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Travel Cutbacks?
Not at B&B's
The headline in yesterday's Wall Street
Journal warned that some in the travel industry are cutting back on bonuses
and perks. The article went on to describe how certain airlines and
hotels will reserve frequent flyer miles and points only for those who
spring for the most expensive seats and suites. Hilton Hotels, for example,
will reserve points and miles just for guests who book directly with them,
skipping other travel directory sites.
In contrast, BedandBreakfast.com innkeepers continue to add value to guests'
stays, enhancing the B&B experience. Not only is breakfast always "on the
house", but many of the other bonuses that can add to the cost of a hotel
stay are all part of the package. A recent article published by About.com
noted: "Checking out of some hotel rooms can give a you a serious case of
sticker shock. With taxes, room service, phone charges and other "hidden"
fees, that $199 deal you booked online can turn into a $379 bill, literally
overnight." It's worth comparing the difference between hotels and B&Bs in
what's typically included in the cost of an overnight stay. Although every
B&B is different, most of the extra charges you'd encounter at a hotel are
free at a bed and breakfast inn. Consider these B&B bonuses when booking:
Telephone Charges
Hotels: Many hotels charge 50 or 75 cents for a local or
toll-free call; long-distance rates are astronomical, and it's not uncommon
to be charged over $10 to log onto the internet from your room.
B&Bs: Local and toll-free calls are free at almost every B&B;
guests are usually asked to use a calling card for long-distance calls. Some
B&Bs have telephones with data ports in every guest room; be sure to check
with the innkeeper if an in-room phone is essential to you. Extra charges
for logging on locally to your Internet provider are rare.
Breakfast
Hotels: At a luxury hotel, breakfast costs $7-30 per person;
moderately priced motels often offer a free self-serve continental breakfast
with disposable plates & cutlery.
B&Bs: Most B&Bs provide a free full breakfast, usually
including fresh fruit and juice, main dish with breakfast meats, plus
home-baked muffins, often served on elegant china and silver. For business
travelers, breakfast-to-go (upon request) is often an option.
Room Service
Hotels: Room service meals (with added service & delivery
charges) are usually double or triple the cost of eating in a local coffee
shop or restaurant.
B&Bs: Although B&Bs don't offer room service, some will serve
breakfast in your room, usually included in the room rate, or for a small
extra charge. A few will serve a special-occasion dinner in your suite. Some
will allow you (upon request) to have a meal delivered, to be enjoyed in the
inn's common area, or in your room, if an appropriate dining area is
available. Others will allow business travelers to ask colleagues to join
them for breakfast.
Mini-Bar
Hotels: Mini-bars are stocked with tempting treats, from
candies to potato chips to soda to little packets of aspirin. While
convenient, prices are usually double or triple their costs in a nearby
convenience store.
B&Bs: Many B&Bs stock soft drinks, coffee and tea makings,
wine & beer, snacks, fresh fruit, cookies, candies, evening desserts, and
sherry in a guest pantry, dining room, and occasionally right in guest
suites. These treats are usually free, but occasionally guests are asked (on
the honor system) to contribute a small amount ($.50-$1) per item to cover
costs.
Concierge
Hotels: Concierge services are usually available only at
luxury hotels; tips are appropriate and encouraged.
B&Bs: Innkeepers are generally willing and able to provide
concierge services, i.e. restaurant & theater reservations, advice on the
best locations for shopping, antiquing, hiking, and so on, plus assistance
in renting bicycles, canoes, kayaks, etc. Tips for concierge services are
unnecessary and would not usually be accepted.
Amenities
Hotels: Extras like movies and faxes can quickly add $10-20 to
your bill.
B&Bs: Many B&Bs have a video library that you are welcome to
use for free. Innkeepers will typically send or receive a 2-3 page fax for
you for free, or at a modest cost.
Bellman
Hotels: Although travelers are often forced to lug their
luggage from bus to airport to bus to car unassisted, hotel bellmen are
apparently instructed to assume that travelers are incapable of carrying
their bags a short distance from the curb to the reception desk to their
room. While the assistance may be welcome, the constant tipping can be
onerous.
B&Bs: The "bellman" at most B&Bs is likely to be the
innkeeper, so no tipping is required. Most innkeepers are happy to assist
you with luggage, but typically expect guests to lend a hand with the bags.
If you can't carry heavy things, don't be shy about asking for help.
Parking
Hotels: Many hotels charge $15-20 (or more) a day for valet
parking; the free or reduced rate parking may be a good walk from the lobby.
B&Bs: Parking is free at B&Bs, although the number of spaces
may be limited in some areas.
In conclusion, while luxury B&Bs are not inexpensive, they are often a far
better value than a hotel with the same room rate. If you place a value on
all the "free" benefits included in the cost of your stay at a bed &
breakfast inn, you'll be surprised how much you're really getting. Best of
all, by subscribing to BedandBreakfast.com's weekly Hot Deals program, B&B
goers can take advantage of last-minute savings and save twenty to fifty
percent off their room rate, in addition to enjoying all the bonuses offered
by B&Bs. Simply to to
www.bedandbreakfast.com and click on the Hot Deals logo or go directly
to
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/report/index.aspx to subscribe to Hot
Deals in your region. Each Wednesday you'll receive an email about great
rates at B&Bs in your favorite states.
BedandBreakfast.comŽ is the leading online bed & breakfast reservation
network, listing over 27,000 bed & breakfasts and inns throughout the United
States and internationally. A wide variety of search functions and extensive
maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make
reservations online, purchase gift certificates accepted at over 2,600 U.S.
bed & breakfast inns, subscribe to a free newsletter, and post questions on
expert hosted message boards. Founded in 1995, by Eric Goldreyer,
BedandBreakfast.com's goal is to provide the best possible experience for
innkeepers and inngoers alike.
Edited by Dave Shultz
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