DINE inns include so much when airlines and hotels continue to gouge

It seems like every travel article we read covers some kind of new fee.  From resort fees at hotels to baggage fees on airlines, we’re left thinking, “what’s next?”.  In the ever-increasing list of fees, we at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are determined to keep our B&B experience as affordable and extra-fee-free as possible.  In fact, DINE inns not only include it all, they’ll offer you $50 for your next romantic getaway at check out.

In a recent article, travel expert Peter Greenberg of PeterGreenberg.com explained  the most recent airline add-on’s – seat reservation fees. Greenberg laments, “Just when you thought the airlines couldn’t come up with another fee, think again. Welcome to the brave new world of seat reservations fees. Some airlines are now charging you not by the size of your coach seat or the legroom or the width but based on how close your economy seat is to the front of the plane.”  He goes on to tell travelers, “Want a window or aisle seat closer to the front? Cha-ching! But what does that really get you? Not much. First, it means you’ll certainly be able to smell the cookies served in first class, but you still can’t have one. “  Arrive at DINE inns, and not only are the cookie fresh, but they are included in the cost of your stay,  along with coffee, tea, and/or evening receptions too.

Believe it or not, some urban hotels have taken the dreaded resort fee to a new level…or should we say a new low…adding what they call a destination fee simply for the right to stay in a popular city. According to Greenberg, “Now, some New York hotels are trying to generate even more ancillary revenue and have invented something called a $25 a night, “destination fee.” And in many hotels, it’s mandatory.” Not only is it unavoidable, it’s also a daily-fee according to Greenberg.

Most AirBnB hosts tack on a mandatory cleaning free.  That means you’re paying for the next person to have clean sheets and towels.  Somehow that just doesn’t seem fair.  Shouldn’t a clean room be included in the cost of the room?

In 2016 Greenberg contends that globally the airlines raked in an astounding $64.7 billion dollars in fees for things like baggage, seat choice fees, ticket change fees and the like. Who knows how much the hotels brought in, when you add in the exorbitant fees for the dreaded $9 water and $6 chocolate bar added on to your resort, housekeeping and who-knows-what-else fees.

Isn’t it refreshing to check into a DINE inn and learn that there are no added fees?  What’s included in your stay?  Start with a multi-course handcrafted breakfast, filled with the freshest local ingredients, add in coffee, tea, bottled water all day long, and then fresh baked cookies and afternoon tea or evening wine and cheese receptions, depending upon the inn. Many inns treat guests to free DVDs, some with extensive libraries, and/or guest snack pantries, free wi-fi, free parking and so much more. Sure, feel free to leave a tip for the housekeepers if you wish, but it’s not mandatory. Taxes are extra, but that’s Uncle Sam’s rule.

DINE dollarsThen, when you check out, your DINE innkeeper will offer you $50 in DINE bucks to stay try out another DINE inn*. When it’s time to take your next getaway, call any of the 11 other inns (not including the one where you got the DINE dollar certificate) and make a reservation, mentioning the certificate when you book. The $50 reward will be taken off your final bill when you stay at the next inn. Now when’s the last time a hotel handed you $50 when you checked out?

Between all the extra fees and the add-ons for meals and items which hotels tempt guests with by leaving them on the dresser with tiny signs explaining that lovely mini-bottle of wine will cost $35, we’ve figured a stay at one of the 12 DINE inns saves guests as much as $150 daily. Consider a two or three night stay, and these savings really add up.

When it comes to planning your next getaway, visit each of the Distinctive Inns of New England by clicking below on links that will take you to each of their websites, and start looking forward to an added fee-free vacation.

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

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

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

In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport

In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic.

DINE bucks are offered to all guests except those staying on a discounted rate, promotional package or free rate from prize packages. See rules here.