Understanding bed and breakfasts and how to find the best ones

Opting for a bed and breakfast (B&B) might seem like a nostalgic way to travel, but it’s far from outdated. It feels more like staying in a friend's home rather than a hotel, complete with a delicious breakfast included. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a warm, personalized experience during their stay.

Whether nestled in the mountains, by the sea, or during a city adventure, a B&B offers numerous benefits for your getaway. If you’re wondering what distinguishes a bed and breakfast from a hotel (spoiler: a lot!), keep reading for all the vital information you need.

1. Understanding bed and breakfasts and their operation

Bed and breakfast establishments boast a captivating history: they originated as private homes welcoming travelers seeking a place to rest. Many of these early guests were pioneers, miners, workers, or explorers covering long distances, in need of a warm meal and a cozy night’s stay before continuing their journeys.

This charming concept caught my eye during my early travel experiences and has drawn me back to B&Bs time and again. While today’s B&Bs may be more structured accommodations, they still retain a cozy ambiance, complete with homemade breakfasts and helpful tips for local sights and dining.

What truly distinguishes B&Bs from conventional hotels is their commitment to fostering a friendly and inviting atmosphere for guests. Bed and breakfasts are generally smaller and cozier, often featuring just a handful of rooms, unlike expansive hotels. Typically, the hosts are the owners who passionately share their home and community with visitors.

These hosts prepare homemade breakfasts (say goodbye to typical hotel buffets) and provide valuable local insights into the culture, people, and key attractions. One of my favorite aspects of staying in a B&B is engaging with the hosts. There’s always a wealth of knowledge to gain from locals, enriching your experience in a personal way.

2. The allure of upscale bed and breakfasts

Seeking more than just a cozy bed and a tasty breakfast? Luxury bed and breakfasts have gained significant popularity among travelers desiring a more refined stay. Imagine high-quality linens, plush, high-thread-count bedding, complimentary snacks, gourmet organic breakfasts, and perhaps even a private hot tub. These added luxuries await you when you choose a luxury bed and breakfast.

Much like hotels, B&Bs come in various styles, sizes, and atmospheres, with luxury options offering enhanced attention to detail and distinctive experiences. From yoga classes to guided vineyard tours or even exclusive access to scenic walking paths, upscale B&Bs ensure you fully immerse yourself in the local culture. It creates a delightful blend of cozy homestay charm and sophisticated hotel amenities—truly the best of both worlds.

3. How does a bed and breakfast differ from a hotel?

You may now find yourself weighing the choice between a B&B and a hotel. So, what truly distinguishes a bed and breakfast from a hotel? While hotels often feature extensive amenities like fitness centers, spas, and swimming pools, B&Bs provide a more personalized experience in a cozy, home-like setting. According to the Association of Lodging Professionals, several key factors set B&Bs apart from hotels: location, size, pricing, and available amenities.

Location

One major distinction between a bed and breakfast and a hotel is their location. Bed and breakfasts are generally situated in residential neighborhoods, whereas hotels are typically found in commercial districts. Additionally, B&Bs are often located in more rural areas; in fact, only 23 percent of B&Bs are found in urban settings.

Size

Bed and breakfasts are usually much smaller than hotels, with the majority having fewer than 10 guest rooms. This intimate atmosphere can lead to a more personal experience, making you feel more like a family member than just another guest at a hotel.

Amenities

A significant difference between a bed and breakfast and a hotel lies in the amenities offered. Hotels generally provide a broad array of facilities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, business centers, and in-house dining options. In contrast, bed and breakfasts usually focus on the essentials, providing amenities like breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Price

4. When to choose a B&B over a hotel

B&Bs often attract those seeking a more personal and local travel experience. Staying at one can feel akin to being at a friend’s home rather than just another patron in a hotel. However, due to their smaller size and limited amenities, they may not be the ideal choice for every journey.

If you desire a peaceful, romantic getaway or a more personal stay with local insights readily available, a B&B is likely the perfect choice. They offer an ideal setting for couples looking for a retreat or individuals on a soul-searching adventure, especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. Conversely, if you prefer a broader range of amenities and proximity to major attractions, a hotel might suit your needs better. Hotels are typically more equipped for business travel and cater to families with young children. Ultimately, the decision of where to rest at night is yours.

5. Comparing hotels with breakfast: a guide & tips to find them

Picture waking up in the warm embrace of a delightful bed and breakfast, with the enticing scent of fresh coffee and crispy bacon filling the air. The classic breakfast experience at a B&B revolves around savoring a hearty, delightful meal that beautifully enhances the tranquil ambiance of your stay. However, in my view, it’s not solely the food that makes the B&B experience truly exceptional.

I choose B&Bs for the sense of community and warmth that arises from sharing meals with fellow travelers, exchanging stories, and feeling part of something truly special. But hotels offer breakfast too, right? From fluffy pancakes to flaky croissants and savory omelets, it's not only B&Bs that serve delectable morning treats.

With Dinogo’s search tools, finding hotels that offer free breakfast has never been simpler. You can compare the breakfast options at hotels against those at B&Bs. How to do it? Just visit Dinogo’s hotel search for your desired location and apply the Freebies Filter: Free breakfast. This will present you with a list of hotels, and on the right side of each hotel card, you’ll see if they provide free breakfast. Dinogo also allows searches based on various factors like price, location, and budget, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your trip.

Merging the comforts of home with the personal touch of a local business, B&Bs present a compelling lodging option. Whether you enjoy the thought of breakfast in bed served by your charming innkeeper or prefer a morning buffet in your hotel suite, both hotels and B&Bs offer varying levels of luxury.

In the end, it’s your personal choice of where to stay — this may also hinge on the nature of your trip. No matter your choice, ensure you research beforehand so you can secure the ideal accommodation for your getaway. Alternatively, you might consider looking for your ideal vacation rental instead.

6. Some of our top cities to experience a B&B

While B&Bs are often associated with serene rural getaways, you can also find that cozy charm in the heart of a city. If you're tired of long elevator rides and feeling lost in the crowds of large urban hotels, consider booking a B&B in one of our favorite cities instead.

Major cities like Paris and London can be quite daunting, especially when checking into a massive hotel surrounded by bustling streets and tourists. This is the perfect chance to choose a B&B. Wake up in a Paris neighborhood to the delightful aroma of fresh croissants, and let your London B&B hosts guide you to the best local pubs and help you navigate the tube.

In Orlando, you'll discover B&Bs scattered throughout the city, some conveniently located near the renowned Florida beaches, while others serve as ideal Disney vacation retreats. Chicago B&Bs showcase a variety of styles, from quaint rustic inns to chic urban villas, and the local insights from your Nashville B&B hosts will enhance your exploration of the vibrant music scene.