Planning a More Intimate Stay at a B&B
Many brides skip the fancy five star or high-rise city hotel in favor of a B&B. If you’re considering a Bed and Breakfast for your honeymoon or even a long-distance wedding, read on for intimate insights.
“The number one thing to know about B&B’s is that they are as unique as the individuals who own them,” says Vinessa Milando, of the Ivy Terrace B&B, in New York City. “The couple needs to know how independent they want to be versus how much contact they want with the innkeepers and other guests.”
B&B’s range in styles and price range. Urban B&B’s tend to allow you more privacy, as opposed to offering a group breakfast with the other patrons. More traditional, country B&B’s often serve elegant, cooked-to-order breakfasts in a common area. “In most cases,” says Milando, “this type of B&B will offer more talk time with the hosts. There is often no kitchen or fridge; it’s more like you’re a guest in someone’s house.”
If you’re booking a B&B in a large city, like Paris or Rome or New York, you get more independence, and possibly a price cut. “When you factor in the food and—possible—kitchen, and how expensive dining out is, you usually get more for your dollar,” says Milando. “It’s also a plus if you like sleeping in late and eating in your birthday suit.” On the flip side, a country B&B, while pricier, might offer more luxuries, like breakfast in bed or a Jacuzzi.
When searching for B&B’s, Milando recommends TripAdvisor and BedAndBreakfast.com for ideas. “Read lots of reviews, and makes sure you’re clear on the location,” she says. “I’d stay away from a B&B that doesn’t have a web site or that only accepts cash.” Milando also reminds honeymooners that the small size of B&B’s mean they book up quickly, so you should start your search early.
Since the concept behind B&B’s is intimacy, “try and speak to the innkeeper first,” says Milando. “This is a once in a lifetime experience, and personalized service is what you should expect. Tell them it’s your honeymoon. You might get a bottle of bubbly in your room.”
The beauty of a B&B, no matter where you’re staying, is that you get a real feeling for the area you’re visiting, and see it from a non-touristy perspective. Says Milando, “99% of innkeepers love what they are doing and will go out of the way to make your visit wonderful.”
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