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Bed and Breakfast

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Offering warm hospitality, comfy lodgings, and delicious breakfasts, bed and breakfasts have it all for a comfortable stay. So, if you are someone who prefers to stay in a personalized as well as bespoke setting, bed and breakfasts make ideal lodgings over traditional hotels. Relishing a locally inspired breakfast and witnessing intimate and homelike hospitality while also learning about the local culture makes for a memorable travel experience.

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What are bed and breakfasts?

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Bed and breakfasts are some of the simplest forms of hospitality that have existed for centuries around the world. From inns in historic times to modern-day accommodations, the basic idea is to offer the guests a safe and comfortable abode with a hearty and fulfilling morning meal. Even though the term “Bed and Breakfast,” abbreviated as “B&B,” was coined and popularized in the UK, you can find such accommodations across the globe with various names.

The informal and easy-going approach of bed and breakfasts makes them ideal for travelers looking for brief and hassle-free overnight stopovers.

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Bed and breakfasts vs hotels

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Regarding scale and facilities, bed and breakfasts differ greatly from modern-day hotels. While hotels can host hundreds or even thousands of people, typical bed and breakfasts are usually humble establishments with basic but comfortable amenities. That being said, you can always find upscale and luxurious bed and breakfasts with top facilities, such as ensuite rooms and pools, among others. If you still want the high-end amenities of a hotel, you can find plenty of hotels offering free breakfasts.

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Common types of bed and breakfasts

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Bed and breakfast can be classified as any accommodation that provides guests with a morning meal. Still, some of the most conventional types of B&Bs include inns, homestays, and Airbnbs.

• Inns and homestays

These types of establishments are often smaller in size — allowing guests to have a more intimate stay. Choose this option if you also want fewer crowds and a more personalized experience.

• Airbnbs

Originally opened as AirBedandBreakfast, Airbnb provides hosts with a great platform to list their accommodations. Even though Airbnb today mostly includes listings for independent accommodation and vacation rentals, you can still find plenty of lodgings that provide breakfast.

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Benefits of staying in a bed and breakfast

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• Budget-friendly accommodations

In most cases, bed and breakfasts are humble and easy-going accommodations that are better suited as overnight stopovers. As bed and breakfasts generally don’t have the high-end amenities of a hotel, they truly make for budget-friendly yet comfortable retreats.

• Delicious breakfasts

As the very name consists of “breakfast,” it’s no surprise that these establishments offer delicious homecooked breakfasts that will have you craving more when you go home. Since hosts here also have more time to engage personally with guests, you might even be able to request favorites!

• Intimate experience

Since bed and breakfasts only have a few rooms at most, they allow a more personal and intimate experience away from the crowds of travelers. These rooms also usually have a lot more character than a standardized hotel bedroom, with unique, curious, and eclectic furniture, and perhaps even a painting or two.

• Interaction with the host

Bed and breakfasts allow you to stay on the same property as the hosts, making it ideal for you to interact with them. It also makes it easier for you to interact with other travelers staying at the property.

• Communal dining experiences

You’ll get the chance to savor fresh breakfasts, often made from locally sourced ingredients, along with other guests in an intimate setting. You can even make new friends and learn more about your companions, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

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Top destinations with bed and breakfasts around the world

Bed and breakfasts in the United States

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Whether it is small towns, metropolitan hubs, or tourist hotspots, the US boasts bed and breakfasts all over the country. With a large tourist population, the land of opportunities is perfect for hosting these establishments and is mutually beneficial for the hosts and travelers.

• New York City, New York

One of the most vibrant places in the world, New York City offers endless entertainment with a cosmopolitan vibe. From the iconic Times Square to the vast Central Park, it has myriad attractions that are as well known as the city itself. Every traveler will find something to interest them here, whether it be the vast collection in The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the trendy boutiques in SoHo. The city also has plenty of bed and breakfasts, making it ideal for a comfortable stay.

• Seattle, Washington

With plenty of bed and breakfasts in Seattle, this stunning metropolitan hub makes for an ideal stopover near the US West Coast. There are also lots of attractions here, such as the famous Space Needle, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, and the residential area of Capitol Hill, where cafés and stores line up to entice passersby. Those hungry after exploring the city should stop by Pike Place Market for fresh and delicious food.

• Maui, Hawaii

In Maui, you can truly make the most of the charming sandy beaches and pristine ocean, along with some of the most magnificent sights. Start with Haleakalā National Park, teeming with endangered species and home to a fierce volcano. Then, head to Wailea to explore its five crescent-shaped beaches. For an easy stay, you can find plenty of charming bed and breakfasts all across the island.

• Key West, Florida

With its marvelous coastline, abundant sunlight, coral reefs, and exciting water sports, Key West has it all for all kinds of travelers. It also features plenty of stylish bed and breakfasts that make for a stunning retreat. During your stay here, don't forget to visit sites such as The Hemingway Home and Museum, dedicated to the revered author, and experience the city's nightlife in downtown Duval Street.

• Sonoma, California

Are you planning a relaxing retreat in the charming wine country of California? While staying in one of the several bed and breakfasts in Sonoma, you can easily go on wine-tasting tours and explore the local art. Some of the most popular wineries here include Rodney Strong Vineyards and Gloria Ferrer, both of which have received various accolades for their delicious wines. Before you leave, head down to Sonoma Plaza, one of the most famous historical landmarks in this place.

• Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, one of the largest hubs for education and international students in the country, hosts plenty of year-round visitors. History and art enthusiasts will surely love visiting some of Boston's greatest museums, such as the USS Constitution Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. With various options for bed and breakfasts in the city, Boston is ideal for an easygoing overnight stay.

Bed and breakfasts in Canada

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• Montreal, Quebec

Being the largest city in Quebec, Montreal certainly isn't short on charming accommodation options, with its lovely bed and breakfasts. Some of them are also conveniently located for you to visit attractions such as Old Montreal, where you can step into the 17th century simply by strolling through its streets. Don’t forget to also stop by Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, a magnificent structure with stained glass windows and intricately carved interiors.

• Quebec City, Quebec

If you're looking for an authentic peek into Canada's French culture, there's no better place to experience it than Quebec City. This charming destination dates back to the 17th century and is full of well-preserved historical sites, such as the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which has hosted royal guests such as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, along with many notable figures. The fortified Old Town is also worth a visit and is home to Citadelle de Québec, a national historic site. At the end of the day, retire to one of its bed and breakfast options, which fits right into the cozy atmosphere of the city itself.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Located in southern Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a delightful retreat at the junction of Lake Ontario and Niagara River, lending a cool atmosphere to the city and its bed and breakfasts. Spend your days here indulging in the gorgeous scenery of the lake and admiring the 19th-century buildings in its Old Town. What this city is most famous for, however, is its delicious wine. Try out the delicious farm-to-table food and irresistible wine pairings of Peller Estates Winery And Restaurant, or try out the internationally acclaimed wine produced by Inniskillin. Meanwhile, fans of Bernard Shaw should make sure to stop by the Shaw Festival Theatre to catch performances of his celebrated works.

Bed and breakfasts in the United Kingdom

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With charming lodging options scattered over its bustling cities and stunning countryside, the UK has a long history of bed and breakfasts. Whether planning a cross-country trip or a getaway, you can find breakfast lodgings ideal for overnight stopovers and relaxing retreats.

• London, England

The charming, historic, and cosmopolitan capital of the UK, London has something for everyone. You'll find a curious mix of the old and new here, with historical landmarks such as the Tower of London, the regal Buckingham Palace right alongside Tate Modern and The Shard. Whether you are visiting someone in the city or merely traveling for business or pleasure, these bed and breakfasts make for an intimate and hassle-free overnight stay. You can also find plenty of bed and breakfasts in the rest of England, which are perfect for a cross-country trip.

• Edinburgh, Scotland

With its stunning Old Town and numerous magnificent castles, such as Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities in the UK. Here, you'll find the intriguing Royal Mile, a stretch lined with shops and pubs frequented by street performers. If you have some time on hand, a visit to Arthur's Seat to see the breathtaking birdseye view of the city is also worth it. Edinburgh also features many bed and breakfasts, which makes it convenient for you to explore the Scottish capital.

• York, England

The city of York is a treat for history lovers thanks to its medieval charm, forever preserved in sites such as the 7th-century York Minister and 11th-century Clifford’s Tower. You can also combine history with a little retail therapy at Shambles, a well-preserved narrow shopping street packed with boutiques and cafés that's very reminiscent of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter movies. The city's bed and breakfasts expertly preserve its old-world charm and offer the perfect accommodation to round out your experience.

Bed and breakfasts in other European countries

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• Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is rich in culture and history. Whether you want to pub crawl through Temple Bar or dive into the city's past at Dublin Castle, there are enough attractions here to keep you occupied for quite a while. Of course, no visit to Dublin would be complete without sampling the famous Irish beer at Guinness Storehouse. Witness the best of Irish hospitality and historic attractions by staying in one of these bed and breakfasts in Dublin.

• Paris, France

One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris is a must-visit on every European itinerary. Who can ignore the lure of the almost mythical Eiffel Tower or the renowned Louvre? Afterward, walk through Montmartre and Le Marais to sample delicious food and admire historic sights. Moreover, thanks to these bed and breakfasts, you can rest assured of a good night's sleep upon your return.

• Rome, Italy

Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome captures centuries' worth of history in landmarks such as its crumbling Colosseum and ancient Pantheon. When in Rome, you can conveniently check out the numerous historic landmarks while staying in one of these bed and breakfasts. Since there are also several bed and breakfasts across the country, you can savor the best of the world-famous Italian cuisine.

• Amsterdam, Netherlands

The brilliantly interlinked canals in Amsterdam provide it with stunning landscapes to go with its unforgettable historical landmarks. Sites such as Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum, for instance, are bustling with tourists all through the year. One of the best parts here is undoubtedly the freedom to simply rent a bicycle to zoom through the streets. Make sure to check out these elegantly decorated bed and breakfasts, some of which are in Amsterdam’s downtown area, for a hassle-free stay.

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Factors to consider when planning a stay in a bed and breakfast

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• Choosing a favorable location

Always consider the property's proximity to attractions you want to explore and access to public transport to facilitate your adventures. As bed and breakfasts do not come with as many security measures as a hotel, looking for safe areas is also a good idea.

• Checking the available amenities and facilities

Property descriptions will often state the kind of amenities offered, such as Wi-Fi, parking, or free toiletries. It's always good to make note of these amenities before booking to avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Finding out the breakfast type and timings

Vacations are an opportunity to sleep in and enjoy lazy mornings. However, since breakfast is one of the main draws of staying in a bed and breakfast, check the timings so you don't miss out. You can also inquire about the food options, such as full English or Irish, continental, or specialty items.

• Communicating special requests

Having direct interactions with the host comes with many benefits, not the least of which is the ability to convey any special requests you might have with ease, such as dietary restrictions or specific amenities.

• Being open to socializing

The casual atmosphere in bed and breakfasts presents plenty of opportunities to mingle with other guests, so come prepared with your best icebreakers!

• Checking the house rules and policies

It's important to respect both the space and the host while staying in a bed and breakfast, so do make sure to carefully go through the policies outlined by the host to make sure you put your best foot forward.

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Have a tailored and hassle-free stay at a bed and breakfast

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Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long journey, you will find bed and breakfasts that will make for an easygoing and comfortable stay. These lovely lodgings also allow you to have an intimate experience while witnessing the local hospitality. During your stay at these accommodations, you can also savor the best of the local cuisine with a hearty everyday breakfast. So, for a relatively budget-friendly and personalized stay, check out Trip101’s curated recommendations and book a bed and breakfast for your next trip.

Bed and breakfasts in the United States

Bed and breakfasts in Canada

Bed and breakfasts in the United Kingdom

Bed and breakfasts in other European countries