If travel is in your future plans, consider booking a stay at a bed and breakfast. A typical bed and breakfast will offer unique accommodations at a great value, and serve as a great hotel alternative. There are a few things that everyone should know about their stay before making reservations, but with a bit of planning, a bed and breakfast stay may be one of your most memorable.
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People commonly have misconceptions concerning the unique accommodations of a
bed and breakfast. Many believe them to all be hostel-type quarters, requiring the shared use of bathroom facilities. While there are B&B's that offer this, many often provide private, en suite bathrooms. Occasionally, visitors may find that the jacuzzi tub that is often a feature of a bed and breakfast room shares space with the sleeping area, but the toilet, sink, and a shower is in a separate room.
Another misconception is that the morning meal is served family style, and guests will be required to dine with strangers. Again, while this is sometimes the case, modern bed and breakfast's offer guests the chance to schedule their breakfast so they are "taking turns". Many also have a larger dining room that will accommodate all of the guests at separate tables, and you dine as you would in a restaurant. There are even
bed and breakfast's that offer room service! It is best to call the innkeeper prior to your stay to ask about the bathroom and dining facilities, to be sure you are comfortable with their arrangements.
There are usually a plethora of bed and breakfasts in quaint beach towns and off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions. But with some research, travelers can find bed and breakfast's in all major cities. If you are willing to stay on the outskirts of the downtown section of your destination, these hotel alternatives often offer outstanding rates in comparison to their counterparts. Another benefit to a bed and breakfast stay is that they typically offer free parking to their guests. While they may not be situated right on a line of public transportation, you can fore-go pricey valet or garage parking, and feel confident that your vehicle is stored safely in the driveway of the B&B.
The obvious advantage to staying in a
bed and breakfast is the inclusions of a full-course, home-cooked morning meal. While many travelers are used to a complimentary continental breakfast of pastries, cold cereal, and coffee, many of these hotel alternatives offer gourmet fare, freshly squeezed juice, and table-side service. One never needs to be concerned with going hungry when staying at a bed and breakfast.
In addition to a delicious meal, the usual draw of a
bed and breakfast is the unique accommodations. Many
B&B's are themed, and the buildings in which they are located often have historic significance. For travelers that enjoy antiques, this can be especially exciting. Many bed and breakfast owners are avid collectors, and enjoy giving tours of their facilities to guests. During the appropriate season, depending on your destination, the bed and breakfast may also have elaborate gardens, and offer guests outdoor areas to relax and unwind. A stay in a
B&B is as much about retreat as it is about convenience and value.
It is also important to note that many
bed and breakfasts are the home of the innkeepers. This means that you will receive personalized service around the clock, and you can be assured that the staff of a B&B will take pride in making sure your stay exceeds expectations. While many hotels offer exceptional customer service, none can consider patrons as guests in their home. Many times, owners of
bed and breakfasts have spent their entire life dreaming of opening this type of business. This means that those caring for you during your stay are not just employees. The innkeepers have a passion for entertaining and providing visitors the highest quality for their investment.
Finally, a bed and breakfast is a great opportunity to travel on a budget, but experience the finest a four star hotel would offer. Hotel reservation websites such as Hotels.com offer even greater savings and make booking a breeze. B&B owners focus on the small touches such as high thread count sheets, plush towels, elegant decor, and the popular B&B standard, the jacuzzi bath tub. Quality
bed and breakfast owners will go the extra mile to be sure that visitors are comfortable and provided with the small nuances that make guests feel at home. Some innkeepers go as far as turning down the bed at night, and offering chocolates on your pillow. In order to experience these accoutrements at a hotel, one would have to pay a steep price.
While the personalization of a bed and breakfast may not be for everyone, those seeking unique accommodations and budget travel should consider a
B&B stay in their desired location. Once you have been pampered, and dined on a breakfast fit for a king, you may never book a hotel room again!