It’s Better to Seek the Unique: Why Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Posted: Wed-May-2021

I don’t know that I could recall a single detail about the last hotel I stayed at, aside from the name and whether or not I enjoyed my stay. However, ask me about a B&B I stayed at five years ago and you’ll get every last detail, from the complimentary blueberry scones that were melt-in-your-mouth delicious to the name of the host’s childhood pet. Okay, so that last bit may be a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.

Perhaps you’ve always wondered, what’s the difference between a hotel and a bed and breakfast? The answer is simple: At a hotel, you are a paying customer. At a bed and breakfast, you are a treasured guest. Behind every bed and breakfast is a prideful owner who loves what they do. This person will learn your name, cook you breakfast, and go the extra mile throughout your stay to ensure that your experience is everything you dreamt it would be. 

If you’re looking for the most authentic way to experience Wisconsin, staying at a bed and breakfast is an absolute must. There are tons of reasons why you should consider a Wisconsin B&B for your next stay, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks.

Here are the top 5 reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast:

1. No two bed and breakfast homes are the same.

Many people stick to the same hotel brand time and time again because it’s consistent; they know what to expect. While it will satisfy them each time, it will never ‘wow’ them. Alternatively, each bed and breakfast you come across has its own distinct personality and history. Not only is each B&B totally different from the last, but many have different themes in every room to provide each guest with a completely unique experience.

toll house bed and breakfast manitowoc wisconsin

Toll House B&B, Manitowoc

2. You get personal attention at a bed and breakfast.

Unlike at hotels where you can barely get the attention of the staff, B&B innkeepers are notoriously gracious hosts. Because bed and breakfasts are typically much smaller than hotels, the innkeepers pay much closer attention to each individual guest. You can always count on B&B innkeepers to answer any questions you may have, provide local recommendations on things to do, and make you feel right at home.  And, yet, privacy of their guests is also respected and understood.

Speckled Hen Bed and Breakfast

The Speckled Hen Inn, Madsion

3. You can relax.

Have you ever walked down to the hotel pool for a peaceful afternoon in the sun, only to find that it’s overrun with dozens of having fun but loud none-the-less, children? Not exactly the most serene of settings. Because bed and breakfasts cater to far fewer guests than hotels, you’re guaranteed a more relaxing stay. Additionally, many B&Bs feature cozy patios and serene gardens on-site to provide a more tranquil atmosphere for guests.

Lake Ripley Lodge bed and breakfast Grand Porch

Lake Ripley Lodge B&B, Cambridge

4. The breakfast is glorious.

They don’t call it a bed and breakfast for nothing! I have many not-so-fond memories of hotel breakfasts that consisted of pre-packaged yogurt, stale bagels, and—if I was lucky—some rubbery eggs. However, bed and breakfasts are a totally different story. Breakfast is made fresh, home-cooked, and crafted with local ingredients. Goodbye stale bagels, hello crispy bacon and freshly made French toast!  

A breakfast arrangement at a bed and breakfast
5. Extras are included in your bed and breakfast stay.

So you booked a $40 hotel room, only to get the bill and find that you’ve been charged an additional $50 for “extras” like breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. We’ve all been there! At bed and breakfasts, these sorts of extras are included with the agreed upon price. Because the top priority of a B&B is to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, innkeepers go above and beyond for their guests. In addition to the usual extras, many B&Bs offer unique amenities like plush robes, snacks, and a complimentary wine reception.  

If you value special treatment, beautiful spaces, home-cooked breakfasts, and thoughtful recommendations on local activities, then bed and breakfasts are the right choice for you. Seek the unique and stay at a Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association member inn! They are all licensed, inspected, and insured, so you can be rest-assured a great stay!

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Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

 

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