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4 Questions to Ask Your Bed and Breakfast Hosts

By: Jane Leisteiner

Where is the bed and breakfast located?

Do you prefer a city setting, a quaint Victorian in a small-town historic district or perhaps a secluded setting in the country? Your inn might list its location as in the city, but be sure to find out if it is near the places you want to visit. If you want to be able to walk to restaurants and shops, make sure the "short walk" advertised in a brochure doesn't translate to 15 blocks. If an inn says it is a short drive from the beach, do a little "MapQuesting" to determine if short really means you'll spend a couple of hours in the car. The bottom line is that you should pick the location that best suits your needs. Two inns might be only an hour away from each other, but worlds away in terms of location. Here's an example:

At the Saratoga Inn on Washington's Whidbey Island, guests are just an hour drive and short ferry ride from Seattle, but worlds away in terms of setting. The inn affords views of the Saratoga Passage and Cascade Mountains from many of the guest rooms. The Carriage House has a fireplace, sleigh bed, antique clawfoot tub and a private deck with a water view. Mornings bring a delectable full breakfast, and in the afternoons, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served. If a city setting is what you crave, you can hardly find a better central Seattle locale than the Inn at Harbor Steps. Located in a residential high-rise, the bed and breakfast offers spacious, individually decorated rooms, some with fireplaces or perhaps a private patio. The inn has a state-of-the-art gym with a fitness room, basketball court and lap pool. Full breakfasts and afternoon tea are among the many amenities guests will enjoy, and the inn is within walking distance to many shops, restaurants and popular city attractions.

What kind of rooms do you have available?

Bed and breakfasts are like people -- each is unique and special. While hotels and motels usually feature room after room, one just like the next, this is not true of inns. Each room usually is decorated individually; sometimes each room has its own theme. Bed and breakfasts in private homes and historic buildings often feature guest rooms that range from spacious master suites to a cozy room that might be tucked away in a turret. Be sure to ask about the guest rooms and the guest bathrooms. Some inns, particularly in restored, historic homes have a few guest rooms that share the same bathroom. These rooms are often less expensive and excellent choices for couples or friends traveling together. If you are planning a luxurious soak in the tub, make sure you book a room that has a tub since some rooms only have a shower. You also may find rooms that only a bed and breakfast can offer. Here's an example:

With its spectacular view of Monterey Bay from the inn's rooms and common areas, the Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove, California, is truly a feast for the soul. The ocean view, the Victorian architecture and the wonderfully decorated interior combine for a picture-perfect experience. The guest rooms in this historic bed and breakfast range from small and cozy to spacious retreats with jetted spa tubs and fireplaces. No matter the room choice, you'll be pampered with plenty of amenities, and the inn's location is just minutes from restaurants, shops, galleries and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Is the inn appropriate for children or pets?

Bed and breakfasts often are located in historic, restored homes. Many innkeepers decorate their inn with fine antiques and knickknacks. Other inns are especially romantic and more suited to couples than to families. Several states have laws that forbid innkeepers from outright banning children, but that does not necessarily mean that you should bring the kids. It's your vacation, and you want everyone to be comfortable, so be sure to choose an inn that is suitable. Be sure to ask what kinds of activities, either at the inn or nearby, are available for kids. As for pets, a few innkeepers allow pets, and some will even board your horses for a fee, but be sure to ask. There are plenty of great options for families, and some locations may be ideal.

At the Blue Lantern Inn, which overlooks the harbor in Dana Point, California, there is much for the whole family to see and do. The harbor, which includes a small beach, marine center, tide pools and a replica of a historic tall ship is just around the corner and down the hill. Guests can walk to several restaurants, delis and coffee houses. Doheny Beach is two minutes away, and there are several local parks. Laguna Beach is a few miles to the north, and family-fun Meccas of Disneyland, Legoland and Knott's Berry Farm are all about a half-hour away. As for the inn, the rooms, several of which offer sea and harbor views, are spacious, and each has a fireplace and jetted spa tub. The kids will love the full breakfasts and afternoon tea as well as the teddy bears and freshly-baked cookies.

What types of amenities are included in the inn's rates?

Most bed and breakfasts include some kind of breakfast service along with your room rates, whether it be a three-course feast, lavish buffet or simple continental fare. But many innkeepers provide many more amenities. You might enjoy afternoon tea and evening turn-down service. Rooms might be stocked with luxurious bath products and Egyptian cotton towels and beds topped with fluffy pillow and down comforters. Ask your innkeeper or check out the inn's website to make sure your top choice has all the amenities you want.

At the Channel Road Inn, just outside of Los Angeles, in Santa Monica, guests enjoy a variety of amenities. Fluffy robes, European bath salts and soaps, televisions with DVD players and evening chocolate turn-down service are among the special amenities that accompany convenience items such as in-room alarm clocks, ironing boards and irons and hairdryers. Some guest rooms also include a fireplace, jetted spa tub or perhaps a private patio. Guests are treated to a full breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres service. Freshly baked cookies, water, soda, coffee and tea are available throughout the day. Guests can borrow movies and books from the inn's library. In addition, the innkeepers stock those easily forgotten items such as a toothbrush or shaving cream at the front desk. There is a concierge service, and the innkeepers are happy to recommend activities and local restaurants. You even can borrow one of the inn bicycles.

Article Source: http://articlesltd.com

Jane Leisteiner loves travel and bed & breakfasts. For more information about these Monterey California bed and breakfasts or other Pacific Grove bed and breakfast inns, visit their websites.

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