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Bed & Breakfast Bonuses II

Mini-Bar

Hotel: Mini-bars are stocked with tempting treats, from candies to potato chips to soda to little packets of aspirin. While convenient, prices are usually double or triple their costs in a nearby convenience store.
B&B: Many B&Bs stock soft drinks, coffee and tea makings, wine & beer, snacks, fresh fruit, cookies, candies, evening desserts, and sherry in a guest pantry, dining room, and occasionally right in guest suites. These treats are usually free, but occasionally guests are asked (on the honor system) to contribute a small amount ($.50-$1) per item to cover costs.

Concierge

Hotel: Concierge services are usually available only at luxury hotels; tips are appropriate and encouraged.
B&B: Innkeepers are generally willing and able to provide concierge services, i.e. restaurant & theater reservations, advice on the best locations for shopping, antiquing, hiking, and so on, plus assistance in renting bicycles, canoes, kayaks, etc. Tips are unnecessary and would not usually be accepted.

Amenities


Hotel: Extras like movies and faxes can quickly add $10-20 to your bill.
B&B: Many B&Bs have a video library that you are welcome to use for free. Innkeepers will typically send or receive a 2-3 page fax for you for free, or at a modest cost.

Bellman

Hotel: Although travelers are often forced to lug their luggage from bus to airport to bus to car unassisted, hotel bellmen are apparently instructed assume that travelers are incapable of carrying their bags a short distance from the curb to the reception desk to their room. While the assistance may be welcome, the constant tipping can be onerous.
B&B: The "bellman" at most B&Bs is likely to be the innkeeper, so no tipping is required. Most innkeepers are happy to assist you with luggage, but typically expect guests to lend a hand with the bags. If you can't carry heavy things, don't be shy about asking for help -- but remember to pack light, as well.


Parking

Hotel:  Many hotels charge $15-20 ( or more) a day for valet parking; the free or reduced rate parking may be agood walk from the lobby.

B&B: Parking is free at B&Bs, although the number of spaces may be limited in some areas.

In conclusion, while luxury B&Bs are not cheap, they are often a far better value than a hotel with the same room rate.  If you place a value on all the "free" benefits included  in the cost of your stay at a bed and breakfast inn, you'll be surprised how much you're really getting.