What is a Bed & Breakfast?
It is a package arrangement that includes overnight accommodations and breakfast. B&Bs are generally small, owner-occupied places. Even with all the embellishments (amenities) that many offer, the key concept is hospitality.

What is the difference between a B&B and a hotel?
Bed and Breakfasts are very different from hotels. Every room is different in size, layout, and decor. A B&B may not provide the privacy (or the loneliness) of a hotel; yet some luxurious suites and converted outbuildings are very private indeed. Because business travelers have discovered B&Bs, there may be a phone, TV, and VCR in the room.

Reminder: There is no desk clerk. Please call the B&B during reasonable hours (preferably between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.). If you must have things exactly as they are in the hotel you usually go to, please visit the hotel!

How much do B&Bs cost?
Rates range from about $60 to well over $100 (including breakfast) for two people. The season, location, amenities, food, length of ownership, maintenance costs, taxes, etc. all affect the rate. Remember: Nothing is standardized at B&Bs. Small places may prefer cash, credit cards, or travelers' checks. And it's a good idea to check on all policies, including deposit requirements and refund policies. Required local and/or state taxes vary from place to place, and are seldom in the listed rates.

Do I have to share a bathroom?
Some bathroooms are usually shared with just one other room. But depending on the number of guests, a shared bath could be private for you. Many American B&Bs have followed the trend to all private baths (of various sizes), sometimes with a shower but no tub, sometimes with a whirlpool bath.

Should I leave tips?
In a private home, tipping is not a usual practice, but times may be changing. In a private home where B&B is rather constant, owners realize that paid help means more time with guests. Those B&B owners also know that some remembrance is appreciated by the part-time folks who contribute to your memorable stay.

In a B&B inn, treat staff as you would in a hotel. Some inns, particularly those in resort areas, add gratuities to the tab. Some others who don't like that practice may leave an envelope-for-tip in your room. Another approach: When paying, guests might ask the innkeeper for "a suggested amount."

An interesting phenomenon: An amazing number of travelers write heartfelt thank-you notes to surprised and delighted hosts.

Are B&Bs for everyone?
Many B&Bs are perfect for unwinding and a change of pace, for romantics, for pampering, or for a home-away-from-home environment. If you seek anonymity, look for a B&B that has a private cottage, perhaps one where breakfast is brought to you in a basket. "Generally," as one host said, "guests who come to B&Bs are outgoing; they want to be sociable and learn about you and the area." Among all the wonderful guests, a few hosts can recall an occasional "memorable" demanding guest (it's fun to see the change that frequently takes place overnight) or a first-timer who arrived with considerable luggage; cumbersome indeed on the narrow steep stairs to the third floor of a historic house. Tastes and interpretations differ. Take charm, for example. "Tell me," said the older guest, "what's so charming about a tub on legs? I was so glad when built-ins finally became the fashion." Recommendation: Tell the host if this is your first time at a B&B. When making the reservation, if privacy is a real concern, say that too. Hosts' listening skills are usually well tuned.

Can I reserve rooms through a travel agent?
Many travel agents have caught on to the popularity of B&Bs. Some agents will make arrangements for you, whether or not they receive a commission from the B&B. Ultimately, it depends on the travel agent.

May I bring children?
Although there are B&Bs that provide everything from the sandbox to the high chair and a babysitter, some B&B hosts have been known to say (tactfully), "Children find us tiresome." Consider the facilities, the room and bath arrangements, and the decor. Are your kids enticed by candlelit breakfasts? Are they used to being around "don't touch" antiques? Do they enjoy classical music? Are rooms limited to two persons? Is a crib provided? Are there lots of animals on the farm? Is there a built-in playmate, perhaps an innkeeper's child? Remember what you looked for B.C. (before children). If you do bring the kids and still wish for some private time at the B&B, please arrange for a sitter. Be fair to yourself and your children, to other guests, and to the host/chef/gardener/interior designer/historian.

Are there handicapped facilities?
When calling your B&B to inquire about arrangements, be sure to ask specifically about handicapped arrangements.

May I smoke in the Inn?
Many Inns do not allow smoking inside the building. If an Inn does allow smoking, it will be restricted to specific areas of the Inn or on the property.