Bed and breakfasts

In developed countries today, providing deluxe bed and breakfasts has been raised to a sort of art-form. At the top end, B&Bs obviously compete mainly on two main things: bedding and breakfast. Accordingly, at the finest such establishments one is apt to find the most luxurious bedding, maybe a handmade quilt or an antique bed. Breakfast may include seasonal delights of the region or the host's speciality dish. The setting might be an historic old building with antique furnishings, manicured grounds and a swimming pool.

On the other hand, almost anyone can set up a spare room and provide a breakfast. Especially where lodging is not regulated, anything is possible. Indeed, some travellers might find an inexpensive basic, clean room and bed to be the best value for them. Many of the same advantages could apply—such as convenient location and good hosts sharing knowledge of the locale.

A wide range of amenities may be provided. B&Bs may offer workshops on cooking, crafts, or wellness. Packages for theatre, golf, dinner, tours or adventure tours are sometimes offered.

Showers and WC's may be shared with other guests or "en-suite"—directly accessed from the room and private.

Some considerations when choosing are:

• What are you getting? While many B&Bs are luxurious, they range all the way to sub-bargain. Find out what you can expect. What bed sizes are available? Are the pillows foam or down? Is the bathroom shared? What is the breakfast selection like and is it included in the price?

• Location, location, location. Research the area first. Is the location convenient to the attractions of the area? If you will be using public transportation, is it nearby? Is the neighbourhood safe and aesthetically pleasing?

• Pets. Do the hosts have pets? Dogs and cats are not uncommon. Are guest pets welcome?

• Children. If you are bringing any, make sure they are welcome. If you don't want any around, make sure they are not.

• Non-smoking (or smoking) rooms? Is it a smoke free environment?

• Ask if your special dietary needs can be accommodated.

• Are advance reservations required? What is the cancellation policy?

• What are the check-in/check-out times? Typically B&Bs have a stricter policy than a hotel. There won't be a 24-hour desk clerk to check you in at 02:00 if you are running badly late; breakfast is also usually only available at set times or by agreement.

• Is there a minimum stay?

Usually, a Bed & Breakfast is owned and managed by an individual. If you cannot speak to someone you know who has visited there, visit first, or a call to the owner would be a good idea. Ask about the property, and the kind of visitor they normally attract. Some offer "specialities", like horse back riding, gourmet dining, and weddings. Some cater to older people, sexual minorities, childfree adults, bicyclists, or other niche markets. A few employ novelty architecture or adapt themselves to unusual locations such as decommissioned lighthouses, museum ships, working farms or private islands reachable only by cruising on small craft. Don't be shy, ask your questions; they will appreciate your call and likely send you information on their facility and the area.

Offerings for Bed & Breakfasts vary from castles to inexpensive rooms close to fishing or hunting camps. All of the furnishings and at times, sport equipment provided (as a courtesy or for an extra charge), are the property of the lodging owner. In these times of digital photography, it is not uncommon for the owner to photographically inventory the room prior to your occupancy. Make sure anything you remove from the room or property is in plain sight before leaving. This will prevent the items being billed to your credit card. You do not want to pay $350 for that cute 18th century ashtray.

While there are hundreds of area bed and breakfast websites, their quality varies widely. Many fine B&Bs have no web presence beyond a simple directory listing, while others offer a selection of flattering colour photographs, an availability calendar with easy on-line reservations, a toll-free telephone service and ample easy-to-navigate information. Unlike a large chain hotel, a locally-owned B&B is difficult to assess based solely on a standardised list of amenities from a website. Each is as individual as its owners, many of whom are passionate about what they do and can make or break the B&B experience. Where available, comments from other travellers will usually make the picture clearer. A little “reading between the lines” will tell you a great deal and help you make the right quality choices for your vacation or break to ensure that your expectations are fully met.

In some areas breakfast is not always served. In other establishments, a bare-bones "continental breakfast" may be little more than coffee and pastries. Be sure to understand when booking.

• In Cuba these types of accommodations may be referred to as a casa particular.

• In France B&Bs are called chambres d'hôtes. These are legally required to serve breakfast.

• In Québec B&Bs are variously called gîte du passant, gîte et déjeuner and café et couette; terminology differs from that used in France.

• In Spain B&Bs are called casas rurales.

• In The Netherlands, the more old-fashioned pension may be used for a B&B.

• In the United States of America historically (1930s–1960s), "tourist home" referred to early B&B-like establishments. Initially a short-stay rooming or boarding house in a private home, these represented an inexpensive alternative to hotels during the Great Depression and served African-American travellers through an era of racial segregation and widespread discrimination.

• In Taiwan these types of accommodations are called 民宿 (mínsù).