While planning a two-week business and leisure trip around New England, I initially started my search for accommodations on Hotels.com, valuing their rewards for frequent customers. However, our trip coincided with the peak leaf-peeping season, and hotel prices were sky-high.
Seeing the stark difference between low and high-season rates, I was reluctant to pay exorbitant amounts for two weeks and began looking for alternatives. Initially, I had dismissed Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) as expensive and lacking in privacy, but I decided to give them another look after being intrigued by their listings on TripAdvisor.
After carefully exploring the highest-rated B&Bs in our planned destinations, I found several appealing options. Most reviews were positive, with patrons sharing their memorable experiences. Nonetheless, I was worried about our budget, but I was pleasantly surprised to find many B&Bs more affordable than hotels, often including breakfast. One B&B even cost almost a third of what nearby hotels were charging.
Given the business side of our trip, free and reliable internet was a necessity, and all the B&Bs we stayed at provided free wireless internet, often more hassle-free than at hotels. Additionally, most modern B&Bs have private bathrooms, which was a significant plus.
An amazing benefit of B&Bs is their breakfast offerings—starting your day with delicious, often gourmet options like pumpkin pancakes, vegetable frittatas, and pecan French toast beats standard hotel breakfasts any day.
For the best selection of rooms, it’s wise to book early, whether for hotels or B&Bs, since B&Bs typically have fewer rooms. This is especially important if you have specific needs, such as a king-sized bed or a large tub.
A risky, but sometimes rewarding, strategy is to wait until the last minute to book. You might snag a discount as establishments try to fill empty rooms.
The attention to detail at the B&Bs we stayed in was impressive. We were often welcomed with snacks and daily treats like fresh cookies, chocolate cake, and wine and cheese. Complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water were also common perks.
However, there are a few drawbacks to staying at a B&B. Breakfast is usually served at set times, which can delay your plans. Also, communal breakfast tables mean you’ll need to socialize, which isn’t for everyone. During the high season, a minimum stay of 2-4 nights may also be required.
While B&Bs might not be available in every city, there were plenty of options in New England. They offered similar prices to hotels but with more personalized service and home-cooked meals. These factors made for a richer and more enjoyable travel experience for me.