I’m thinking it would be fun to try a B&B with my boyfriend, but I’m reluctant to suggest it. The problem is the times that would work best for us to get away are during the baseball playoffs. He’s an avid sports fan (baseball is his favorite sport and his team is doing really well this year). I’m afraid he’ll think I am ignoring something that is important to him, and he won’t appreciate the getaway if he is cut off from watching baseball for the whole trip. Are there TVs at B&Bs?
Tina, USA
It’s terrific that you’re giving the getaway this much thought. This is a question you should definitely ask the innkeepers, as each inn is different. You can expect everything from no TV to small TVs, or large flat-screen TVs in your room and/or maybe a TV in the common area, when you stay at a B&B. Some people going to a B&B are looking to unplug and don’t want the distraction of TVs, while for you guys it’s an important aspect of your leisure time (especially during the time you are looking to get away). Check the inns’ websites when looking for a B&B and look for
the list of amenities; but, since this is important to you, be sure to check with the innkeepers, too. If the inn you choose does not have a TV, the innkeepers will probably be able to refer you to a nearby B&B or to a good sports bar if you think he would like to watch his games with other fans. Also, innkeepers like to know what their guests like. If they know you are interested in the playoffs and there is a TV in the common area, they might make it extra special for you by either offering you a “sports package” where they add some extras, such as a meal in front of the game, or use it as a social occasion to encourage other guests to watch and serve some special munchies. (Remember, other guests might be rooting for the opposing team, although a little friendly competition can add to the fun.) We hope you enjoy a B&B getaway during the playoffs, and also hope his team wins the World Series!
I’ve never stayed at a bed & breakfast and I’m curious whether B&Bs have a receptions or front desk clerk?
J. Grand Rapids, MB.
We’d say the answer is no, not at a traditional bed & breakfast. You might find a larger property that calls itself a bed & breakfast with a front desk or receptionist; however, B&Bs are small and run by the innkeepers who are also usually the owners. Your innkeepers or hosts can handle everything and more than a front desk person could do for you. Because it’s their business, they care very much about your stay and have a personal interest in seeing that your needs are met. If this means you want privacy, they will give it to you. And if it means you want help with dinner reservations, they are usually happy to oblige (and will know the best places in town to suggest – plus they might have a little local influence when snagging a hard-to-get reservation). Because there is no 24-hour desk staff, it’s best to make your reservations online; when calling to make reservations or ask questions, try between 10:30am and 9pm.
Since a bed & breakfast is someone’s home, is it possible that I will encounter their pets? I’m not afraid to admit that I’m not an animal lover, and I don’t want a dog begging for food when I’m trying to eat breakfast. Tom, Ocean City, NJ
This is a great question and a good one to ask the innkeepers if you don’t like pets or if you are allergic. Yes, many innkeepers do have pets, and we find that they are very upfront about where their pets can and cannot be at the inn. For instance, at some inns the pets are allowed to interact with guests who would like to visit with them, while at other inns the pets are strictly kept in the owners’ quarters. At many inns the pets have become the mascots and greeters, although they are quickly pulled away from guests who do not appreciate the greeting. If the innkeepers don’t pick up on your preference, or desire not to interact with their pet, you should let them know right away.
Two Inns experts, Mary Hughes, Editor of Inns Magazine and Mary White of BnBfinder.com field questions from Innkeepers and travelers.
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Inns E-Magazine | Fall 2013 | 18