I’ve never stayed at a bed & breakfast and I’m curious whether B&Bs have a receptions or front desk clerk?
J. Grand Rapids, MB.
We’d say the answer is no, not at a traditional bed & breakfast. You might find a larger property that calls itself a bed & breakfast with a front desk or receptionist; however, B&Bs are small and run by the innkeepers who are also usually the owners. Your innkeepers or hosts can handle everything and more than a front desk person could do for you. Because it’s their business, they care very
much about your stay and have a personal interest in seeing that your needs are met. If this means you want privacy, they will give it to you. And if it means you want help with dinner reservations, they are usually happy to oblige (and will know the best places in town to suggest – plus they might have a little local influence when snagging a hard-to-get reservation). Because there is no 24-hour desk staff, it’s best to make your reservations online; when calling to make reservations or ask questions, try between 10:30am and 9pm.
Since a bed & breakfast is someone’s home, is it possible that I will encounter their pets? I’m not afraid to admit that I’m not an animal lover, and I don’t want a dog begging for food when I’m trying to eat breakfast.
Tom, Ocean City, NJ
This is a great question and a good one to ask the innkeepers if you don’t like pets or if you are allergic.
Yes, many innkeepers do have pets at the inn. For instance, at some inns the pets are allowed to interact with guests, and we find that they are very upfront about where their pets can and cannot be. While at other inns the pets are strictly kept in the owners’ quarters. At many inns the pets have become the mascots and greeters, although they are quickly pulled away from guests who do not appreciate the greeting. If the innkeepers don’t pick up on your preference, or desire not to interact with their pet,
you should let them know right away.
Inns E-Magazine | Fall 2013 | 19