One of the benefits of staying at a bed and breakfast is you will enjoy accommodations unlike those you might find at a chain motel or hotel. Every bed and breakfast is unique, and every one offers you a different travel experience. Our BBAV innkeepers look forward to hosting you when you visit them in Virginia. If this is your first time spending a night or two at a B&B, please let us to offer you a few comments and suggestions so you can have the best experience.

Choosing the RIGHT  B&B for YOU!

Ask Questions BEFORE Booking a Room

Visit the B&B’s website or look in on line directories and reviews,  but always call the innkeeper to get unanswered questions taken care of before you book. They would be happy to talk with you and will make sure your plans work with their inn. Here are some areas you might think about:

• SMOKING:
  If you are allergic to smoke, is the inn smoke-free? If you are a smoker, are smoking rooms available? If the B&B only allows smoking outside or off-premises, it is important that you understand that restriction. In some states and municipalities,  fire law forbids any smoking anywhere inside the B&B. If you must be able to smoke inside, you should choose alternate accommodations.
• CANCELLATION POLICY:
  What is the cancellation policy? It is not unusual for a B&B to require at least 7 days notice for a cancellation without charge, and the notice period may be even longer. Some B&Bs charge an administrative fee for a cancellation, regardless of timing or re-booking of the room. B&Bs and small inns generally book specific rooms for specific guests, and do not overbook rooms in order to fill in last-minute cancellations or no-shows, as many hotels do. A cancellation even a day or two in advance often means the B&B will lose the income from that room for the cancelled nights.
• RATES:
  What is the room rate? In the U.S. Rates are based on double occupancy, two persons to a room. Additional fees are applied for extra persons in the room. Generally, room rates are quoted without taxes included, and taxes may vary around the state. Be sure to ask what tax rate will apply if you are concerned.
• RESERVATIONS:
  Are reservations required in advance? It is always a good idea to call ahead. Some B&Bs require an advance deposit and some cannot accept credit cards for payment. Some inns are not open all year, so check on availability before you leave on your trip.
• CHECK IN:
  What time is check-in? Small B & B's do not run a 24-hour front desk, so check-in times may be less flexible than at a hotel. What time is check-out on your departure date? Again, this may be somewhat inflexible, as B&Bs generally have little to no cleaning staff and need to prepare rooms for their next guests.
• CHILDREN ?:
  B&Bs tend to be individually decorated by their owners with quality furniture, artwork, and antiques and are not usually child proof. Well behaved children are nevertheless welcome at some B&Bs, while some have certain age restrictions regarding children. Some do not accept any children at all. If you are traveling with children, it is always wise to ask about any reservations that involve more than the usual "double occupancy" standard. Parents are responsible at all times for the actions of their children.
• PETS:
  Most B&Bs do not accept pets, due to the effect on other guests with allergies. Those that do may have special policies regarding the size of the pet or damage deposits, extra fees, and specific rooms in which pets are welcome . Please let the innkeeper know at the time you make the reservation if you are traveling with a pet.
• ACCESSIBILITY:
  Most B&Bs will not be "Handicap Accessible," or will have limited rooms that are, so definitely inquire ahead of time if this is a necessity. If stairs would be a problem, this should also be addressed, since ground floor rooms may not always be available.
• MEALS:
  Breakfast is generally included in the room rate – it can range anywhere from a continental (baked goods, coffee, juice) to a full gourmet breakfast. What time is breakfast, and what might be on the menu? If you have any diet limitations, like allergies to certain foods or restrictions on eating meat, be sure to mention them to the innkeeper. Most often one entrée is served at breakfast for all the guests, so giving the innkeeper advance notice of dietary restrictions will insure that your breakfast needs are met. Most B&Bs serve you in a family style dining room table , some may have small tables for couples, offer a buffet, and some may even offer breakfast in your room. Ask, don't assume.
• BATHROOMS:
  While most B & B's have guest rooms with private bathrooms, there are some inns that may have baths next door to the room or down the hall. There are still some inns, though few, which have shared baths. Please be sure to ask what to expect if it is important to you.
• BEDS:
  What size are the beds? If you need a king bed, or two beds, make sure to request them. B&Bs have fewer rooms than hotels, and generally fewer rooms with king beds or two beds. Once you book a specific room, it will be difficult to switch rooms due to limited availability.
• AMENITIES:
  What is available in terms of TVs, VCR/DVDs, telephones, Internet or computer access? Ask the innkeeper to be sure your room will have the facilities you'll need. Many B&Bs like to help you ‘get away from it all’ by offering a guest room designed for relaxation and intimacy rather than intrusions from the outside world. On the other hand, if you're traveling on business, in-room telephone / Internet / TV access may be essential for you.

For other advice for first-time inn-goers, read Sandy Soule’s Tips at Bedandbreakfast.com or these FAQs from Elizabeth Arneson at About.com.

B&B Etiquette

Some first-time guests may be unsure about what is expected when staying at a B&B. Innkeepers usually excel at making you feel comfortable and at home, both with your  B&B and with the surrounding area.

• Courtesy and mutual respect is the best mode of operation between the innkeeper and guest as well as between the guests themselves.
• If you have arranged for a specific check-in time, please arrive close to it or call ahead to make alternative arrangements.
• Behave as you would like other guests to behave around you. A B&B is most likely not an appropriate place for a noisy party, and sound may carry easily in the hallways among the bedrooms so be mindful of your noise level when coming and going from the inn during resting hours in the evening and early morning.
• If you stay at a B&B where you share a bath, it should be left the way you would like to find it.
• When you check in, you want the rooms clean and fresh--and the innkeepers do too--just for you.
• Guests should not use any other bathroom or borrow amenities, even if the door is open and the room is not occupied, because it has been readied for the next guests.

You’ll find staying at one of our BBAV "Inspected & Approved" Member Inns  is a wonderful experience. If you want to see some of the criteria which is used when BBAV inspects it's inns, click here to view our inspection checklist.

Read their policies, ask the questions, and you’ll soon feel at home. Take the time during your stay to meet new friends, enjoy the exceptional hospitality of the innkeeper, and experience the local flavor. You’re sure to love it so much that you’ll become a regular B&B traveler.

ENJOY YOUR VISIT!