I’m getting ready for
my first B&B stay with my husband and I’m not sure what to pack or bring. I know the room has a king size bed and I assume the inn provides sheets, is that right? What about towels? Should I bring things like soap, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryer? Sorry if these are silly questions, but since I know it’s not a hotel I don’t know what they do provide and feel funny asking because I don’t want to insult the innkeepers. Jamie, Alberta CA
First, let me say that
no question is a silly question because if you’re wondering others probably are too. You’re right B&Bs are not hotels, however, they are a complete lodging experience so you’ll have plenty of sheets, towels and other amenities. While we find that most rooms have hairdryers, if for some reason yours does not it is perfectly okay to ask the innkeeper for one. The types of amenities will vary depending on the type of accommodations you are staying in, and also to some extent on the price of the room. Innkeepers tend to pick amenities that compliment the setting; so coastal inns may have soaps called “sea foam” and those that are more rural may have more earthy scents. On a final note, if you have allergies to certain types of products, then yes, by all means you should bring your own toiletries just as you would to a hotel. The exception would be to down as many innkeepers have down pillow and comforter alternatives, just be sure to ask when making your reservation.
I’m thinking of trying my
first B&B but it will be in an area that is technically “out of season” so I have a few questions. You might wonder why I’m doing this but I live in an area that has gotten lots of snow. I’m not an outdoor winter sports fan at all (no skiing, ice skating, cross country skiing, etc…) but I want to get away and thought a B&B would be a nice change. I’m really hoping not to have to travel too far. That said, will the inns be open? Second at a hotel they can usually make suggestions for what to do; will a bed and breakfast be able to make suggestions that are weather dependant for me? Cathy, New Jersey USA
Two Inns experts, Mary Hughes,
Editor of Inns Magazine and Mary White of BnBfinder.com field
questions from Innkeepers
and travelers.
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Inns E-Magazine / Summer 2014