New to Bed-And-Breakfasts? A Few Tips for the Perfect Stay

Are you new to staying at a bed-and-breakfast inn? You may just find that it becomes your preferred way to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious vacation. To help you get into the spirit of the bed-and breakfast experience, here are a few tips to make your stay even more enjoyable.

A hotel is a much more generic, corporate lodging experience than bed-and-breakfasts are. A B&B is often located in a historical house or small inn with a history of its own. Decorations have been chosen by the owners themselves and may even have some special attachment. The house itself is usually smaller than hotel rooms and corridors, and you will find yourself interacting with more of it each day.

This provides a homey experience, and you can enhance it by appreciating the house or inn as you use it. Treat it with care, as you would your own home, and make the hosts aware of your needs so they can help fill them to enhance your time there.

Unlike most larger hotel and inn accommodations, bed-and-breakfasts are usually run by the owners themselves. They do much of the legwork and care for most of your needs themselves. This makes for a wonderfully personal experience you will enjoy.

There are a few ways to show your hosts your appreciation for their efforts. Try to arrive during the regular check-in times and be patient if the owners are juggling a number of different guests or tasks. If they have established certain rules, such as no smoking or no pets, respect those choices and abide by them during your stay.

Finally, leave a good review online if you enjoyed your stay. A modern B&B can get a lot out of a positive online review, and they may even respond with their thanks.

If you have specific needs or restrictions for your stay, be clear and upfront about those with your hosts. Most hosts will be happy to accommodate things like dietary restrictions and your personal vacation plans or schedule. But they can't take good care of your interests unless you let them know about them.

Most hosts provide contact information so you can ask questions or let them know about your plans or needs ahead of time. And they are often available around the property if you have any concerns during your stay.

B&Bs give you a great opportunity not only to stay in a different or historical setting but also to interact with new people. In addition to the hosts, there are other travelers at the B&B who have great stories to tell.

Be open to conversing casually in the common areas and over breakfast. Simply asking about other travelers' vacation experiences will surely open up a pleasant conversation for as long as the meal lasts.

Your hosts, too, are interested in the world around them, as well as in what you are doing with your vacation time in their area. Chat with them about your plans, and you will often find that they have suggestions that will enhance your stay.

This doesn't mean you must spend all your time with other people. Feel free to engage in alone time as well, since this is your vacation. If you can't stay for breakfast, for example, let your hosts know and they won't hold it against you. They may even pack you a little something to go.

No matter what your vacation plans, a classic bed-and-breakfast - like Bed, Breakfast & Beyond in Gulfport - will provide a lodging experience unlike any other. Apply these few tips during your stay, and you're sure to have the time of your life.