Pros and Cons of Staying in a Bed-and-Breakfast (2024)

Pros and Cons of Staying in a Bed-and-Breakfast

With the growth of digital marketing, there are now more options for travel accommodations than ever before. Whole genres of travel lodging have arisen thanks to the quick, efficient, and secure marketing and procurement available online. However, one of the most reliable options for accommodations that can provide you with local flair and a homey atmosphere is the humble bed-and-breakfast. Long a staple of travel accommodations alongside hotels, resorts, and rental cabins, bed-and-breakfasts have maintained their market share by offering a unique personalized experience and quaint stay.

Pros and Cons of Staying in a Bed-and-Breakfast (1)

A bed-and-breakfast doesn’t just offer vacationers shelter and a morning meal, but instead provides a unique glimpse into the local culture and flavor that’s often absent during hotel stays. For example, a St. Augustine, FL, beachfront inn with bed-and-breakfast accommodations will allow you to see the community up close through immersion, and it will surround you with others who are accompanying you on your journey of cultural exploration. Despite the benefits, it may not be for everyone, however. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons.

Bed-and-Breakfast Pros

When you choose to stay at a local B&B, you can enjoy a unique package of advantages that simply aren’t available with other types of accommodations. The experience is far more personalized than the average stay in a hotel or cabin. First, you won’t be tucked into a small, sterile hotel room that’s devoid of character. Instead, you’ll get accommodations that remind you of home but are reflective of the local style or the theme of the B&B. You’ll start each day with a home-cooked breakfast rather than getting a cafeteria-style meal or no breakfast at all. The best part is that you don’t have to cook it yourself.

When you stay at a bed-and-breakfast, you’ll have a built-in tour guide to the area’s attractions and restaurants. Proprietors are almost always experts on what their areas have to offer, so you’ll receive plenty of good advice to guide your vacation journey. You’ll also likely be surrounded with other travelers of like mind who may even become friends by the end of your stay. Some B&Bs even offer a list of scheduled activities to help you enjoy your time and get a better feel for the community you’re exploring.

Staying in a bed-and-breakfast gives you tremendous bang for your vacation buck as you get a meal and a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free parking, and discounts at local attractions that may cost extra when staying at other hotels or resorts. Some even offer luxury amenities, such as a swimming pool and 24-hour tea and coffee service.

Pros and Cons of Staying in a Bed-and-Breakfast (2)

Bed-and-Breakfast Cons

Though the list of benefits is long, the more personal nature of the B&B stay isn’t appreciated by everyone. Because vacationers will have shared use of common areas, such as the dining room, patios, parking area, or living room, there will be more interaction with proprietors and other patrons. For those who want to unplug from society and enjoy alone time, a stay at a B&B may involve too much engagement. Some may not offer some amenities that are standard in large hotels or resorts such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or workout facilities. For some who enjoy those activities, staying at a bed-and-breakfast may not be optimal. However, many B&Bs located in beach communities do offer those amenities, so it’s important to do your research when deciding on accommodations.

If you’re looking for an enjoyable, social options for your accommodations, then a bed-and-breakfast may offer you the perfect place to stay on your next vacation. However, for those accustomed to staying in a hotel, it may not be ideal. Planning a vacation to St. Augustine, FL? If you believe a bed-and-breakfast is the right accommodation for you, contact Beachfront Bed & Breakfast at (904) 461-8727.

By Brian Trinh|2019-10-01T07:04:37+00:00October 1st, 2019|Uncategorized|0 Comments

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Pros and Cons of Staying in a Bed-and-Breakfast (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of bed and breakfast? ›

Bed-and-Breakfast Cons

For those who want to unplug from society and enjoy alone time, a stay at a B&B may involve too much engagement. Some may not offer some amenities that are standard in large hotels or resorts such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or workout facilities.

Why choose a bed and breakfast over a hotel? ›

Exclusive Amenities at B&Bs

Another great benefit that comes with staying in a B&B is that the amenities are often more personalized. Each room is unique in style and may also come with its own unique set of amenities. In many cases, you don't have to pay extra for WiFi, bottled water in the room, or parking at a B&B.

Is a bed and breakfast better than a hotel? ›

Luxury bed linens and towels, coffee bars, fresh baked goods, games, books and movies are just a few upgraded amenities that are available. A Great Value – Although B & B rooms might seem to be priced higher than hotels, they are usually an better value overall.

Can you live off a bed and breakfast? ›

So, to answer your question- yes, you can make a living off a bed and breakfast once your business picks up the pace and is steady. And also, it is absolutely worth it to give it a try even if it takes a lot to get yourself out there!

What is bed breakfast rule? ›

Traditionally Bed and Breakfasting (sale and repurchase) of shares referred to transactions where someone sells shares one day and brings them back the next morning.

What is the etiquette of a bed and breakfast? ›

Bed and breakfast hosts typically don't mind guests bringing outside snacks or drinks into the property, but might prohibit guests from eating in bedrooms, especially if the furniture is older. In my experience, most hosts seem to prefer that their guests eat in the kitchen or common area(s).

Is B&B cheaper than hotel? ›

Bed and breakfast nightly rates typically fall within a narrower range than hotel room rates. For example, a single destination could offer B&B rooms from $50 to $300 per night, while hotel rooms in that same destination could cost $20 to over $5,000 per night.

What is the difference between a B&B and a Airbnb? ›

Briefly, here's the difference between and Airbnb and a B&B. Airbnb is a lightly regulated home-sharing site that lets almost anyone list accommodations for rent. A B&B is a regulated small inn subject to state or local lodging laws. Think of it as a small hotel with a few extra perks and personal touches.

What do guests want in a bed and breakfast? ›

This includes full-sized meals, appetizers, desserts, and even small meals. If a guest wants to order anything special from outside, delicious items can be delivered to the place as well. Many guests will want to relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee before their day. Hence, most B&B's will offer hot tea or cocoa.

Is it customary to tip at a bed and breakfast? ›

Many find joy in bestowing their knowledge upon guests. Their eagerness to please is worthy of a monetary gift of gratitude. Are you wondering whether you should tip during your stay at a B&B? Our answer is yes!

Why is a bed and breakfast called Airbnb? ›

In order to make their rent, the two loaned out rooms in their apartment to visiting designers from the International Design Conference after hotels in the area were booked up. The two called their new endeavor "Air Bed and Breakfast," a reference to the air mattresses the guests were staying on.

What's the difference between all inclusive and bed and breakfast? ›

The inviting aspect of an all-inclusive package is that food and drink are included. Please keep in mind that you are paying a premium for these conveniences. On a B&B vacation, typically at least one home-cooked meal is included in the stay, and it's often a delicious breakfast.

How much does the average bed and breakfast owner make? ›

The average size of B&Bs nationwide is six rooms, and the average income is $135,000 per year, according to PAII. Most innkeepers (83%) live on the property.

What questions to ask when buying a bed and breakfast? ›

9 questions to ask when buying a Bed & Breakfast or guest house
  • 1) Is it in a good location? ...
  • 2) What type of guests stay there? ...
  • 3) Why are they selling? ...
  • 4) How do the room rates compare? ...
  • 5) How big is the B&B or guest house? ...
  • 6) Does it have a good reputation? ...
  • 7) How much work needs to be done?
Jul 1, 2016

How much deposit do I need to buy a bed and breakfast? ›

Deposit requirements

Commercial mortgages for B&Bs typically require higher deposits than residential mortgages. Normally this will be at least 50%, though some lenders will consider 30%.

Do you have to be quiet in bed and breakfast? ›

Remember, the inn is someone's home. Turn down the television and keep your conversations quiet in the evening. If you'll be out late, ask the innkeeper for the proper procedure to enter the building.

How small can a bed and breakfast be? ›

A B&B is generally a small establishment with four to 10 guest rooms instead of the 50 to 100 or more found at most hotels. The owners live on-site and interact with travelers as if they were invited guests rather than anonymous temporary room numbers.

How big can a bed and breakfast be? ›

Bed and breakfasts are often private family homes and typically have between four and eleven rooms, with six being the average. In addition, a B&B usually has the hosts living in the house.

How much do you tip a housekeeper at a bed and breakfast? ›

They often double as the breakfast server in the morning. The average tip at a bed and breakfast for housekeepers is from 5 – 20 per room, with 10 being the average.

What is the difference between a guest house and bed and breakfast? ›

Bed & Breakfasts cater only for breakfast while guest houses may cater for even lunch and dinner. Both properties offer daily housekeeping and should have en-suite bathrooms. In short, B&Bs are private homes that offer lodging and breakfast facilities. B&Bs are more homely than guest houses.

Is breakfast in bed romantic? ›

And it can be the most romantic too! Whether for the morning of your first relationship sleepover (hooray), wedding anniversary or just a simple Sunday, impress your partner with an unexpected breakfast in bed.

How many rooms do you need for a B&B? ›

Generally B&Bs will have less than 10 rooms. Guests staying at a B&B usually expect a very homely atmosphere, simple luxury, a rich history and sense of individuality, and authentic food and beverage experiences.

What is the difference between a B&B and an inn? ›

Inns are in between B&Bs and motels/hotels. Inns tend to be larger than B&B's and breakfast is not inclusive. Often inns will have dining rooms to offer as an option, but it is not included in the room rate. Inns tend to offer more services than B&Bs such as event planning, local tours, and more hotel like amenities.

Why is Airbnb so much cheaper than a hotel? ›

In general, Airbnb is cheaper than hotels because Airbnb does not have to pay for the overhead costs of a hotel or the general management of such a large operation.

Should you do the dishes in an Airbnb? ›

Load and run the dishwasher before you go. Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you've dirtied. It's also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.

What are the pros and cons of hosting Airbnb? ›

In conclusion, while hosting through Airbnb has many advantages such as being able to make money and meeting new people from around the world, there are also some drawbacks such as high commissions and liability risks associated with damages caused by guests during their stay at your property.

How does air b and b work for the owner? ›

Listing your property on Airbnb is free. All you have to do is set up a free profile and put up the listing with descriptions and images for guests. The guests are responsible for paying since fees will only be deducted after you get a reservation.

Do B&Bs provide towels? ›

Bed and breakfasts typically provide at least one bath towel and hand towel per guest. Some hosts don't replace towels during stays of 2 nights, though you can request it.

Do B and Bs provide towels? ›

So what do bed and breakfast hosts typically include/provide? Essential amenities you can expect to find in a B&B include: one bath towel and hand towel (per guest), hand soap, and shampoo. Some bed and breakfasts offer additional amenities (water bottles, bathrobes, etc.), but these aren't standard.

Does bed and breakfast include dinner? ›

B&Bs typically include a “free” daily breakfast. However, lunch and dinner options depend on the particular bed and breakfast you book. If a B&B offers lunch or dinner, those meals may be included in your nightly rate, available as optional add-ons, or put onto a tab that you pay when checking out.

What do you do at a bed and breakfast? ›

A bed and breakfast, often abbreviated as B&B, is a business that accommodates overnight guests and offers a breakfast menu. They traditionally take the form of a large family home with a limited number of rooms.

Should you tip hotel housekeeping for one night? ›

Some travelers like to leave one tip for hotel housekeeping at the end of their stay. But most experts say it's better to leave a tip every day of your trip. “We recommend tipping nightly, as your room may be serviced by different people,” said Ten Eyck.

How much do you tip for $10 breakfast? ›

It depends on where you are. If you are in the US, it is probably too little. 18% to 20% is recommended, as restaurant wait staff are generally underpaid on the assumption that they will be tipped at that rate. I generally start with 20%, and round up to the nearest dollar.

What do you call the owner of a B&B? ›

These workers, sometimes called innkeepers or abbreviated to B&B owners, clean rooms, assign rooms to guests, keep books and records, and provide some meals.

What is another name for a B&B? ›

On this page you'll find 8 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to bed and breakfast, such as: b and b, b and b, country inn, guest house, hotel, and inn.

What percentage does Airbnb take? ›

The host pays a flat rate of 3% of the total booking cost and the guest pays a percentage of their reservation fee (this is somewhere between 5-20% depending on the length of stay, the location, and the cost of the reservation to start with).

What does dinner bed and breakfast include? ›

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

The package includes: A Three course dinner in our hotel restaurant. An overnight stay. Breakfast the next morning.

What is the difference between bed and breakfast and half board? ›

Full board includes bed, breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal. Half Board includes bed, breakfast and evening meal (no packed lunch). Bed and breakfast includes bed and breakfast only.

Is B&B business profitable? ›

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a lucrative hospitality business model. However, considering the rising competition, it's hard for most of the B&Bs to stay profitable.

How much do small hotel owners make? ›

Independent hotel owners in the United States typically make an annual profit ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 on average. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hotel owners' earnings.

What makes a bed and breakfast boutique? ›

A Small, Luxury B&B

A boutique B&B is generally defined by two things – size and luxury. Generally, they're on the small end, and maybe have around ten rooms or fewer. Frequenters to boutique bed and breakfasts often search them out for their intimate feel combined with their luxurious décor.

What mortgage do I need to buy a bed-and-breakfast? ›

Conventional Loans:

Conventional mortgage loan programs can be used to purchase a bed and breakfast or refinance an existing inn. This type of loan may be amortized up to 25 years and usually closes 60-90 days after approval in most cases. Conventional mortgages are based upon a percentage of the value.

Why is bed-and-breakfast good? ›

Staying in a bed-and-breakfast gives you tremendous bang for your vacation buck as you get a meal and a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free parking, and discounts at local attractions that may cost extra when staying at other hotels or resorts.

How much cash do you need to buy a hotel? ›

Determine with your lending partner how much you can truly afford as you search for properties and evaluate offers. It can cost around $750,000 to $1,000,000 to start a small motel and the price goes up from there. Luxury properties and larger hotels with more rooms will be exponentially more expensive.

Do hotels make you put down a deposit? ›

Most hotels require a security deposit to ensure you won't damage the room or walk off with the TV. Many hotels require your credit card on file to keep you on the hook for theft or damage.

How much money should you have for a deposit? ›

Recommended deposit for a mortgage

So, a 20% deposit will normally get you a mortgage with a lower interest than a mortgage that lets you have a 10% deposit. Also, keep this in mind. A deposit of 15% and a deposit for 17% give you access to the same deals. You only get better deals by going up 5% more to 20%.

What is the disadvantage of on eating on bed? ›

Eating in your bed encourages disruptive sleep routine leaving you sleep deficient. Keeping your bedsheet and mattress clean is no easy task, especially if you eat on your bed every day. Doing so makes your bed a potential breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

What is the difference between Airbnb and bed and breakfast? ›

Briefly, here's the difference between and Airbnb and a B&B. Airbnb is a lightly regulated home-sharing site that lets almost anyone list accommodations for rent. A B&B is a regulated small inn subject to state or local lodging laws. Think of it as a small hotel with a few extra perks and personal touches.

Is it rude to not eat breakfast at a bed and breakfast? ›

Part of the B&B experience includes eating a hot-cooked breakfast. The price is sometimes included in your stay and it is not necessary for you to participate. If you want to sleep in and skip breakfast, or try a local restaurant, that is absolutely fine.

Can you make money owning a bed and breakfast? ›

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a lucrative hospitality business model. However, considering the rising competition, it's hard for most of the B&Bs to stay profitable.

Why you shouldn't go to bed hungry? ›

However, by going to bed on an empty stomach, your blood sugar level may drop, also referred to as hypoglycemia. The condition can be dangerous for people with diabetes and other critical health issues. Even in healthy folks, low blood sugar levels can cause headaches and dizziness and negatively affect sleep.

Should you have your meals while lying in bed? ›

“From a digestive standpoint, lying down or eating when you're not as erect does not promote peristalsis, and that could contribute to acid reflux, if you're prone to that,” he said.

Why you shouldn't lay in bed after eating? ›

The body slows down digestion when you're sleeping. That means going to bed right after eating prevents your stomach from properly digesting the food you just ate. Indigestion can make you feel discomfort in your upper abdomen and can lead to further complications in the future.

Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or Airbnb? ›

Airbnbs are usually cheaper than hotels for longer stays and large groups, but they don't offer the same services. Sally French is a travel rewards expert who joined NerdWallet in 2020.

Do you clean an Airbnb? ›

Unlike a hotel room, Airbnbs are not usually cleaned daily. In many ways, it's up to you as the host to decide how cleaning tasks will get done during a guest's stay. Some hosts provide guests with cleaning products for everyday spills and messes.

Should you tip your bed and breakfast host? ›

It's not required, but if they've made a positive difference in your stay, you should show your appreciation with a modest tip. Or a big one—your call.

Do you share a bathroom at a bed and breakfast? ›

All the bathrooms are shared.

Shared bathrooms used to be a hallmark of the bed and breakfast experience, when old residences had a single bathroom to serve an entire floor of bedrooms. But that's no longer common. “This is the largest myth of all,” says Mayne.

What are two things you Cannot under any circ*mstances eat for breakfast? ›

Answer: Lunch and Dinner!

What is the average age of bed and breakfast owners? ›

Today, 70.1% of all bed and breakfast owners are over the age of 50, and 25.3% are over the age of 60, according to data compiled by the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association, which also reports that 80% of all B&B owners are couples.

What are the qualifications as a bed and breakfast owner? ›

There are no minimum qualifications for a bed and breakfast owner. You should have an understanding of bookkeeping, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of how to properly manage staff.

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