The Bed and Breakfast is described as "pleasant," "charming," and "wonderful," with imagery of a bright fire, pretty furnishings, and a cozy atmosphere. Billy infers it's more inviting than The Bell and Dragon.
The Landlady's quick response at the door suggests eagerness or desperation for guests and foreshadows her underlying motives or demeanor.
Dahl describes the empty hall to highlight the lack of other guests, adding to the sense of isolation and foreshadowing something amiss.
The first alerting moment is when Billy realizes the parrot and dachshund are stuffed, suggesting things aren't as they seem.
Interruptions from the Landlady delay Billy's realization about Mulholland and Temple, heightening suspense and tension.
Evidence suggests the missing boys met a grim fate, supported by the Landlady's strange behavior and discovery of stuffed animals.
The tea tasted faintly of bitter almonds, and he didn't much care for it.