Hey B&B doubters, six reasons to choose inns

Harbor Light Inn, Marblehead, MABy Marti Mayne

Recently CountryLiving.com posted a story about six reasons to never stay at a B&B.  The author criticized, grumbled and moaned about the small queen bed, breakfast that wasn’t served at the time she wanted and “grandma’s décor”, which she admitted she hadn’t seen at any B&Bs she stayed at, but had heard about.  We at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) have one question for the article’s author. Why bemoan B&Bs then choose to stay at them?

This article got under our skin when we read through it. We’re going point-to-point with the author of this article to point out the flaws in her argument and the benefits to staying at inns and B&Bs.  And along the way, we may treat the author, Ms. Dash, to a little hospitality etiquette too. Choose one of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England for your stay and we can assure you that your coffee will be available when you want it and the bed options will be suitable. Then it’s up to you to choose the one that’s right for you.

Complaint: The early bird gets the scones.

Clarification: You snooze, you lose, unless you make other arrangements

In her article, Ms. Dash complained that she missed breakfast because she slept too late, and lamented that the early morning breakfasts are tough on those who like to sleep late.  Yet in the same sentence she followed up by saying how much she loved the B&B breakfasts that she had woken up for.  So, what happens, Ms. Dash, when you arrive at a restaurant after its closed?  Do you expect it to open for you?

When B&B guests arrive, they are cheerfully toured through the property and the innkeeper explains the breakfast time(s).  If the timing on breakfast isn’t going to work, we suggest you speak up or forever hold your popover.  Innkeepers understand that some guests prefer to sleep late.  Arrangements, like “to-go” breakfasts can be made, and in some cases, breakfast in bed can even be arranged.  Remember, that inns and B&B are small businesses.  If you say you’ll be at breakfast, the innkeeper plans accordingly, preparing a hearty meal for you.  When you don’t show up, that meal goes to waste, along with the time and money spent to prepare it, and you’ve missed out on one of the greatest parts of your inn stay.

Chesterfield Inn breakfast to order

Enjoy a cooked to order breakfast at Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield, NH. Rather have breakfast delivered to your room? Simply ask.

Complaint: Awkward conversations over breakfast & Where’s my coffee?

Clarification: Conversation is food for the soul & we rise and grind

Ms. Dash starts out saying, “I love talking to strangers at 8 a.m. before I’ve had my coffee — said no one ever. Yet B&B promoters somehow tout early morning pre-breakfast conversation as one of the charms of staying in their homey establishments.”  We say, show us one B&B that promotes pre-breakfast conversation as one of the charms.  We challenge you to uncover any of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England that offer this amenity.  And according to BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory worldwide, a survey of U.S innkeepers shows that the majority of B&Bs now offer private tables at breakfast, just for those who prefer not to feed their souls with conversation in the morning.  Certainly, every one of the DINE inns offer this option.

And when it comes to coffee at the inns and B&Bs where you stay, look forward to signature blends customized by the innkeepers; often created by local roasters. It’s ground from beans well before the guests rise, and served hot in bottomless cups; always available at least an hour before breakfast is served.  Unlike hotels, the clear majority of inns and B&Bs offer fresh complimentary coffee and tea for guests 24/7. Simply ask.

Camden Maine Stay Inn's breakfast room

Tables for two and four are set at Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden, Maine.

Harbor Light Inn's dining room

Guests enjoy private tables at Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, MA

Complaint: The rooms are from another decade.

Clarification: Show us the seat!

Ms. Dash starts this complaint out by saying, “Old-fashioned décor is part of the whole B&B package—so much so that some rooms are even called “Grandma’s Room.” She then follows up by saying in the next breath, “To be fair, I have seen pictures of some beautiful guest rooms that resemble those in stately historic homes, I just haven’t stayed in any.”  Well, Ms. Dash, we invite you to stay at any of the Distinctive Inns of New England.  While you may choose to stay in beautifully preserved mansions and inns – some among the first on the stagecoach routes in New England – what you won’t find is plaid wallpaper matching the plaid bedspreads like showed in your story.  What you will find at 99% of inns and B&Bs in the country is free wi-fi, free parking and a sumptuous complimentary breakfast. You’ll also find flat screen TVs, i-Pod docking stations, computers and printers plus private fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and so many more amenities that we’re pretty sure no one will complain about.

The Bath at Taverns Secret at Rabbit Hill Inn.

Modern decor meets a historic property at the Rabbit Hill Inn.

Cliffside Inn suite, Newport, RI

Some rooms at Cliffside Inn feature private see-through fireplaces.

Complaint: There are few modern amenities

Clarification:  Buyer beware

If Ms. Dash wanted modern amenities, why did she book a stay at a B&B that did not have them?  While every B&B is different, (and oh yes, that’s part of their appeal), you will generally find everything from charging stations for the multiple devices travelers bring on vacation to multi-jetted showers and flat screen TVS.  It’s true, you may find some inns where you won’t find a TV – they’re designed to provide unplugged vacation.  If you’re a traveler who can’t get through the day without a news fix, then be sure to book a B&B that offers TVs, and ask about this at booking.  If you need a strong cell signal then be sure to ask at booking.  Once you know the answer, if you book anyway, it’s not fair to complain.  Buyer beware.

Whirlpool tub at Manor on Golden Pond.

Whirlpool tub with a view at Manor On Golden Pond.

Complaint: They are too expensive

Clarification: You’ll find a savings of at least $50 a night when you choose to stay at a B&B

Ms. Dash says that she spent $200 a night at a B&B stay in Harpers Ferry, WV — “nearly double what I might pay for an apartment or mid-range hotel in the same area.” She then commented, “I recently spent 84 Euros or about $96 for a night in a Hilton in the capital of Montenegro, Pogdorica.”  The last time we checked, the two locations were like comparing apples to oranges.  And by the way, we checked too and the least expensive B&B in Montenegro is $31 per night and a mid-range vacation rental in Harper’s Ferry came in at $233 per night.

We at Distinctive Inns of New England spend a great deal of energy helping travelers to understand the value of choosing a B&B or inn.  We’ve gone head-to-head with comparable hotels and found a savings of at least $50 or more per night. Click here to see BedandBreakfast.com’s infographic showing the comparison or click here to read a more in-depth comparison, which reveals you can’t put a price tag on the personalize approach to the B&B experience.

Afternoon Tea at Captain's House Inn

Afternoon tea, complete with tea cakes and sweet treats is complimentary at many of the Distinctive Inns of New England. Others offer freshly baked cookies or an evening reception. Shown here: Tea time at Captain’s House Inn

We hate to sound defensive, but the claims made in this story are simply fictitious.  We invite Ms. Dash to try any of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England, then write another story about the six reasons everyone should choose to stay at a beautiful New England inn.  Better yet readers, book a stay at any of the Distinctive Inns of New England then comment on how well we hold up to these clarifications.  Thanks for giving us a try.

Plan your next romantic getaway at the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England by clicking on links below that will take you directly to each of their websites, then start discovering the beauty and benefits of staying at an inn or B&B.

In Massachusetts:  Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Gateways Inn & Restaurant in Lenox, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod.

In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic

In New Hampshire:  Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield.

In Vermont:  Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton

In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport

In Maine:  Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport & Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden.