How To Find Great Rooms At Bargain Prices

If you could get the same quality room, better privacy, and more personal service for about half the price why would you stay in a hotel? When travelling in the United States and Canada bed and breakfasts offer a tremendous bargain compared to the cost of traditional hotels. Not that I think there is anything wrong with hotels or motels. However 5 star hotel accomodations have jaw dropping rates making it overly expensive for many would be tourists. Often you can find exquisitely decorated and lavishly furnished suites at a bed and breakfast with luxury en suite bath, natural wood burning fireplace and private sitting room. All this for about half the price. A tremendous bargain by comparison!

Bed and breakfast accommodation is highly misunderstood in our country. Many people have formed eroneous opinions about B&Bs based on experiences they may have had in Europe. Everyone has heard the horror stories about sharing a bathroom with 6 other couples and sitting at the breakfast table with the family and their 4 kids. In reality North American bed and breakfasts are more in line with North American accommodation expectations. Ensuites (private bathroom attached to your room) and exclusively private spaces are the "norm" in Canadian and American B&Bs. The evolution of the B and B industry has seen explosive growth and that has evolved into a very high standard of accommodation, and a level of personalized service, that is just not possible in a traditional hotel.

Bed and breakfasts generally provide free parking and WiFi, sometimes even free phone service. Many are located close to shops, restaurants and entertainment. B&B operators are aware that patrons desire privacy and most properties have indoor rooms and outdoor spaces dedicated to guest use. Would you rather share a hotel lobby with 100 other guests or a sitting room with 2 other couples?

Oh and did I mention the wonderful gourmet breakfast included with your stay. It is very common for owners to take pride in their breakfasts. Fresh local fruit and home baked goods along with a delicious hot entree is typical. Some even serve desert and/or cheese plates. The offerings do vary, and not everyone wants a hungry-man breakfast, so check with your host before making the reservation to be certain your expectations are appropriately met. Also be sure to ask about the check-in, check-out times and cancellation policies as these are somewhat different than a regular hotel.

Security is higher in a bed and breakfast too. The owners have met all the guests and recognize them and the house is always locked. In a hotel anyone can walk in through the front door and just wander around. Staff have no way of knowing who belongs there and who is a stranger.

And of course the B&B owner is the best concierge you could hope imagine. They live in the town, they know which are the best restaurants, where to go for entertainment, what the town has to offer, when to do it and how o make the best advantage of your holiday time. They have a vested interest in making sure you enjoy your stay and consequently you get much more personal service.

Book a bed and breakfast room the next time you travel for leisure. Once you try it you will be hooked! You will never stay in a hotel ever again.