Not all Spa B&B are created equal … Select the right escape for you

Bed and breakfasts can be a wonderful place to stay on your vacation. They can be cozy, romantic places surrounded by friendly, caring hosts in beautiful places. In order to assure yourself that this is how your experience will be, invest a little time researching your bed and breakfast options. 

Vacationing at a bed and breakfast can provide a romantic atmosphere and be an incredible experience. It can provide you with personalized service only otherwise available at an expensive hotel. However, make sure that you thoroughly research a bed and breakfast before your trip to ensure that you get the trip that you deserve! Spavelous has provided a list of the Top Twenty Five Spa Bed and Breakfasts in the country, but there are many different types and pricing for B&Bs.  To pick the best one for you here are a few pointers:

One great step to take when booking a vacation stay at a bed and breakfast is to not book it online, but handle it over the phone. This gives you a chance to ask more specifics about the amenities and features of that bed and breakfast as well as giving you the opportunity to check out the customer service before you commit to staying there.

One thing to check out however online is to view pictures of the bed and breakfast in question, make sure that it is the type of place you are envisioning in your mind. Be sure to ask for or check for reviews online. When staying in a chain hotel, you are usually familiar with what to expect as far as service and amenities, this isn’t true with bed and breakfasts. Checking out impartial reviews is a great way to set your mind at ease.

When talking to the owners or manager or the bed and breakfast, there are a number of things to ask so that you know what to expect ahead of time. Many bed and breakfasts have shared bathroom type situations where multiple guests use the same bathroom, if this isn’t what you want in a vacation stay it would help to know this ahead of time.

Many bed and breakfasts have restrictions on what hours the registration desk is open, showing up too early or too late may mean that you’ll be having to make alternate lodging arrangements. Bed and breakfasts operate by different rules than standard motels and hotels. Along with the registration desk, there may be other areas of the facility that are only open during certain times and it would be helpful to know this ahead of time as well.

Look on the Internet for pictures of the bed and breakfast. You want to see pictures of the outside of the scenery, but more importantly of the bed and breakfast itself. Also, make sure that you see a variety of pictures inside, including of the rooms and furniture. It should look appealing and comfortable.  It is also good to ask about the make up of the room you’ll be staying in itself, the closet space and how large the bed is are things that may be of interest to you.

It can be helpful to know exactly where the bed and breakfast is located. Not just the physical address, but what it is surrounded by. Is it in a small town? What businesses are located around it? Is it next to a bar? If it's in the country, how far do you have to travel to get to the closest restaurant or coffee shop?

Ask what amenities are offered. These include Jacuzzis, fireplaces, a spa, and porches. Also inquire about televisions and movies. Find out about the privacy of the amenities and make sure it suits your taste for your trip.  Don’t forget the internet if you need to stay connected. 

If you plan a romantic getaway, see that they have a lovely setting. Ask for a room with a porch or balcony offering views of the water, mountains, fields of flowers, or twinkling city lights down below.

You’ll also want to see what meals are included with the lodging; this will help in terms of both budgeting your trip as well as deciding on where to eat which meals.  If you are planning a romantic getaway, then see if a private breakfast can be served at your convenience. Start the day with breakfast in bed, or at a cozy table for two. Family-style breakfasts with lots of group interaction are not as conducive to intimacy if you are planning to make it a romantic getaway.

The roar of truck traffic is not conducive to sweet whisperings in a loved one's ear, let alone a good night's sleep. Good sound-proofing is equally important; nothing is less romantic than listening to the couple in the adjacent room being intimate.

Appealing decor. Handsome, uncluttered, distinctive furnishings, with a big, comfortable bed. A cozy fireplace and double Jacuzzi or soaking tub are definite enhancements.  Look at the pictures of the rooms you may consider.

You'll want unobtrusive innkeepers who respect your privacy, yet are available for questions. Select an inn that doesn't cater to families and is more adult oriented. Ask if the B&B you are considering is more adult or family oriented.

Whether you have pets or not, find out what is allowed by the bed and breakfast. If you want to take your pet(s) with you, find out before hand if they are permitted. However, if you have any pet allergies or prefer not to be around animals on your vacation, make sure they are not allowed at the bed and breakfast you are considering.