4 Tips for the Novice Bed and Breakfast Traveler
Where is the bed and breakfast located?
Do you prefer a city setting, a quaint Victorian in a small-town historic district or perhaps a secluded setting in the country? Your inn might list its location as in the city, but be sure to find out if it is near the places you want to visit. If you want to be able to walk to restaurants and shops, make sure the “short walk” advertised in a brochure doesn’t translate to 15 blocks. If an inn says it is a short drive from the beach, do a little “MapQuesting” to determine if short really means you’ll spend a couple of hours in the car. The bottom line is that you should pick the location that best suits your needs. Two inns might be only an hour away from each other, but worlds away in terms of location. Here’s an example:
At the Saratoga Inn on Washington’s Whidbey Island, guests are just an hour drive and short ferry ride from Seattle, but worlds away in terms of setting. The inn affords views of the Saratoga Passage and Cascade Mountains from many of the guest rooms. The Carriage House has a fireplace, sleigh bed, antique clawfoot tub and a private deck with a water view. Mornings bring a delectable full breakfast, and in the afternoons, wine and hors d’oeuvres are served. If a city setting is what you crave, you can hardly find a better central Seattle locale than the Inn at Harbor Steps. Located in a residential high-rise, the bed and breakfast offers spacious, individually decorated rooms, some with fireplaces or perhaps a private patio. The inn has a state-of-the-art gym with a fitness room, basketball court and lap pool. Full breakfasts and afternoon tea are among the many amenities guests will enjoy, and the inn is within walking distance to many shops, restaurants and popular city attractions.
What kind of rooms do you have available?
There’s nothing cookie cutter about a bed and breakfast. Innkeepers take a lot of pride in creating a special experience for their guests. Each room usually has been decorated individually, and some innkeepers even have a theme for each room. Unlike hotels, where the rooms are generally the same size and style, room sizes often range from sweet, cozy retreats to large spacious rooms with all the trimmings. Some rooms have private baths with whirlpool tubs, and some rooms might share a bath. Be sure to make a list of what you want and ask your innkeeper what is available. Here are some example rooms:
Everything about the Green Gables Inn is enchanting. The historic Pacific Grove, California, bed and breakfast is found in a meticulously restored Victorian. The views of Monterey Bay are spectacular, and several guest rooms boast stunning ocean vistas. Each of the guest rooms is unique. The Gable room includes views of the bay from the main window as well as a loft that one reaches by climbing a ladder. The Chapel room, with its unique wooden beams and window seat, is especially charming and offers a bay view from its window seat. The Carriage House rooms include jetted spa tubs, king beds and fireplaces. All guests are treated to full breakfast and afternoon snacks. The inn is a perfect location to enjoy the Monterey Bay area, providing close access to the beaches, aquarium and Cannery Row.
What is the inn’s policy concerning children and pets?
Bed and breakfasts often are located in historic, restored homes. Many innkeepers decorate their inn with fine antiques and knickknacks. Other inns are especially romantic and more suited to couples than to families. Several states have laws that forbid innkeepers from outright banning children, but that does not necessarily mean that you should bring the kids. It’s your vacation, and you want everyone to be comfortable, so be sure to choose an inn that is suitable. Be sure to ask what kinds of activities, either at the inn or nearby, are available for kids. As for pets, a few innkeepers allow pets, and some will even board your horses for a fee, but be sure to ask. There are plenty of great options for families, and some locations may be ideal.
The Blue Lantern Inn, located on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor, is a perfect location for families. A two-minute drive will take you either to the local harbor or world-famous Doheny Beach, where the whole family can play in the surf, picnic or even rent bicycles. Laguna Beach is just a few minutes away, and a half-hour’s drive will take you to Disneyland. In addition, there are several nearby local parks and plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the inn. The full breakfast has plenty of kid-friendly delights, and there are freshly baked cookies throughout the day. The inn is decorated with soft, cuddly teddy bears, too, and you might find that the family adopts several furry friends along the way.
What is included in the rates?
Every bed and breakfast is unique — that’s what makes going to inns such a fun adventure. Each innkeeper offers a different variety of amenities, so it pays to ask what is included in the rates. Some inns have a full breakfast, some offer continental fare. Some have afternoon tea, some don’t. You might find inns with complimentary turn-down service and an evening glass of wine. Stocked libraries, game rooms, swimming pools and hot tubs are other amenities you might find. Be sure to check the inn’s website and ask questions when making the reservation.
At the Channel Road Inn, just outside of Los Angeles, in Santa Monica, guests enjoy a variety of amenities. Fluffy robes, European bath salts and soaps, televisions with DVD players and evening chocolate turn-down service are among the special amenities that accompany convenience items such as in-room alarm clocks, ironing boards and irons and hairdryers. Some guest rooms also include a fireplace, jetted spa tub or perhaps a private patio. Guests are treated to a full breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres service. Freshly baked cookies, water, soda, coffee and tea are available throughout the day. Guests can borrow movies and books from the inn’s library. In addition, the innkeepers stock those easily forgotten items such as a toothbrush or shaving cream at the front desk. There is a concierge service, and the innkeepers are happy to recommend activities and local restaurants. You even can borrow one of the inn bicycles.
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