What’s the appeal of a bed and breakfast?

[Anonymous]

I couldn’t agree more, OP!!!

[Anonymous]

I stayed in a few on my 20s because they were super cheap in an expensive area. All had some kind of quirky thing going on. One time stayed at an inn in a Victorian mansion with husband. It was nice but they had the happy hour social thing that we're not into. I would never stay in one now. I like a nice hotel and anonymity.

[Anonymous]

Advantage 1: no kids allowed

Advantage 2: they are often in historic homes in rural areas where there are no chain hotels available. Sometimes there may be a special amenity - ie, waterfront on a bay or river with a spectacular view, good happy hour, etc.

Advantage 3: the hosts are almost always quirky. That can be entertaining....or really awkward.

We stayed at one pre-kids in southern MD on the bay. The home was a former plantation house and they really wanted to show us the former slave quarters. Kinda weird, not gonna lie. Gorgeous home, tho.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found it really off putting. You can’t really have sex because you’re so close to your neighbor and see them in the morning and there’s basically no amenities I don’t feel like it offers anything. It’s like being an awkward houseguest in a stranger’s home.

100% - have never understood the appeal.

[Anonymous]

Depends.

We had a blast at a B&B in Key West. We had a gorgeous room with a private bathroom. The owners were in a completely different wing and floor of the house.

One was a retired chef and we had a great breakfast each morning. He packed us a picnic lunch when we requested and they put out a happy hour set up.

I’m not sure I would go that route again since we have money to travel better these days, but it was a fabulous set up when we were broke and in grad school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I assume it’s mostly the people that shop at Pottery Barn.

Not at all. You have completely misunderstood the B&B aesthetic.

[Anonymous]

I feel the same way EXCEPT for the cabins at The Iris Inn. They are totally private and it's like having your own little oasis. I recommended them on the other B&B thread.

https://www.irisinn.com/accommodations/cabin/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like the ones that are in 1880-early 1900s mansions. 6-8 bedrooms. My favorites are over the top decorated and have gay hosts. I like staying in historic homes.

When we come back from sight seeing, there are drinks and apps in the parlor area, dinner is on your own, but then there is music and you can meet other guests if you'd like. They make a nice breakfast downstairs in the morning.

+1. I like the historic houses and the social aspect of it. I also prefer to stay in walkable areas and explore the local stuff - in many places B&B is the only option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume it’s mostly the people that shop at Pottery Barn.

Not at all. You have completely misunderstood the B&B aesthetic.

Thrift store chic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found it really off putting. You can’t really have sex because you’re so close to your neighbor and see them in the morning and there’s basically no amenities I don’t feel like it offers anything. It’s like being an awkward houseguest in a stranger’s home.

This. Absolutely zero interest .

[Anonymous]

I stayed in one with my now-husband in Oregon wine country (so, rural area, not many lodging options) and it was lovely. We had a private room and bathroom and got a ton of good tips about wineries from other guests (many of whom were repeat visitors) over the delicious breakfast. I can't even remember the owners/hosts so nothing ostentatiously weird there. We were easily the youngest patrons by 30 years XD

[Anonymous]

How is it any different than being in a hotel? From the perspective of how close you are to your “Neighbor“?

[Anonymous]

Domestic -- not unless I am in Stars Hollow type location and looking at leaves.

International -- I grew up going to B&Bs all over rural British Isle locations. So fun and easy and really great breakfast! You could just roll in without prebooking depending on how far you got that day. That industry has really died over there now though which is sad and makes it harder to stay in rural locations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found it really off putting. You can’t really have sex because you’re so close to your neighbor and see them in the morning and there’s basically no amenities I don’t feel like it offers anything. It’s like being an awkward houseguest in a stranger’s home.

This is true. But sometimes it’s all that’s available. When that’s the case, I try to pick one that’s been modernized, is well located, and has great reviews for service and cleanliness. Martha’s Vineyard had nice bnb options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found it really off putting. You can’t really have sex because you’re so close to your neighbor and see them in the morning and there’s basically no amenities I don’t feel like it offers anything. It’s like being an awkward houseguest in a stranger’s home.

+1
I stayed in one 20 years ago. Never again! I didn't get any sleep because the couple next door was having sex. Actually, it was the talk of morning breakfast. All of the other guests were talking about the couple and when they came down for breakfast all eyes were on them. It was so awkward, invasive, and disheartening. I felt bad for them because they were newlyweds. Some of the guests were visibly annoyed and made comments to them. I checked myself into a hotel for the remainder of my trip. As I was leaving, I saw that the couple was checking out as well. The husband was visibly upset, and the wife appeared sad. The couple who owned the B&B were apologizing to them because they complained about the bad treatment that they received from other guests.

A B&B basically has no privacy, the rooms are not that secured, and the decor felt like grandma's house or Little House on the Prairie. The breakfast was also horrible compared to a hotel. It was my first and last experience. People tend to romanticize them, but B&Bs are awful in so many ways.

I appreciate hotels. I like my privacy, peace, and amenities.