Staying at a bed and breakfast is a good choice of lodging when you need a break. You can find B&Bs just about everywhere and they usually provide more value than hotels. From personalized attention, to delicious food, there are many reason why you should choose a bed and breakfast on your next trip.
There are so many varieties of bed and breakfasts out there that choosing the right one might seem impossible. In fact, you can find anything from an upscale, sprawling estate, restored cottages, farmhouses or just a small building outside of town.
Is a bed and breakfast right for you?
Many travelers prefer bed and breakfasts but it depends upon each person. There are various pros and cons you need to consider before making your decision.
Value
When you stay at a hotel, you generally get little value for your money. It usually has a room that is on the small side. If you are lucky, you might get free parking or a continental breakfast but you shouldn’t get your hopes up. In many instances you pay more at a hotel, where you have to pay extra for other amenities such as Internet and snacks.
A bed and breakfast typically offers many extras included in your fee. The large majority of B&Bs now offer WiFi and free parking, with snacks included. One of the best perks is the included breakfast, which is generally a delicious home-cooked meal compared to the continental breakfast in a hotel. Some establishments also offer discounts on local attractions and events.
Unique decor
Now decor isn’t exactly that important but if you ever stayed in a hotel chain, you’ll realize that their rooms are all the same. In a bed and breakfast, each room has its own character. Since they are individually decorated, each of them have their own feel and sometimes their own amenities. Some B&Bs pride themselves on their unique rooms, and some of them even have rooms with their own themes. Most inns let you book the exact room that you want, instead of selecting a room type at a hotel.
Rich history
Many B&Bs across the U.S. boast very interesting or unique history. Some of them are actually restored buildings that are hundreds of years old. There are dozens of bed and breakfasts that were stops on the Underground Railroad, meeting places during the civil war or eve plantation homes. If you’d like to learn more about the history, you’ll have to ask the innkeeper.
Personal attention
If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel, you probably know that it’s hard to get someone’s attention sometimes. A bed and breakfast prides itself on going the extra mile to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Since they are nearly always smaller than hotels, it allows you to get more personal attention and assistance. Whether you need tips on what to do in the immediate area or just have a few questions, feel free to ask the innkeepers. They serve as great local experts that can give you a rundown of what to see, do and eat in their town.
The extras
Why bother for a hotel that leaves you chocolates or complimentary shampoo? B&Bs go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. You will find lots of little extras when you stay over. Some have cheese & wine evenings, while others offer freshly baked cookies for guests and even a free DVD library. Each of them have their own little extras that they offer without charging you a dime extra.
Transparent pricing
Bed and breakfasts usually make it clear on their Web sites what you are paying for, without any surprise bills. Most of your amenities are included but some do offer extra services if you request them. A hotel will offer you a room at a set price but anything else will cost you extra. Items like room service, breakfast and parking will usually be a pretty penny.
The Food
Bed and breakfasts offer home-cooked meals that you usually won’t find at a hotel. Their menus differ each morning and some even give you the opportunity to order dinner. B&Bs typically order their ingredients from local producers in order to support local businesses as well.
Home away from home
A bed and breakfast is typically located in the residential areas, where you can get a sense of how the locals live. Others tend to be in quieter neighborhoods, away from tourist crowds and near the places where locals tend to shop, eat and go out.
In short, every bed and breakfast is different and offers guests a unique experience over that of a hotel.
