Bed and Breakfast

B and B

Bed and Breakfast Inns are a charming and unique way to learn more about an area when you travel. No two are alike. Some are located in historic buildings; others are modern townhouses or sprawling ranches. The common denominators in B&Bs are a friendly, hospitable host, a comfortable bed, and a hearty breakfast.

Different Kinds of Bed and Breakfast Inns

Bed and Breakfasts come in many forms. In historic cities, such as Boston or Philadelphia, you find B&Bs in 18th and 19th century houses, full of character, charm, and, often, fascinating stories. Many of these historic inns have been renovated to include subtle modern amenities, such as air conditioning, Internet access, and up-to-date plumbing.

In more rural areas, such as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or Montana, B&Bs resemble country farmhouses or lodges. Unlike their city cousins, these inns usually offer a large expanse of land, featuring swimming, hiking, fishing, or even horseback riding.

In northern California, one of the first areas to support B&Bs, you'll find a wealth of restored Victorian homes, some in towns and some along the coast. Many of these charming inns come with period furnishings, claw-foot bathtubs, and sweeping front porches. Visit our San Francisco site for tourism information and an article on San Francisco bed and breakfast Inns

Advantages of Staying in a B&B

Staying in a B&B offers unique opportunities not found in traditional hotels:

• Your Personal Host - Bed and Breakfast Inns, by definition, have a host/owner to greet you, make you feel welcome, and offer suggestions for sightseeing, restaurants, and nightlife. Staying in a B&B is closer to staying in someone's home. Your host can often give you suggestions and insights into the area not found in traditional tourist literature.
• Unique Accommodations - Unlike chain motels and hotels, each room in a B&B is unique and offers a glimpse into the history of the neighborhood.
• Your Home Away from Home - Most B&Bs have community libraries, TV rooms, and/or front or back porches where guests can relax and share their day with other guests. Many B&Bs offer late afternoon refreshments, such as wine or hors d'oeuvres.

Tips of Choosing a Bed and Breakfast

• Plan Ahead - Choosing the B&B that's right for you and your family required some advance planning. Because most B&Bs have just a few rooms, you generally must make your reservation earlier than with a traditional hotel.
• Decide What's Important - B&Bs vary considerably in amenities and room size. Decide what's most important to you. Is it air-conditioning? a private bath? (Not all B&Bs have private baths.) Consider the location. B&Bs are not always in the center of tourist activities. Are you traveling with children? Not all B&Bs welcome kids under 16; others have special activities for them.
• Establish a Budget - In general, B&Bs can be a great cost saver. Some inns, however, stress luxury amenities over cost. Make sure that you determine how much you wish to spend and stay within your budget.
• Ask Questions - Most innkeepers welcome questions, either by telephone or e-mail. In fact, it makes sense to doubt an innkeeper who is unresponsive to inquiries. If you are uncertain about the type of room, the breakfast menu, or the inn's facilities, make sure to ask. It's the best way to avoid unhappy surprises.

Booking a B&B

There are a number of ways to make a reservation for a B&B. Many bed and breakfasts have their own websites with direct booking capabilities or at least an e-mail reply form. In addition, area bed and breakfast associations exist to handle reservations for a group of B&Bs. These groups may be found online, in library travel books, or by contacting the area's convention and visitor's bureau.

Unlike most travel arrangements, travel agents tend not to be a great resource for booking B&Bs. Most travel agent reference books stress the larger, more commercial hotels, and most B&Bs, as small businesses, do not pay travel agents for their bookings.

Make sure to consider staying in a bed and breakfast inn for your next vacation. Whatever your interests, your budget, and your lifestyle, there's sure to be a B&B just for you and your family.