No shoes?

[Anonymous]

I recently stayed in a nice B & B that had a sign on the front door telling guests that they must remove their shoes upon entry. I have certainly seen that practice in private homes, but found it odd in a commercial establishment.

Your thoughts?

[Anonymous]

In the country where I currently live, wearing shoes inside would be the biggest faux pas ever.

I know a lot of US houses do this now. Not sure how I feel about this in a business. Seems a bit odd.

[Anonymous]

We don’t wear shoes in our house (US) either. When we’ve stayed at BnBs, we usually take off shoes upon entering our room. I think it’s a little odd of an ask when it comes to common areas. My initial thought is that in BnB, shoes in common areas, no shoes in room.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I agree with the early responses so far.

I was a bit put off, since it meant I had to enter the home/meet the owner with bare feet (I had been wearing sandels) and my teen had to enter wearing dirty socks. So everyone comes to the shared breakfast table this way also. 🤔

In fairness , I noticed after the first day that wrapped airline-type slippers were available in the entryway.

But they were not mentioned or noticeable to new guests (unlike the large sign visible from outside, stating the no shoe requirement. )

[Anonymous]

I thought this was going to be about the new TSA rule. Shoes are ok!

[Anonymous]

I would bring slipper socks or indoor shoes because it's painful for me to walk barefoot. I would explain it.

[Anonymous]

As an American, I find it odd to expect no shoes in an area where people are eating. At the very least, the slippers should be required.

[Anonymous]

In the US? Totally odd. In Japan? Without a second thought.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine to say that you need to keep your shoes on due to orthopedic inserts that allow you to walk without pain. If a business tells you that won't be possible, I would find somewhere else to stay. I just find it obnoxious when someone wants me to remove my shoes even in their home much less in a business.

[Anonymous]

This is a B&B. A hotel. Shoes should be allowed in a business.

Comparing this to private individuals asking guests to take shoes off in when entering their homes is not comparable.

[Anonymous]

Was this policy made clear when you made reservations? Most B&Bs have strict cancelation policies, and I'd be POd to learn that I had to eat the cost when I left (orthotics)

[Anonymous]

Watch out for Athlete’s foot or warts

[Anonymous]

Maybe someone is going through chemo? I know when my father was, this was a big deal. It helps stop at least some germs from entering the house. And if this is their livelihood, maybe they can’t just stop hosting. You can’t exactly demand people mask up in 2025, especially in the hospitality industry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was this policy made clear when you made reservations? Most B&Bs have strict cancelation policies, and I'd be POd to learn that I had to eat the cost when I left (orthotics)

+1 If it was not clear when I made the reservation I would not follow the rule. I don't use AirBnB or VRBO for this kind of nonsense. The Hilton doesn't care what I do.

[Anonymous]

A “nice BnB” may have ancient floors that are delicate or creaky. Shoes could disrupt other guests.

I’m Canadian and I never get the american refusal to remove shoes in homes that aren’t yours.