What is a bed and breakfast?

In the process of planning a holiday and looking for the perfect place for your next trip? Why not try a bed and breakfast? Throughout this article, you’ll learn more about what a bed and breakfast is, some of their benefits and drawbacks, as well as how they differ from standard hotels.  

A bed and breakfast is a type of accommodation that offers a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning. Bed and breakfasts can also be referred to as guesthouses or B&Bs and are typically located in private properties with live-in owners. They can be found across the world, often in places of significant historical interest or natural beauty. 

There are a handful of differences between a bed and breakfast from a hotel, holiday home, villa or cabin. 

Location

While travelling, you’ll find bed and breakfasts wherever you go. For example, in the UK, rows of bed and breakfasts line Victorian terraced streets in coastal towns such as  Brighton and Margate. The type of breakfast you receive may also depend on the country where the property is located, with regional dishes often provided alongside more standard offerings like cereals and toast. 

Size

Bed and breakfasts are usually much smaller than hotels and feature only a few rooms. As a result, availability can vary. Owners will often have their own living space, while guests will have full use of a private bedroom, as well as other communal facilities that may be available. 

Facilities and services

In comparison to other accommodation types, bed and breakfasts generally have fewer facilities and services available. Their appeal is in their simplicity and affordability. If you’re staying in a bed and breakfast, bathrooms will often be shared between multiple guests. The majority of B&Bs will also have communal living spaces where you can watch TV and mingle with other guests. Of course, more high-end boutique bed and breakfast experiences are available, where bespoke services will be offered. 

Price

One of the main reasons people choose to stay in a bed and breakfast is its affordability. In general, bed and breakfasts are considered to be cheaper than other accommodation options like hotels. B&Bs, although cheaper, often have fewer rooms available, and so the demand is higher. During peak seasons, bed and breakfasts can cost more, while during off-season months, some bed and breakfasts will reduce prices or even close. Another way to reduce the price of your stay is to opt out of breakfast. 

Gain local insights 

In most places, bed and breakfasts are run by locals who know the area well. Because of this, they’re often best placed to offer tips on day trips and places to eat. Some bed and breakfasts in a historical area may share historical insights and other interesting information about the area with their guests.  In this respect, bed and breakfasts can offer a more localised and personal service than chain hotels. 

Meet new people

The communal element associated with staying in a bed and breakfast, coupled with its affordability, means that they often attract travellers who are looking to meet new people. Whether you’re watching a bit of TV in the communal living room or enjoying breakfast in the morning, bed and breakfasts place you alongside other guests, allowing you to interact, plan day trips and mix with other travellers from all over, much like hostels. 

Feel at home

Most bed and breakfasts have live-in owners who stay alongside the rest of the guests. This often means properties have a more homely, personalised feel compared to chain hotels. This may result in the property having pictures of the owner’s family or local area, framed in the communal areas. When staying in a bed and breakfast, it’s important that you take advantage of the facilities on offer and make yourself feel at home. 

Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast 

One of the great things about bed and breakfasts is that breakfast is included in the price of your stay. You’ll have a place to rest your head after a day of exploration, as well as the assurance that you’ll be well fed in the morning. Breakfast quality does vary from place to place, with more premium properties offering fully-cooked breakfasts. However, toast, cereal, juices and continental offerings are commonplace. Similarly, the type of breakfast available may reflect the location, so if you’re in Spain, you should expect a Spanish-style breakfast. 

How long can you stay at a bed and breakfast?

The length of time a guest can stay at a bed and breakfast all depends on the accommodation’s policy.  However, shorter stays of one to three nights are generally more common. Some properties may allow guests to stay for longer, depending on vacancies or seasonal demand. So, if you’re planning a longer stay, it’s worth checking with the property when booking. 

What is the difference between an inn and a bed and breakfast?

Traditionally, inns are slightly larger than bed and breakfasts and feature a restaurant or pub attached. Throughout history, inns were used as stop-off points along certain travel routes for weary travellers looking for a place to stay. These days, inns are often part of chains and run on a wider commercial basis. In terms of facilities available, the difference between inns and bed and breakfasts is minimal. However, some inns can feature additional on-site perks such as swimming pools or restaurants where guests can get more than just breakfast. 

Do bed and breakfasts have private bathrooms?

The majority of modern bed and breakfasts do feature private bathrooms and en-suite facilities, but this is not always the case. Before booking a bed and breakfast, it’s worth double-checking what your room type offers, as some may include a private bathroom and others may not. If a private bathroom is not offered, the guests may have access to a shared bathroom.