Saturday, November 27, 2010

Not sure a B & B is for you?

B&B Myth Busters

Are you shying away from staying at a B&B because you’re not sure what to expect? Research shows that B&Bs and country inns are sorely misunderstood. We’re here to explain why B&Bs are a better way to stay. Younger travelers think B&Bs are for “oldies” and others believe the B in B&B stands for boutique or expensive. Let’s debunk some of those B&B myths and learn more about today’s B&B experience.

"But I'll have to eat with people I don't know! "

Today’s B&Bs are split with about half offering private tables for those who’d rather not eat breakfast with others and the other half serving family style so guests can meet one another. Some innkeepers even serve breakfast in the room. And just to set the record straight, you won’t be eating Cheerios with the owner’s kids either, separate living quarters for the innkeepers and guests are standard at all B&Bs.

“I don't want to have to share a bathroom".

According to the Professional Association of Innkeepers International and BedandBreakfast.com’s innkeeper surveys, more than 97 percent of B&Bs offer private baths in some if not all rooms. For those looking to economize on rates, a shared bath option is available in approximately 12 percent of B&Bs.

"It's so expensive!"

Actually, when you add up all the extras including complimentary breakfast, snacks, beverages, wi-fi, movies and parking, then compare prices to local hotels in your travel destination, chances are you will find as much as a $175 per day savings. We recently compared Boston B&Bs to hotels, and here’s what we found. When the hotel’s higher rates were figured in, we realized a daily savings of $175 a day!

"B & Bs are only for couples"

While every B&B has some romantic aspect to it, there are plenty of inns and B&Bs that specialize in other aspects of travel. You’ll find that inns B&Bs are a better way to stay for families, business travelers, even those traveling with pets.

"They're old buildings, and I need my WIFI connections"

Recent surveys of innkeepers conducted by BedandBreakfast.com show that more than 91 percent of inns and B&Bs offer complimentary wi-fi connections. Innkeepers throughout North America understand that guests travel with a full load of tech-items. Many are adding iPod docking stations and power strips to rooms to allow plenty of wattage for powering up tech toys.