Bed and breakfast inns are as different as the people who run them and that’s part of the charm. Instead of a generic hotel room that could be transported into any random city without changing a thing, lodging with a bed and breakfast inn offers a taste of local history, culture and atmosphere. Most bed and breakfasts provide general information, including photos of individual rooms and breakfast menus, online. However, calling the particular property you are interested in may be the only way to get a true feel for whether or not it is right for you.
Romantic Bed and Breakfasts
Location and amenities are two major considerations when picking a bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway. Some couples prefer an out of the way location, such as a country inn, where they can spend time alone while other couples want to be close to the nightlife of a major city. Romantic bed and breakfast inns should have private bathrooms where a couple can unwind, perhaps in a private jacuzzi or clawfoot tub. Fireplaces, a comfortable bed and romantic decor are other things you might want to look for if you’re planning a bed and breakfast escape for two.
Family Friendly Bed and Breakfasts
Some bed and breakfasts are designed with families in mind, or at least are willing to accommodate families. Call ahead before reserving to make sure the place isn’t filled with breakable antiques if you’ve got young children, and ask about kid-friendly activities. Bed and breakfasts set on a farm are often a hit with kids. Older kids may prefer an inn with a swimming pool or accommodations located within walking distance of interesting local attractions.
Historic Bed and Breakfasts
Historic bed and breakfasts encompass a wide range of styles, but what they all have in common is a strong connection to the past. Before booking lodging in a historic inn, you may want to contact the proprietors and find out whether or not the room furnishings are authentic, restored, or replicas. The condition of the building may be a concern as well, so you might want to look into whether it has undergone any renovations or upgrades before deciding on a particular historic bed and breakfast.
Whichever type of bed and breakfast inn you choose, you’re sure to be in for a treat. Bed and breakfast accommodations are far more personal than a hotel and can give you a view of local life that you might otherwise have missed. The Professional Association of Innkeepers and the American Bed and Breakfast Association list a wide range of lodging options designed to suit any taste in bed and breakfasts.
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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