When planning our two-week mix of business and leisure in New England, I began my hotel search on Hotels.com because of their rewards program. But our trip was during the peak leaf-peeping season, which meant hotel rates were incredibly high.
The huge difference in prices between low and high seasons made me rethink our accommodation options. Instead of hotels, I initially overlooked Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) due to cost and privacy concerns. However, as I browsed through TripAdvisor’s “B&B and Inns” section, I found them quite appealing and decided to look into them more closely.
After carefully reviewing top-rated places in the areas we planned to visit, we came across some interesting options. The reviews were mostly positive, and many guests shared memorable experiences.
Budget constraints were a concern, as many B&Bs seemed expensive. But to my pleasant surprise, in every city, there was a highly-rated inn or B&B that was more affordable than a hotel and included breakfast. In one case, the B&B was nearly a third of the cost of nearby hotels.
Since our trip had a business component, needing reliable internet was crucial. All the B&Bs and inns we stayed at offered free wireless internet, which worked better than what we usually experience in hotels. Most modern B&Bs also have private bathrooms, which is comforting for those who need that privacy.
The included breakfast at B&Bs is a big plus. Starting the day with a gourmet breakfast, like pumpkin pancakes or pecan French toast, is a tasty change from typical hotel food.
Booking early is essential for both hotels and B&Bs for the best selection, especially since B&Bs have fewer rooms. If you have specific needs like a king-sized bed, early reservations increase the chances of getting what you want.
A riskier but sometimes rewarding booking strategy is to wait until the last minute, potentially scoring discounted rates if they need to fill rooms.
The attention to detail at the B&Bs impressed us. We were welcomed with snacks and enjoyed daily treats like fresh cookies, chocolate cake, and wine and cheese. Complimentary drinks were also provided.
There can be some downsides to staying at a B&B. Breakfast times are usually fixed, which could delay your schedule. Also, communal tables might force you to socialize, which isn’t everyone’s preference. In busy seasons, there might be a minimum stay requirement of 2-4 nights.
While B&Bs aren’t available everywhere, we found plenty of options in New England. Compared to traditional hotels, they offer similar prices but with more personal service and home-cooked meals. For me, this makes for a much richer travel experience.