Interesting Fun Facts: Top 10 Bed & Breakfast Myths Debunked

The very best things about staying at any B&B or Country Inn is that each is one of a kind. But many B&Bs currently have one characteristic they all share: The B&B innkeepers manage with pride in professionalism and competency. However, existing myths abound around bed and breakfasts. The myths about B&Bs and Inns stem from days before travelers fully understood what small lodging could offer to a guest. There are many credible B&Bs for a traveler to choose from with rare exceptions. Just as when you book a hotel, it is recommended that you do your homework to find a B&B that caters to your specific needs and preferences. We believe Tall Pines Inn has everything the modern traveler could desire, and if it is missing, we probably have it in the works!

Below are the most common myths about B&Bs and Inns that prevent guests from choosing one for their lodging.

historic cabin situated all in row with plants hanging by the doors

`1. You give up your privacy`

A B&B, especially an appropriately run one, offers a guest peace and quiet. From the time you check in, your room should be tranquil and relaxing. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to visit with other guests if you prefer not to. However, B&B guests are some of the most interesting people around, and conversation can be quite stimulating. Most Innkeepers can tell when you want time to yourself and will give you your space. Don’t worry, the Innkeeper won’t force the family photo album on you. In fact, it is possible to not see another traveler for the duration of your stay – now that is quiet! You won’t find that kind of peace and quiet at a hotel! Innkeepers hold their guest’s privacy in high regard and will do what they can to protect it. However, if making acquaintances is on your priority list, a B&B is a perfect place to make a life-long friend.

2. Innkeeper is staying out of sight

A B&B in many cases is the home of the Innkeeper, so they are often not far away but merely attending to other chores. An Innkeeper is often the only one to do all of the chores for the Inn, leaving little time to just linger around guest areas. In some cases, the Innkeeper may feel that you prefer your privacy, so often they will turn the common areas of the Inn over to the guests. The Innkeeper can almost always be reached through after-hours contact information if you feel you need something urgently or if you just want a friend 🙂

man peeking around the corner of a building with only his eyes fingers showing

3. Breakfast amounts to small talk with strangers

In traditional B&Bs, it is common to find breakfast served at one large table in a dining room. When guests gather initially for breakfast in the dining room, they may not know each other. At the conclusion of breakfast, many guests will leave as friends. A breakfast table is a great place for fellowship, and many guests feel this is one of the most valuable experiences of their B&B visit. Conversation is typically light, and folks will respect your peace and quiet if that is what you prefer. While staying at larger Inns, you have the option of enjoying your meal in your room or, out on a sunny veranda or picnic table. We find small lodging to be a great place to make new friends!

group of friends sitting around a campfire at night roasting marshmallows on sticks

4. Inns are staffed 24/7

In the smaller B&Bs, fewer than ten rooms, the owner, spouse, and one additional staff for busy days, are the only ones working. It is important to adhere to the schedule provided to you by the owner/innkeepers of your small lodging, including, arriving at your scheduled time or contact the Innkeeper if your plans change. Innkeepers block off their day for activities like shopping and gardening around the guest’s check-in times. Majority of B&Bs and Inns do not have office staff and may not be able to accommodate you.

5. Innkeeping is not a real business

Small B&Bs make it difficult to support a living for most Innkeepers, but it is still considered a real business, not a hobby. In fact, the B&B business is very complicated and has many regulations. Inns also market their property to bring you tailored packages specific for your stay, whether you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just a specific weekend away.

6. It’s just Breakfast

The first meal of the day is anything but a simple affair. Breakfast at a B&B can range from a Continental Breakfast all the way to Four Course hot meal. However, the latter is the more typical experience, with meals planned out based on guest preference and special dietary requirements. At Tall Pines Inn, our guest barbecue breakfast menu will offer a variety of egg dishes, fruit, and french toast.

breakfast at a beautiful table showing a plate with french toast, scrambled eggs, and a dish with fruit — This isn’t your typical hotel breakfast

7. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast is Very Expensive

Some B&Bs are considered high-end and can be more expensive. However, there are many B&Bs out there that are well within affordability. Shop around for a location, services, and extras offered by the Inn. These factors will play into the average daily rate you will pay. When you consider all of the extras you get compared to staying at a simple hotel, it will become evident what a bargain B&Bs can be.

Guests still dole out too much cash to third party travel agents (OTA), rather than booking direct and not realizing that the increase in price is due to the commissions and fees tacked on by the OTA and not the direct price charged by the B&B. Consider the difference…

man handing over a pack of cash to a cashier

8. Travelers on Corporate Business Can’t Stay at B&Bs

Bed & Breakfasts are becoming increasingly popular with individuals and corporations who must travel for business reasons. Inns are now catering to the needs of the business traveler, having amenities such as WiFi, conference rooms, desks, charging stations, and readily accessible connectivity. Some B&Bs are going a step further and offering corporate discount rates and loyalty memberships. Tall Pines Inn will soon introduce their loyalty club which will bring back pet lodging for members only.

Woman sitting on a bed with legs criss-crossed with a laptop in front of her preparing to do business work remotely relying on good wifi — **Excellent WiFi connection and speed can facilitate a business traveler’s work from the comfort of the B&B. Check out Tall Pines Inn 5G connection!**!

9. Innkeepers Have a Lot of Wealth

At times it is assumed that Innkeepers are wealthy because they live in a big beautiful house or property. Some of these beautiful homes are inheritances, restorations, or hobbies. The fact is Innkeepers may work outside the B&B if the B&B is too small to support itself. There is more to operating this small business. Check this out….

Large arm holding dollar bills out front and a small man under the arm chasing the bills with caption chasing money

10. Strange Rules and Outdated Curfews

A B&B may have a few too many rules for my taste, but I figure “it’s their home.” If guests have to follow too many rules, it will eventually hurt return visits to the B&B. Innkeepers develop rules that accommodate interests and needs of a younger generation of guests. An Innkeeper’s primary concern is to keep the Inn safe, clean, and happy. Every guest has the responsibility to read and know the Inn’s policies to assure there are no unexpected requests from the Innkeeper upon arrival or after departure.