Inns and Bed and
Breakfasts – Are They For Everybody?
by: Cliff Calderwood
Inns are a delightful alternative to
hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your
vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.
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Are they for everybody?
No, they're not. But here’s the answers
to some basic questions to determine if it’s the type of accommodation
that’ll work for you…
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND
BED AND BREAKFASTS?
Let's start by clearing up any
confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And
it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.
Firstly, there's no difference in
accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as
good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared
meals. A bed and breakfast is just that… expect |
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a bed and a breakfast,
but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to
provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not
included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner
is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is
mentioned.
In many areas of the world inns and bed
and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.
ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?
When an inn says kids are welcome, then
you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now
there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't
expect too much piece and quiet and solitude.
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You'll find a number of listings that
put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something
like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's
just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for
a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got
high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your
family.
WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?
Staying in inns is very different than
staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a
Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof
walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't
win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.
Remember... the innkeeper or host is
there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in
unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.
WHAT’S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?
Your host will go out of their way to
greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you’ll be told
when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you
arrivals outside those hours.
But you need to let them know if you’ll
be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the
doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It’s one
thing to show up at midnight at your hotel – they’re staffed round the
clock - but it’s entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at
an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.
CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?
You bet you can!
Just like hotels the room rate for inns
is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on
the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and
breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to
do is ask in a nice way.
Just remember the innkeeper may only
have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the
last room then don't be offended if it’s no dice on a price reduction.
But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying
guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for
a reduction!
HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?
Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.
Most inns can book their weekend's
months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly
off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed
and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this
with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the
mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the
weekends.
I love staying in inns. They've a lot
going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more
variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow
travelers or vacationers. You’ll find web sites devoted to inn and bed
and breakfast listings now – so crank up Yahoo or Google and get
searching… and saving!
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