The number of travelers choosing bed & breakfasts for their getaway is on the rise. Perhaps it’s the high cost of gas and airline tickets forcing guests to consider staying closer to home or maybe it’s simply that the word is out that B&Bs are travel’s best kept secret. For those who never considered or who don’t understand the intimate personalization of creating memories at a bed & breakfast, we’ve put to rest 10 common myths about B&Bs.
Myth #1: B&Bs Are Cheap And Second-Rate
Fact: While there are many values offered by bed and breakfasts that can make them an economical alternative to other accommodations, B&B guests find upscale amenities such as luxury linens, fresh flowers, fine china and gourmet candlelit breakfasts – amenities and special touches not found even at higher priced hotels.
Myth #2: Breakfast Is Family Style With Other Guests
Fact: Many bed and breakfasts have restaurant style seating so you and your sweetheart can have a romantic dining experience at a table of your own or breakfast in bed, usually without the expense of room service!
Glen Gordon Manor, Huntly, VA
Myth #3: Shared Bathrooms
Fact: A long believed myth about bed and breakfasts is that guests must share common bathrooms. It’s time to uncover the truth! According to the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, 95% of inns include private baths and many now offer private in-room Jacuzzis for two.
Myth #4: Bed And Breakfasts Are Only For Older Couples
Fact: Think bed and breakfasts are only for older generations? Think again. There are countless chic B&Bs that make millennials happy with insta-worthy decor, design, and picture-perfect breakfast for foodies to post.
Myth #5: Limited Privacy
Fact: Many bed and breakfasts maintain a quiet, romantic, mature atmosphere for their adult guests and often have policies prohibiting children. Innkeepers have also taken into account thin walls and squeaky staircases by soundproofing, remodeling and updating older homes.
Holualoa Inn, Holualoa, HI
Myth #6: Fattening, Unhealthy Breakfasts
Fact: Since breakfast is a highlight of most B&B stays, mention any special dietary preferences when booking an inn. Many inns are adjusting their portion sizes and now serve healthy dishes such as fruit, oatmeal, and low-fat or low-carb items. Enjoy the fact that you are eating a delicious breakfast that the chefs pride themselves in (innkeepers are usually happy to share their signature recipes with you to make at home).
Myth #7: B&Bs Are Just A Room – And Boring
Fact: On the contrary, many bed and breakfast inns provide activities for their guests, free of charge, or have deals with local vendors to offer guests discounted rates. Because of their size, bed and breakfasts are able to offer individualized activities and personal service. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, there will be an array of things to do. Biking, skiing, golf, tennis and boating are just some activities that can be personally arranged by the inn.
Myth #8: Only Breakfast Is Served At A B&B
Fact: Don’t let the name fool you! Even though they are called “bed and breakfasts” many inns offer lunch and dinner à la carte. For a romantic twist, ask the innkeeper to pack a picnic lunch for you to take on your day trip. The Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast provides custom picnic lunches included in their packages such as the popular “Sip and Paddle” excursion.
Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa, Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Myth #9: Spa Services Are Not Available At Small Inns
Fact: Bed and breakfasts offer a multitude of additional services. For the ultimate luxury experience, inquire about spa services offered at many B&Bs. Some inns offer special pricing packages at local salons and others offer spa treatments onsite. The Inn and Spa at Intercourse Village in Intercourse, VA offers a unique spa experience that includes everything from tailored facials to therapeutic massages.
Myth #10: B&Bs Don’t Offer Discount Pricing
Fact: Many bed and breakfasts offer special packages for guests to get the full local experience. Travel with choice by selecting a B&B that offers a package fit for all.
From chocolate and roses to spa treatments, inns put together packages to entice every taste and personality. If it’s gourmet food and wine, couples massage, and your own private suite in a stunning location that most appeals, there is a bed and breakfast inn that can fulfill your every desire. You can decide together whether you want to get out for a horse drawn carriage or sleigh ride or just soak in a private in-room Jacuzzi tub then snuggle under the covers with an aperitif and freshly baked cookies. You may want to frolic in the colorful leaves around in a historic Northeastern manor house in the fall, burrow in a cozy, secluded mountain inn in winter, go baroque in a frilly Victorian to celebrate spring, or venture to a beachside or waterfront inn for fun in the summer sun. Depending on your budget and time available, you may be delighted to discover a very special inn close to home offering you an affordable, but no less wonderful weekend escape.
And Bed & Breakfast Gift Cards are the perfect way to let family and friends experience all that bed and breakfasts have to offer!
