Bed & Breakfasts

I've interviewed enough innkeepers to know that none of us have enough free time. And when we do get away, it seems most of us want to get far, far away from any hint of a B&B. But I just got back from Amelia Island in Florida where, on assignment for VISIT FLORIDA, I stayed at the Hoyt House in Fernandina Beach. It was a wonderful experience and a good lesson for me. Although running an inn can run you down, when you stay at a B&B the wheels start turning as you spot new and interesting ideas on cooking, hospitality, and smart ways to run your business. Myrta and Deborah are doing it right and small touches (like providing a take-home Ziploc bag for unused soap) are educational fringe benefits that come with a calming evening.

If you believe that inns are only found in the countryside, BedandBreakfast.com found ten that provided an inn experience in the heart of some of the world's major cities. If you're about to head to an urban environment but want to break a link in the chain, consider some of the inns they chose in the feature about the world's Top 10 Urban Inns 2011-2012.

When Fran Ambroselli's Finger Lakes region B&B burned down, it took a few years to collect her thoughts, collect insurance, and start again. But she shows that if you have a passion for innkeeping, not even a devastating fire can keep you away. You can read her story at Meet the Innkeeper: Fran Ambroselli.

I think it's almost impossible to truly determine the best breakfasts at inns around the world, but the folks at BedandBreakfast.com have given it their all through a readers-selected review of great recipes. You'll find the whole story -- and links to inns and recipes -- at B&B.com Names USA's Best Breakfasts.

Courtesy of BnBFinder.com, there are a few ideas for innkeepers who may be looking for a new way to attract guests -- and for guests who are looking for ways to alleviate travel expenses... You can see the entire feature at Save Gas on Summertime Travel.

After being on the road for several weeks, I jumped back on B&B features and, when checking the blogs, saw (and heard!) from more than a few of you that you are being flooded with recurring e-mails about these blogs. The icing on the cake was when I saw someone claiming to be me dismissing your comments. On the contrary! I take this seriously and spoke with my editor about the automated e-mails and how I can regain control of this. Apparently there's a huge file remaining from the previous About.com B&B writer and whenever I add a blog post, it goes out to everyone on her list. My editor explained a way I can unlock that file and modify it. Personally I'd like to do a major erasure and start from scratch. Thanks for your patience as I work on fixing this annoying glitch. And if you happen to run across the person using my name, tell 'em to quit it.

When a local charity or worthy cause is trying to raise money they'll target local businesses and products. The one that flies to the top of the list because it's a business AND a product is your bed and breakfast. We field calls regularly asking for a one-night gift certificate and, at first, we were generous since we wanted to build up our presence in the community. Then we got wise (weekdays only), then we got really selective (Wednesdays only), and now rarely give away anything (sorry). What about you? Does the cause have to be special or do you help all local groups just to keep your name out there? Do you feel that giving away too many free room nights lowers your B&Bs perceived value? I don't think there's a right or wrong answer, but your thoughts may help new innkeepers and even old pros adjust their approach to the question of contributions.

One of the biggest challenges of opening a start-up B&B isn't having enough money -- it's having enough neighbors who won't raise a fuss when you show up. Innkeepers across America have been tempered in the fire when neighbors react with anxiety, believing a B&B is a brothel, a drug den, and a hangout for kidnappers. Really. Just so you know you're not alone, read my latest feature 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?'

Jay Karen and Jessie Robinson of PAII were kind enough to compile a list of standout moments from January's Annual Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. If you were there, the most recent installment of 'Q&A with Jay' should bring back some good memories. If not, they fill you in on what you missed -- and tell you how you can obtain audio and video recordings from breakout sessions.

In 1998, Frank Salvo left his career as head of an X-ray technologist and, incredibly, parlayed his talents into the creation of a AAA 4-Diamond bed & breakfast, the 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage of Asheville, North Carolina. Get to know Frank in the most current 'Meet the Innkeeper' profile.