Doily Campaign 2012 (from http://www.betterwaytostay.com)
Top Ten B&B Myths…BUSTED!
We’re out to challenge the misconceived notions about inns and B&B. Banish the rumors that B&Bs are antiquated and stifling. Contemporary, chic and cutting edge are more accurate ways to describe the better way to stay. Soon we’ll ask you to vote for your favorite kind of inn, but in the meantime, read on to learn why today’s inns and B&Bs are right for you.
Myth #1: They remind me of Grandma’s attic: Au contrare! Today’s inns and B&Bs are fresh, contemporary and totally tech savvy. And oh yes, since when did Grandma’s attic feature plush king beds and luxury linens?
Myth #2: They’re old buildings and I need my wi-fi connection: You’re in luck! Professional Association of Innkeeper International surveys have shown that more than 93% of inns and B&Bs offer complimentary wi-fi. Way more inns and B&Bs offer a free connection than hotels. Go ahead, bring your work with you. The office will never know you’re gone.
Myth #3: It’s too expensive: This is where you’re really wrong. Make the comparison – a B&B stay will save up to $150 on a two day stay in savings on breakfasts, parking, wi-fi access, snacks and refreshments which you’d incur on a hotel stay.
Myth #4: I’ll have to eat with other guests: Perhaps 50 years ago you might have been asked to eat with the preacher at a B&B, but gone are those days. Far more inns and B&Bs offer private seating at breakfast than family-style these days. For family style fans, there are still options too.
Myth #5: I don’t want to share a bathroom! According to the Professional Association of Innkeepers International and BedandBreakfast.com’s innkeeper surveys, more than 97 percent of B&Bs offer private baths in some if not all rooms. For those looking to economize on rates, a shared bath option is available in approximately 8 percent of B&Bs.
Myth #6: B&Bs are only for couples: While every B&B has some romantic aspect to it, there are plenty of inns and B&Bs that specialize in other aspects of travel. You’ll find that inns B&Bs are a better way to stay for families and business travelers.
Myth #7: I’ll have to miss the game: Throw aside the idea B&Bs have no TVs. According to the 2011 Industry Study of Innkeeping Operations by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, more than 80 percent of inns and B&Bs offer televisions in rooms and/or common areas. 8 out of 10 inns and B&Bs will have the game on and no one will mind if he yells when his team scores.
Myth #8: I’ll have to talk with the innkeeper: Here’s one that may be true; at least a brief nod is usually appreciated when you meet the innkeeper . Yet when is the last time the hotel owner greeted you by name? And when is the last time he or she carried your bag to your room? Pick a B&B and read their reviews. For many B&B travelers, the innkeeper was what made the stay special.
Myth #9: The beds squeak: Bed is half the name for B&Bs, so you’d better believe that the beds are taken seriously. Nearly 100 percent of B&Bs offer high thread count sheets, feather beds, pillow libraries and down comforters at no additional cost to guests, and if you don’t leave an inn or B&B having not had the best night sleep possible, it’s because you’ve found better things to focus on than squeaky beds.
Myth #10: They’re all the same: No two B&Bs are alike. As independently owned small lodging properties, each one offers something new and different. No big box, cookie cutter look to B&Bs ranging from urban chic to historically preserved mansions and homes. Cookies, yes! Cookie cutter? No.
Nice article. These are all myths or misunderstandings of B&B's. I feel that a lot of these myths will be dispelled with the advent of online and mobile technology. Most travelers simply do not know where to find good information or simple booking for B&B's as opposed to hotels, so don't see it as an option. This will change, though; innkeepers such as yourself are blogging and using other social media to not only dispel these myths, but to become easier to find online, which in turn makes inns a more attractive option for travelers.
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