B&BS MAKE FOR ACCOMMODATING OPTIONS

01-30-2000

February is National Bed & Breakfast Month.

Once mainly a European concept, B&Bs have caught on in the United States. A decade ago, the country had fewer than 1,000.

Today, more than 20,000 beckon from sea to shining sea. They're found in metropolises, towns, resorts and rural retreats.  By their nature, B&Bs tend to be quirky places, which is part of their charm. They vary widely in access, architecture and amenities; many reflect the personality and hospitality of their proprietors. There are B&Bs in cozy Colonial farmhouses, antebellum mansions and quaint Victorian townhouses, many of which have been carefully and lovingly restored by their proud owners.

B&Bs generally offer travelers a more personable, often less expensive, alternative to the unvarying anonymity of large hotels, motels and resort complexes. They're appreciated by travelers who are looking for a more intimate experience and don't mind losing a bit of privacy. Breakfasts are often served family-style, and although old houses can be charming, they often fall short in features like modern plumbing and sound-proofing. 

B&Bs come in many shapes, sizes and situations, but they can be grouped in three basic categories.  Homestay B&Bs occupy the smaller end of the spectrum. They're generally operated as a sideline by householders who have an extra bedroom or two and the desire to earn some extra cash by hosting travelers. A stay is like being a guest in someone's home. 

B&B inns typically are larger, more professionally run places, but with fewer than a dozen rooms. B&B inns, which often have quaint names, may be independently marketed and subject to state and local licensing. In addition to cozy bedrooms and bountiful breakfasts, there are designated common areas and guests do not share the same living areas as their hosts. 

Then there are small inns and country inns, which usually have 20 or fewer guest rooms and extra amenities, often including restaurants that offer full meal service, rather than just breakfast.  Within those basic categories, however, B&Bs differ dramatically in their interpretations of hospitality. Some excel in offering romantic ambiance, luxurious amenities or fine dining. Others are simply comfortable places to spend a night or two. And there's always the occasional bad apple. 

Unfortunately, if you don't have either previous experience or a personal recommendation, finding a B&B in a particular area that suits your style and taste can be a hit or miss affair.  A range of research resources is available. Numerous guidebooks on B&Bs in the United States have been written in recent years. Some are prepared by mainstream publishers; others are directories of properties that belong to one of the several B&B associations that have evolved. Many of these publications are revised on an annual basis, but the information in some can be dated.  Local visitors bureaus also often maintain listings of B&B options in their areas. Many states and regions also have their own local B&B associations. For example, there are both a Pittsburgh B&B Association and a Western Pennsylvania B&B Association.

And of course, a limited listing of B&Bs and small inns can be found each week in newspapers.  A handful of B&B-oriented Web sites have been developed.  Some of these resources feature glossy photos and dazzling descriptions of selected properties; others offer little insight other than an address, phone number and e-dress. 

Unfortunately, relatively few of these resources rely on independently gathered reviews of individual properties, and those that do tend to focus on a limited number of upscale B&Bs. Instead, B&B owners generally pay to be listed in these resources, and they also write the descriptions of their amenities. 

Many B&Bs also maintain their own Web sites, which can quickly provide a lot more specific information to those with Internet access.  While any of these resources can help a traveler identify B&B options, the best way to find out about a particular property is still to call and speak directly with its proprietors.  In addition to obtaining a more accurate idea of its amenities and availability, along with its style and room selection, a phone call lets you get a better sense of the owner's personality, which is often a defining factor in how the place is run. Ask about rates, which are generally quoted on a per room basis.

Another consideration: many B&Bs and small inns do not accept one-night bookings, particularly on weekends or during high season. Because B&Bs generally have a very limited number of rooms, advance reservations are a must, especially on weekends and busy seasons.  While some inns are family-oriented, many do not accept children under 18. Ditto for pets. Some B&Bs, however, have their own pets in residence, which can be a factor for allergic travelers.

Other amenities travelers have come to expect in hotels and motels, such as in-room TVs and telephones, also tend to be rare.  Most B&Bs require a deposit of up to 50 percent of the cost of the stay when the reservation is made. These days, most B&Bs accept credit cards, although smaller places may ask you to send a personal check. In either case, be sure to ask about their cancellation policy before you make any deposit. Be prepared to pay a stiff penalty if you cancel or change your reservations. 

Once a reservation has been made, B&Bs generally mail or email a confirmation, which typically includes other information as well as instructions on how to find the place.  After that comes the acid test: sampling what the B&B has to offer. 

Most often, that will be a pleasurable experience, but unfortunately, sometimes the reality of the B&B experience doesn't live up to your expectation. In that case, you have little recourse. Few B&Bs are willing to provide refunds, and unless there was an actual misrepresentation - say the place bears no resemblance to the pictures in the brochure - the only option is to dispute the charge with the credit card company. You can register a complaint with the B&B's local Better Business Bureau or listing association, if they belong to one. But since they're not enforcement agencies, there's not much they can do to help you, only provide some warning for future visitors. 

Guidebooks, associations 

* "Bed and Breakfast and Country Inns" from American Historic Inns, 949-499-8070; www.bnbinns.com.  * "The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Guesthouses" from Ten Speed Press (also available online: www.travelguides.com). 

* "Bernice Chesler's Bed and Breakfast in the Mid-Atlantic States" by Chronicle Books is an excellent resource. 

* "America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs and Small Hotels," regional directories from St. Martin's Griffin Press. 

* "America's Best Bed & Breakfasts"from Fodor's Publications. 

* "The Innkeepers' Register" by Distinguished Inns of North America, 800-344-5244; www.innbook.com. 

* "Bed & Breakfast Guest Houses and Inns of America," www.innandtravel.com.  * "Bed and Breakfast USA"from Plume/Penguin. 

Online resources l www.bandbfinder.com;  l www.bedandbreakfast.com;  l www.bbonline.com;  l www.traveldata.com;  l www.go-native.com.  l

The Web site http://bandb.about.com/travel/ bandb contains a healthy listing of online links. Locally, there's the Pittsburgh Area B&B Association (www.pittsburghbnb.com) and Western Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast Association, 888-400-6380 or www.westernpabandb.com. 

 

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