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Viewing 5 Things You Should Ask Before You Book a Bed and Breakfast5 Things You Should Ask Before You Book a Bed and Breakfast
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If you are unlucky, the bed and breakfast you reserve will turn out to be a big disappointment. To avoid that unfortunate scenario here are some of the questions to ask before you book, in order to enjoy a wonderful bed and breakfast getaway. By Tuppy Glossop In your dream bed and breakfast, the charming and gorgeous couple that owns the home will greet you. They obviously love each other deeply and want nothing more than to share their good fortune with their guests - every one of whom will become a lifelong friend. Your room is beautifully decorated, creating a mood of calm and luxury. In the evening, perfectly chilled wine awaits you on the simply but charmingly furnished porch, from where you watch the sunset as you gently swing in the rocker that hundreds of other happy couples have shared. Well, this idyllic picture really does exist, but it is by no means guaranteed. If you are unlucky, the bed and breakfast you reserve from hundreds of miles away will turn out to be a shabbily furnished wreck - freezing and damp in the winter, hot and stuffy in the summer - with rude owners made miserable by the relentless daily drudgery of serving unhappy guests. To avoid that unfortunate scenario here are some of the questions to ask before you book, in order to enjoy a wonderful bed and breakfast getaway. Where is the bed and breakfast located? While they may be found almost anywhere, from a busy New York apartment building to an isolated cabin in Montana, most bed and breakfasts are in smaller towns that are popular with tourists. Would you prefer to stay in the center of town, close to restaurants, galleries, shops, and other attractions? Remember though, that even small towns can be quite busy at night, especially those that rely on the tourist trade to fill their restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. A bed and breakfast on Main Street may be too noisy for your tastes. Perhaps you would rather be on the outskirts of town, where you can enjoy the quiet and peace of small-town life. The downside of this, however, is that a location some distance from town may be inconvenient if you do not have a car. Does my room have a private bath? They are becoming rarer, but it is still possible to find yourself in a bed and breakfast where you must share a bath with other guests. If that is an unappealing thought, be sure to ask if your room has a private bathroom. What kind of breakfast is provided? Almost by definition, you can expect to enjoy breakfast during your stay. However, different hosts have different ideas of what constitutes a good breakfast. You should ask whether to expect a continental breakfast of baked goods, coffee and juice, or a full breakfast, which will include hot dishes. Now is also the time to mention any dietary restrictions - allergies, vegetarian, medical etc. - and whether your hosts can accommodate them. Are pets welcome in the bed and breakfast? It is not common, but some bed and breakfasts will accommodate your pet. If so, you should be sure to check which rooms animals may enter; what restrictions you should be aware of; and if any additional fees are required. Conversely, those of us who are allergic to dogs, cats, or other pets should make certain that the bed and breakfast does not allow animals of any sort. There is nothing pleasant about wheezing and sniffling your way through a romantic weekend. When is check-in, and check-out? Unlike hotels, bed and breakfasts do not have registration desks staffed at all hours. Clarify when you should arrive, since most hosts prefer to greet their guests personally and make sure that they are settled comfortably. Check in is likely to be in the late afternoon or early evening. And if you need to leave early to catch a flight, or to set out on a full-day outing, be sure to ask about checking out, settling your bill, and perhaps even taking a simple packed breakfast or snack for the road. Staying in a bed and breakfast is a lovely way to pamper yourself, to see a town from the inside, and to relax in a cozy and comfortable environment. By checking some basic issues before you travel, you can be sure that your trip will be the special experience for which you are hoping. About the Author: For information about bed and breakfasts in Minnesota, or for other Minnesota tourism information, Minnesota-Travel-Info.com is an excellent source. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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