Dear Guests,

If you’re considering a stay at a bed and breakfast like The Sautee Inn, you’re likely seeking that special sense of care and comfort—a thoughtfully prepared breakfast, a peaceful room tailored to your needs, and genuine insights from locals who cherish this corner of North Georgia. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to welcome countless wonderful visitors, and we’ve found that most guests are instinctively considerate and gracious. Still, questions about etiquette occasionally arise, so I’d like to share a few thoughtful guidelines to ensure your experience—and that of fellow guests—is as delightful as possible.

We truly appreciate it when guests communicate any special requests in advance. Whether you have dietary preferences (such as gluten-free options or allergies), require an early or late arrival, or have other needs, simply let us know at booking or a few days prior. This allows us to prepare breakfast precisely to your liking and ensure your room is ready without delay.

Our historic home features classic architecture with thinner walls and shared hallways, so we kindly ask that noise be kept to a minimum after 10 p.m. Gentle doors, soft footsteps, and subdued conversations help preserve the tranquility for everyone. Mornings begin early here, as breakfast preparation starts around 6 a.m.—you may hear a bit of activity in the kitchen, all in service of starting your day beautifully.

Breakfast is served in the main dining room at 9 a.m., where it’s always a pleasure to see guests gather over coffee, sharing stories of planned adventures or recent explorations. That said, if you prefer a quieter morning, there’s no obligation to engage—we’re happy to accommodate. For added convenience, we also offer breakfast in bed upon request.

We invite you to treat our shared spaces with the same respect you’d show in a dear friend’s home: a quick cleanup of any spills and leaving areas like the porch or sitting room tidy for others.

Regarding tipping, this is one of the most common questions we receive, and we’re glad to clarify. When a bed and breakfast is owner-operated in every aspect, greeting guests to preparing meals and housekeeping—tipping is not expected. Your kind words at checkout, a thoughtful review, or simply sharing how much you enjoyed your stay mean far more to us than any gratuity; they inspire us to continue offering this welcoming retreat.

However, many properties, including ours rely on dedicated team members. At The Sautee Inn, for example, we have a talented chef (Deny) who joins me in the kitchen four days a week, crafting gourmet breakfasts and exquisite desserts that elevate every morning. Housekeeping staff also work diligently to ensure rooms are fresh and immaculate. These valued team members contribute immensely to the seamless, pampered experience you enjoy, and a modest tip is a gracious way to acknowledge their efforts. A tip left in an envelope in your room at checkout, Venmo, Apple Pay, is appreciated. It’s simply a heartfelt thank-you to the entire team.

Ultimately, the essence of good etiquette is kindness, clear communication, and mutual respect. We are honored to share our home and this stunning valley with you, hoping you’ll depart feeling refreshed and recharged.

If you’re planning a visit to Sautee Nacoochee soon, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or requests. We look forward to greeting you with a warm cup of coffee and learning about your itinerary.