A bed and breakfast is a great place to stay for a short vacation or even a second honeymoon. Bed and breakfasts are usually associated with a couple’s getaway for the weekend. But it’s not really the case. There are many bed and breakfast establishments that cater to families as well. But whether you’re going to a B&B with your significant other or with your family, there are some things you need to know and do to maximize your stay and enjoy the experience.
First, do communicate with the innkeepers if you require any kind of special attention. For example, if you are an allergy sufferer or if you are sensitive to certain foods or things in the environment, these are things that should be communicated with them. If you are allergic to pets you can opt to stay in a bed and breakfast that has a no-pets policy. There are also smoke-free bed and breakfasts for those allergic or cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. Bed and breakfasts are all about personal service so expect to be served with special food or menus if you tell them you’re allergic to certain food ingredients.
If you are going to bring your children, ask the bed and breakfast of your choice if they allow children. It’s a tough policy and may even sound insensitive but there are certain establishments that display antiques and delicate carpets and ornaments that could easily be damaged and because of this children are usually discouraged.
In case you’ll be coming in for a long drive and do not expect to be there for your check-in time you can call the bed and breakfast and ask that your room be held because you’ll be arriving late. This quite crucial because a bed and breakfast is not like a hotel that is permanently staffed 24/7. Arriving very late without informing the innkeepers is frowned upon and may just anger them. Tell them of your predicament and they will understand.
Ask if there will be shared facilities like the bathrooms. Bed and breakfasts will usually have shared bathrooms and other facilities so ask beforehand so you’ll know what to expect.
As their name implies, bed and breakfasts offer breakfasts to guests as part of the price. You can ask about what the menu is because different establishments will obviously have different offerings. One establishment may just offer a light breakfast while others may offer a breakfast buffet.
Finally, ask for the establishment’s cancellation policy. Because bed and breakfasts only have limited rooms, a guest who cancels may still be charged the full price of the room. So inquire beforehand to prepare yourself in the off-chance you may need to cancel. You can buy a travel insurance with a policy for cancellations to protect yourself from these kinks in your travel plans.
What perfect timing, my husband and I are planning to go to a B&B for our next anniversary. thanks for the tips
that sounds like a charming idea for a vacation