by Peggy Tee

Created on: August 14, 2011   Last Updated: August 15, 2011

If you're traveling around the United Kingdom and looking for suitable accommodation, nothing beats a genuine B&B or bed and breakfast. Filled with character, homely touches and a warm welcome, bed and breakfast accommodation is a far cry from the soulless surrounds of a chain hotel. They are also often better appointed, located centrally and best of all, value for money.

Breakfast included

The term B&B means that breakfast is provided as part of the price. B&B's started off as small lodging houses which did not cater for other meals, unlike the inns of yesteryear, where full board was expected. In the UK, B&B's can also mean rooms that come with a small kitchenette, equipped with a kettle, fridge and stove for self-catering. Breakfast can be a continental affair of pastries and coffee, or more likely, a full English fry up, with eggs, bacon, toast, beans, mushrooms and black pudding.

Small establishment

Bed and breakfasts are often private homes which are open to guests. Most B&Bs have less than ten rooms, and the owner can sometimes live on the premises. Bed and breakfasts are family operated and owned, and guests are put up in private rooms. Some B&Bs may only offer shared bathrooms, so check beforehand if you prefer private facilities, called "en suites". Standard B&B rooms will come with a washbasin within the room, but you will have to share the bathroom, which is usually located down the hall, with other guests. B&Bs will not offer conference rooms, printing or other business facilities, nor will they have a gym or a pool for their guests. Some B&Bs may come with wireless internet.

Big on local knowledge...

Perhaps the best facet of staying at a bed and breakfast is the local knowledge available to you.The owners of B&Bs take pride in their establishment, town and area, and are the best guides to what is going on, local events, best sights and tips. There is also the irreplaceable personal touch at B&Bs that bigger hotels are unable to provide. Owners of B&Bs tend to offer consistent, high-quality service.

...small on price

B&Bs, like hotels, vary widely on price. High end B&Bs can often cost as much, or more, as luxury hotels. Deluxe B&B rooms may have antique furniture or spa baths, which will increase the price significantly. However if you choose to stay at mid-range B&Bs, you will find pleasant rooms, often appointed with comfortable, homely touches within old, historic buildings for much less than at a chain hotel. If you travel during the winter, the fireplaces will be crackling warmly and your host will likely have tea or coffee facilities, as well as a freshly baked homemade loaf of bread or slice of cake to offer you. These personal touches are what makes B&Bs such great value.

In conclusion, you can expect hospitality, individual rooms, personal attention and a more local experience from a bed and breakfast than you would receive if you simply stayed at a hotel. In the United Kingdom, B&Bs are considered a good alternative option to accommodation. They offer much more than just breakfast; they are also value for money, are more charming and are as comfortable as hotels. 

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