How Should I Choose a Bed and Breakfast?

Travelers often spend a lot of time looking for accommodations. In general, they look for hotels that are close to their destinations. The bed and breakfast is one option many travelers may overlook. A bed and breakfast is a type of lodging that is often in an older home or building. These accommodations are usually family-owned and feature personalized service that is often not available in any but upscale corporate hotels. This means you're not just supposed to look at the location or the surroundings, but the indoor amenities as well. For instance, quality mattresses and mattress toppers will make your stay extra comfortable and relaxing.

Many cities feature the local bed and breakfast inns on their websites, and the traveler should always check out the links. Often, a bed and breakfast costs very little more than the local chain hotels, with the added bonus of a delicious home-cooked breakfast and lovely surroundings. Many B&B's, in fact, are famous for their food. A bed and breakfast will average about US$10 more per night than a hotel. When a couple considers they would spend nearly that much on a fast food breakfast, the added charge at the B&B doesn't seem like a great deal of money.

A bed and breakfast inn will usually have four to ten rooms, depending on the size of the building. Most B&B rooms also have private baths. Another advantage of the bed and breakfast is comfort. These inns don't rely on standard hotel mattresses that are hard as rocks. They use home mattresses, since their facilities don't have the volume of guests that hotels do. Of course, comfort is something that's subjective. If you have chronic back pain and need an extra firm mattress to be able to sleep, you might have to notify the B&B in advance so they can accommodate your needs. As a result, the beds are usually much more comfortable. If you get hot flushes at night, consider calling in advance if the bed and breakfast has cooling mattress toppers you can rent. If not, ask them if you can bring your own so you can go through the whole experience without sacrificing sleep. Rooms at a B&B will usually have a television and many have books available or movies for guests to watch in their rooms. A bed and breakfast in an older home will usually have a parlor for guests to socialize if they wish, or front porches ideal for reading or relaxing.

Travelers looking for a bed and breakfast should consider location, amenities and price. Some B&B's are in older neighborhoods, but within walking distance of downtown attractions. Some inns are in rural areas. The traveler's choice will depend on what he is looking for.

Amenities offered at a bed and breakfast also vary. Some bed and breakfast inns have activities such as horseback riding available. Some may have hot tubs or spas guests can use. Some inns have a snack or cocktail hour in the evening, in addition to breakfast. Some are caring enough to ask about very specific sleeping conditions, like whether you would prefer a weighted blanket or not. If it's possible, then we highly advise you to take advantage of the opportunity to have the time of your life and get the rest you deserve after. A traveler also needs to be aware that some B&B inns allow children, while others do not. It is always wise to ask in advance.

The price for a bed and breakfast stay will vary according to region and proximity to a large city or tourist/resort area. In general, prices range from US$65 to $140 a night. Travelers staying at a bed and breakfast will meet their hosts and usually feel welcomed right away. This warm hospitality, along with the quiet atmosphere and good food, make for great accommodations.