If you’ve never stayed at a bed & breakfast before, it’s a travel experience to consider. Rather than a large hotel with many generic-looking rooms, a bed & breakfast is a small, quaint cottage or home with unique rooms and is often run by a person (or family) who lives there. If you’re looking for a “home away from home” and a way to meet other travelers, our PHL Airport parking members recommend booking a bed & breakfast on your next vacation.
Things to consider…
Is it within walking distance?
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in a certain area (like a city, town, attraction, etc.), you may want to look for a bed & breakfast that’s within walking distance of the area. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park, having to pay to park, or having to find a ride back to your hotel at the end of the night.
Are you traveling with children?
Whether you plan on bringing your children or are looking to spend some time away from children, there are certain bed & breakfasts that are adult-only and other that cater to children. Find out what the policy is of the bed & breakfast you’re considering.
Is it accredited?
Because bed & breakfasts are usually located in someone’s home, anyone can call their place a “bed & breakfast.” Do some research to see if your prospective place is certified by a government agency, part of a local association, or has some other type of accreditation.
What kind of breakfast is served?
The type of breakfast and amount of breakfast you’ll receive varies from place to place, so find the one that appeals to you most, then factor that into your stay price.
Before you book…
Find out what’s included
When it comes to bed & breakfasts, deposits, cancellation fees, and general fees can be different than hotels, so make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Ask about the area
Think about some of the details, like: Is there a lot of street noise? Is the location difficult to get to? Is there public transportation? Is there a nightlife (if you’re looking for one)? The more you know about the area before you go, the less surprise there will be.
Understand the house rules
While some bed & breakfasts will give you a key and let you come and go as you please, others won’t and you’ll have to be back before the innkeeper locks up the place. Ask about the house rules before you book so you can understand what to expect.
Credit card policies
You can book and pay for nearly any hotel with a credit card, but bed & breakfasts aren’t always this way. Before you book your location, find out their credit card policy.