisfaction. Call or email to learn more about membership and its many benefits:

859.481.4403
or
info@kentuckybb.com

 
Join Us!
Become a BBAK Member


Who is the Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky (BBAK)?

The Bed & Breakfast Association of Kentucky (BBAK) is a respected voice that has represented the backbone of the B&B industry in Kentucky since it was created in 1988 by innkeepers dedicated to maintaining high standards of hospitality. It is a dependable resource in today's ever changing lodging marketplace that provides a full range of services, working on advocacy, marketing, education and quality programs to assist Innkeepers as they invite guests to stay as a local and seek the unique! BBAK Member properties are loctaed throughout the entire state of Kentucky as well as neighboring cisites in Metro Areas that might be just across the state border. Members are all licensed, inspected and insured and know warm, Kentucky hospitality! Does this sound like something you want for your B&B? Become a BBAK Member!

Why should you become a BBAK Member?
Our mission statement says it all:

To maximize the success of all members by marketing our unique brand of hospitality to travelers; promoting quality; being a leader in providing networking, educational, and business opportunities, and by being an advocate for members and the industry.

So, we're here to maximize the success of your business ... and together we'll accomplish that through the services and programs from BBAK available for each member.

So why do so many outstanding B&B's choose to belong?

ADVOCACY
(the support for, backing of, promotion of, championing of)
Advocacy & Industry Relations

Legislation affects your inn-your livelihood. BBAK works on regulatory and licensing issues, including education & legislative efforts for fair regulation & practices. Proactive work –we have your back.
What you bring to membership is clout in the form of your voice. What membership gives
back is an entire orchestra of voices that affects legislative and regulatory activity. We go to Frankfort and work collaboratively with organizations because you don't have time. Strong partnerships make a difference.

MARKETING

Web
Newly designed and optimized Responsive Website
Extensive Search Features / Links/Pictures/Mapping/Consolidated Availability Calendar, Inns for Sale, etc.
BBAK adds your inn to www.kentuckybb.com, the KY Dept. of Tourism site, with its "Trip Planner".

Social Media
Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube

Blog and Online Articles

Opportunities with Cumulative Marketing Power
Co-Op Advertising (e.g., Kentucky Monthly, Kentucky Living, KET, etc. )
Media/Publicity - PR... getting the B&B story, and your story, told
Working with our professional PR consultant and writer places press releases with media contacts throughout the state and beyond
Travel writers asking—we refer them BBAK Member inns

Ezine Newsletter-10,000 Subscribers

Print Marketing
BBAK Rack Card,
Brochures, postcards, mailings
Trade Shows

EDUCATION
Convention & Innkeeper Trade Show
Annual Membership Meeting
Regional Meetings
Zoom Q&A and Sharing Sessions
Board-of-Directors' Quarterly Meetings

Networking
Business Referrals
Internal Facebook Chatroom- exchange ideas and experiences

Conferences
Volunteer Opportunities (e.g., committee member, board member, special projects)
Newsletters & Updates - INNSPIRATION NEWSLETTERS

Aspiring Innkeeper (AI) Services
Start-Up Guide for purchase
AI Training
AI Memberships
Inns for Sale
Support

QUALITY STANDARDS PROGRAM
Inspection Process

Assures you provide a unique, quality experience. 

GIFT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Additional income opportunity ~ hundreds sold a year

GROUP PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS
Discounts/Programs for products and services through partnerships in organizations and vendor partners

Does Your B&B Qualify to Become a BBAK Member?

Hold either a valid State of Kentucky Business license OR
Hold a valid hotel/motel license, and be non-franchised and independently owned.
Have a written policy covering rates, children, pets, smoking, reservations, cancelations, refunds and other amenities associated with the operation.
Complete an application, BBAK Quality Standards inspection, and be approved by our Board of Directors.
Have total operations of no more than 25 rooms.
Provide a breakfast (full or continental-style) and such a breakfast must be included in the published rates. Should a member also hold a restaurant license, it is possible to include a continental-style breakfast in the published rates, and charge extra for a full breakfast.
Applicants  who do not fit the parameters above, may petition the Board for a special temporary exemption to the rules as they work toward fulfilling the requirements for membership.


Apply To Become a BBAK Member... Anytime is a Good Time
You may apply at any time of year; your membership fee  is pro-rated for partial-year membership.

1. Complete the Online New Member Application form

2. Complete the Quality Standards Guidelines Assessment. 

3. Provide Membership Dues Payment (Invoice will be emailed for online payment)


For forms to sign up for our other membership categories, purchase our future innkeeper start-up package, or to join as a Business Associate Member, view the links below:

 Aspiring Innkeeper's Start-Up Guide - Buy Now 

BBAK Aspiring Innkeeper Membership - online application 

Business Associate Membership - online application

Membership Criteria


breakfast included
01
Breakfast is included in the price of the room

02
Provide evidence of business license/use permit/occupancy permit, liability insurance, and payment of State Sales Tax, Applicable Local Taxes, and Transient Room Tax 

insurance
housekeeping
03
Provide high standards of housekeeping

04
Interior & Exterior of Property Well Maintained

Landscaping
Two women relaxing in Robes at the spa
05
Meet all requirements for guest safety and comfort

06
Distribute the BBAK Member Directory/Frequent Stay Program to departing guests

breakfast included
association logo
07
Display the BBAK logo on the property's website and related marketing material

08
Annually Maintain the BBAK Quality Standards Guidelines 

guidelines

WHY JOIN

Membership Benefits


Above all, the knowledge all inns and members are inspected and approved by a professional organization with high quality standards.
BBAK Website
01
Listing on the BBAK Website

02
Exposure in all BBAK Marketing: Print and Online 

iphone app
Email Newsletter
03
Receive timely email broadcasts with Helpful Tips & Information

04
Social Media Exposure: BBAK's Blog, Facebook, and Twitter

Social Media
Press Release
05
Exposure Opportunities in BBAK's Quarterly Press Releases

06
Exposure to Frequent B&B Travelers: Quarterly E-Newsletter

Newsletter
Kentucky Travel
07
Advertising Discount in Kentucky Travel Guide (Print & Online)

08
Guest Referrals from Fellow Members

Business Referrals
Industry Representation
09
Industry Representation with:
  • KY Department of Tourism
  • State Legislature of Kentucky
  • KY Travel Industry Association
  • KY Hotel & Lodging Association
  • KY Dept. of Agriculture & Agritourism (Farm Stays)
10
Discount on conference registration and annual meeting

Discounts on Conference
Marketing Advertising
11
Opportunity for cost-share marketing advertising opportunities

12
Member services discounts on a variety of products

Service Discounts
Vendor Information
13
Information on vendors such as credit card processors, insurance, etc.

14
Opportunity to participate in Reciprocal Lodging with other Member Inns

Reciprocal Lodging
Lasting Friendships
15
Mentorship of all new members & Lasting Friendships with Fellow Innkeepers

16
Regional Socials with opportunities for small group discussions and networking

Networking Opportunities
ALP Logo
17
Dual Membership in ALP
(Association of Lodging Professionals)

18
Educational & Professional Growth Opportunities

Education
Leadership Opportunities
19
Leadership Opportunities to help support & advance the organization


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