I've stayed in quite a few Bed & Breakfast places over the last 18 months or so. Primarily this has been due to walking the 100 mile South Downs Way, and needing somewhere to lay my head for the night. Of the seven B & B's my friend and I stayed in, five were excellent, whilst the other two were not so good. All this has prompted the question, "What makes a good B & B?
Basically I want a place where I can feel at home, somewhere that is comfortable, without being too fussy and cosy, and somewhere that is clean. A place where I can get a good night's sleep is also important, especially when I have been out walking all day, carrying a heavy pack. A decent breakfast (full English, of course), the following morning is another essential, and doubly necessary at the start of a long day's walking. I am not quite so fussed about having en suite facilities, although their presence is always a bonus, but what is important is a warm and friendly welcome from the proprietor.
For further information, check out this article below by Matthew Alexander.
Bed and Breakfast. The term started in the UK then spread through Europe, but you can find this type of accommodation almost everywhere now. Oh, no, you're thinking. I've outgrown that bathroom down the hall stuff. Well, most B-and-Bs have too.
"B&Bs" started with people inviting travelers into their homes... providing rooms and serving breakfast to earn a little extra money. They all used to have toilet and shower facilities down the hall... sometimes with a sink in the room. That's what your thinking you've outgrown. But Bed and Breakfasts have changed, and it helps to know what to ask about and look for.
More and more now have "en suite" facilities with toilets and showers in the room. Sometimes these have been shoehorned into the room... other times homes have been remodeled with guest's privacy in mind. Be careful of the term "private bathroom".... You may be the only one who can use it, but that bathroom may be down the hall... and you're the only one who has a key.
There are still some places that have "standard" rooms. That means they have just the sink in the room and a trip down the hall for everything else. If you're not speaking your native language, make sure you are talking about the same thing. Ask to see the room if you are inquiring in person. We've never found a proprietor who will object to that.
Bed and Breakfasts can be small... only a room or two in a home, and you may be the only guests. They can also be guest houses of up to 15 or even 20 rooms. The ones you want to look for are those which have friendly hosts and a good location. Part of the charm of a "B&B" is that friendly host who will give you directions and tell you about their favorite restaurant.
Another plus to B-and-Bs is that you will get that breakfast... and it will generally be a substantial one. In England and Ireland, it will almost be too much to eat it all.... cereal, juice, toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled mushrooms, grilled tomato and baked beans. Tell them if you only want a little... they're happy to serve only what you want. In France you may just get croissants, butter and jam... but they'll be great croissants and lots of them.
Ask when breakfast is served... this isn't a hotel. Breakfast is usually only served for an hour or two, and you don't want to sleep through it and miss out.
Bed and Breakfasts will generally save you money in Europe and other areas, but that is not always the case everywhere. Europeans coming to the United States are surprised to find that B-and-Bs are expensive accommodations... often costing more than hotels, not less.
People who have opened "B&Bs" in the U.S. have transformed the concept, making them into luxury destinations. Many are in historic inns or homes that have been fabulously refinished and decorated.
They may come with wine tasting in the evenings and a gourmet breakfast, but they don't often come cheap. They are certainly charming and well worth what they cost, but you need to be aware that they are not usually budget accommodations in the U.S.
Bed and Breakfasts can be like having a home away from home when you travel. Just make sure you know what you're getting.
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