Bed and Breakfast Myths Busted: A Better Way To Stay

[Atlantic Birches Inn - Ray Deleo]

Are you afraid of staying in a B&B because you not sure what to expect? According to Research Surveys by (Bed and Breakfast.comand the Professional Association of International Innkeepers) they say that B&Bs and Country Inns are sorely misunderstood. That’s why we here at the Atlantic Birches Inn are would like to explain why B&Bs are the Better Way to Stay verses your traditional Hotel or Motel. Most Gen X and Gen Y travelers think B&Bs are for Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens. Let us bust some of those myths and see why the B&B experience is the Better Way to Stay. You will see right at Check-In that we are here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, want you to have a great time, and want you to come back. We are ambassadors to the state of Maine, Old Orchard Beach, and the surrounding towns and businesses.

You have to share a bathroom with other guests. Not True
This Old Orchard Beach Lodging offers separate bathrooms in each guestroom. There are no shared bathrooms here. Our bathrooms have either a traditional bathtub with shower, claw-foot soaking tub or over sized shower stalls.

B&Bs have curfew set by the innkeepers that you must abide to. Not True
One of the most common myths of B&Bs is that there is a curfew. At the Atlantic Birches Inn a Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast guests have front door keys to the cottage and main house, and guest room doors. This provides guests with the flexibility to come and go as they please.

There is no privacy at a B&B. Not True
Your room should be quiet and free from interruption. Guests are not forced to interact with other guests, nor will you have to sit down with the innkeeper and chat about running the Inn. At most Inns, you may be able to go through your entire stay without ever seeing any other guests or speaking with other guests. We as Innkeepers are very concerned with our guests’ privacy and do everything they can to respect it. We are always here to help with diner recommendations reccommend

You have to eat breakfast at a long dining table with total strangers Not True 
Guests get to chose where to sit. Guests that have come to the inn to socialize can do so at the big table. Or guests who seek privacy may sit at one of the intimate two person tables in the dining rooms front porches, garden gazebo, pool area or picnic tables scattered on the lawn

A B&B is just someone’s home where they rent out rooms to make extra money. Not True
Bed and breakfasts are often mistaken for home stays or vacation rentals. In fact, a B&B is a real business. The State of Maine requires a B&B to have a business license, Health Code inspection and insurance for the Inn. Plus they must meet all state and local fire/safety codes and, are also required to successfully complete a food manager’s certification course to ensure safety standards when preparing and serving breakfast.

You are forced to socialize with strangers. Not True
Guests can enjoy a cocktail and the view of the ocean or watch the world go by from one of the 2 spacious front porches, the Cottage deck or our garden gazebo. The relaxed and fun atmosphere makes for the perfect social setting. We offer a fun and comfortable poolside setting where guests can enjoy a beer or cocktail while lounging around the pool.

Innkeepers hover and make you feel like you are being watched. Not True
They are there when you need them, but otherwise keep busy behind the scenes while respecting your privacy. Just like the best five-star hotels.

B&Bs don’t offer any modern facilities or amenities. Not True
The Atlantic Birches Inn puts this myth to shame with its heated pool, free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the property, expanded continental breakfast, telephones, clock radio, desk, hair dryers, common refrigerators, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, blackout shades, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea, beach chairs, pool and beach towels .

B&Bs are not for business travelers. Not True
Twenty-Five percent of guests that stay at our Old Orchard Beach Inn are business travelers. Parking, wireless Internet, fax machine, copier, and non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast, express checkout, breakfast brown bags to go, are all included in the room rate. The inn serves breakfast as early as 6:30 am upon request and allows check in as late as 10pm. The innkeepers can arrange for an airport pick up, you can use the lnns living room as a meeting room and have your business meetings over breakfast in the dining room.

B&Bs are for Baby Boomers and all have lace doilies, paisley wallpaper, antiques, patchwork quilts, floral décor. Not True 

Victorian B&Bs, like Atlantic Birches Inn offer a mix of individually decorated rooms with a variety of décor from Victorian to modern to appeal to a variety of travelers’ tastes. For those that prefer the traditional B&B décor I would suggest a room in the Victorian Main House or for those that looking for that modern appeal I would suggest the Cottage rooms with a Seashore nautical theme.

B&Bs do not accept credit cards for payment and have very strict cancellations policies. Not True
The cancellation policies vary, but are the same or more lenient then hotel\motel cancellation policies. Unlike hotels, many B&Bs will provide a credit for a future stay in the event that you need to cancel last minute. Most B&Bs accept credit cards for payment, but some will not accept Amex or Discover because of their high transaction processing rates.

B&Bs are for couples only. Not True
While all B&Bs have some romantic aspect to it, the Atlantic Birches Inn specializes to other aspects of travel. You’ll find that this Old Orchard Beach Accommodation can cater to business travelers, families with children, small weddings, honeymoons, wedding showers, vow renewals, anniversaries, elopements, marriage proposals, babymooner getaways, family reunions, ladies weekends, vacations, staycations, mancations, romantic getaways, family holiday gatherings, and weekend getaways at the beach. We welcome well behaved children

[Sam Scribe]

I often stay at B&Bs, so I know all this. Glad you're putting it out there so other people can transcend the old stereotypes.