Comments on: Why It’s Worth Paying More For A Bed & Breakfast

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:26:40 +0000

It is nice to hear so many people finding B&B’s and Inns as a great alternative to the larger more inpersonal chains. I have owned my Inn for 8 years, which we lived in as a family before that. We have renovated, painted and put in all new bathrooms throughout our historic home. We know that our amenities far exceed that of our fellow local Inns and B&B’s, but I think that it is also one of the reasons that we have such a high return rate with our guests. We do not nickle and dime our guests. If ever in Rochester, NY – look us up at http://www.edwardharrishouse.com

By: Chloe

Chloe — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:21:22 +0000

Don’t forget that when you call a bed and breakfast, chances are you are talking to the owner. If you are booking mid week, are planning to stay several days or are calling at the last minute, we will often give you a good deal. I own Big Mill Bed and Breakfast in eastern North Carolina, and I once had a guest who stayed ten months! He really got a good deal. Come see us at http://www.BigMill.com

By: bnbtraveler

bnbtraveler — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:26:10 +0000

This is a good article that points out the highlights of most B&Bs. And there’s more! Many B&Bs also offer free WiFi, complimentary snacks & refreshments, great attention to detail in amenities (such as high quality bath soaps/shampoo), travel items if you’ve forgotten something, and concierge services, just like hotels. And you might not necessarily pay more for all that, it could be considerably less than the local hotel. All with the comfort of individually decorated rooms and lovely common areas and grounds. The only time we stay in a hotel anymore is if we just need a place to stay on the Interstate.

By: Innkeeper

Innkeeper — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:05:08 +0000

He wrote: “Does anyone know any websites I can find information on B&Bs in the midwest?”

YES! Two ideas – first google the town or region and add bed breakfast into it, or use a multiple directory, ie http://www.bbonline.com or http://www.bedandbreakfast.com these have maps of regions, states and how far a B&B is located from the next B&B etc.

If they have a nice website then you know they pay attention to detail. If they have a cruddy website, then skip to the next one. You should be able to get a feel for the B&B right off the bat from the website. So if you use a multiple directory to locate them – click thry that to their website and book from there. Many have advertised specials.

The author of this article mentioned Trip Advisor – that is a good place to see what some other guests wrote, but do not take it 100%, as ANYONE can write anything.

All the best in your journey!

By: A Tentative Personal Finance Blog

A Tentative Personal Finance Blog — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 04:54:24 +0000

Does anyone know any websites I can find information on B&Bs in the midwest? I want to plan a one year anniversary thing for my wife by September.

By: baselle

baselle — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 04:39:00 +0000

I enjoyed my stay at a B&B in Forks, WA. Another point is that pretty much any little interesting town has a B&B, while hotels often have to think about traffic and location. If you travel off the beaten path, a B&B can be a lifesaver!

By: Maine Innkeeper

Maine Innkeeper — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 02:12:34 +0000

Thank you for ‘taking a chance’ on a B&B!

You’ve done a great job of highlighting the things many first time B&B-goers worry about and then allaying their fears.

Yes, the breakfasts are great, the rooms are clean, the innkeepers know their town and you DO meet other guests from around the world.

For the most part, where I live, a B&B is your best bet for value. You get a comfy room, an inspired breakfast and hosts who truly care that you have a good stay.

(Today I ran out to the local chocolate factory to buy a sweet gift for a couple of newlyweds who called from the road. They pulled in 5 minutes after I got home and never knew we had ‘run out’ to get them a fun reminder of their honeymoon. It’s all part of the deal at a B&B!)

By: A non Mouse

A non Mouse — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:46:48 +0000

This was a great post, I will take it to heart for my upcoming anniversary.

By: Kathleen Panek

Kathleen Panek — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:12:49 +0000

As an innkeeper, I thank the author for an accurate accounting of the real B & B experience. I will tell you that innkeepers take things to heart – they may have books filled with wonderful comments from happy guests, but that one guest that they were unable to satisfy – for whatever reason, no matter how hard they tried to please – will bother for a long time. We do not say goodbye and forget our guests – why many have become family friends over the years.
I am proud to say that we have had many “first-timers” who leave as converts. My 3 guestroom B & B is in a very small city (2250) and near a rail-trail. We make every attempt to cater to our guests dietary needs and food dislikes as well as their schedules – breakfast is between 4 AM and 10 AM. As 1 of almost 100 members of the MountainState Association of Bed & Breakfasts in West Virginia, I hope you will visit our State and experience the hospitality of our B & Bs, Country Inns, and Guest Houses. You will find all of us at http://www.wvbnbs.com.

By: Innkeeper

Innkeeper — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:48:17 +0000

I am so pleased that you did not let hollywierd sway your attempt at staying at a Bed & Breakfast! We are all so varied, some new some old, some even with young innkeepers who do not keep garden midgets in their yards!

I have to say – typically B&B’s are 5 rooms or less, larger than that they are considered an “INN.” So on that note with reference to “STAFF” WE ARE IT! We bought the home, we renovated the home, we landscape the home, grind your beans every morning, we are the ones ironing your pillowcases each night.

Havign just stayed at a hotel this past weekend, where the stale pastry was the highlight of the meal – I cannot agree with you more – - at B&B’s we never forget the second B! Breakfast will be bountiful and satisfying. Coffee will be good – we won’t let you out to search for a fiveBucks for coffee…

Come and see us in Blue Ridge Country – http://www.ClaiborneHouse.net

Where you can throw a rock in any direction and hit a musician…this is where our country began.