Guests’ interactions with their AirBnB hosts vary quite a bit, but the standard AirBnB experience involves meeting the host upon “check-in,” exchanging phone numbers in case there are any emergencies, and receiving the keys to the room or apartment. The contact tends to end there – you are on your own for breakfast, and Yelp is your best bet for a local restaurant recommendation.
Because you value the traditional B&B experience, we advise you to stick with those B&B sites that you’ve had bookmarked for years. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, keep enjoying those memorable B&B experiences and heavenly breakfasts!
When my husband and I took our daughter
to look at colleges, we stayed at a very nice bed & breakfast. The innkeeper was
so knowledgeable about the area and the school – I think we learned more from her than we did from the information session! We’ll be staying at the inn again when we drop our daughter off to start school this fall. She will be staying in the dorms, but she is still raving about the innkeeper’s breakfasts, and I want her to have as many good meals as possible before leaving her at the mercy of the college dining hall. Would it be out of line to ask the innkeeper if our daughter could join us for breakfast even though she is not staying at the inn? Jocelyn, Des Moines, Iowa
Hi Jocelyn – no, it would not be out of line. At some inns, having a non-guest join you for breakfast would be complimentary, while at others, there might be a nominal fee. Since this inn is located in a college town, the innkeepers have probably handled your specific request before. In general, don’t be shy about interacting with innkeepers – they are in this business because they enjoy engaging with people, and want to do everything they can to make your stay special. But at the same time, be respectful and ask as soon as possible so that the innkeeper/chef can plan ahead. Small businesses operate on small margins, and the innkeeper will appreciate being asked in advance. Finally if a host is not able to accommodate your request it could be because of spacing or local laws. In some localities if a property charges for meals separate from the room, they would be considered a restaurant, which most inns are not. Bottom line, innkeepers aim to please and if you don’t ask, they can’t read your mind so don’t be shy.
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Inns E-Magazine / Fall 2014
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