What's the Big Deal About Breakfast?

Traditional B&B VS Ordinary Accommodation or Vacation Rental

People love breakfast, especially when someone else makes it for them! How great to roll out of bed to the wafting aromas of fresh coffee, bacon and/or sausages and baked goodies! You don't get that in a vacation rental or hotel room unless someone in your room got up and made it or brought it in for you (or, if you're financially cushioned enough to have a personal chef traveling with you - OMG, I wish!). You only get that at a B&B.

It's not just the mouthwatering smells and the pampered feeling of having that wonderful service; it's "the most important meal of the day" that fuels your bod and gives your day an awesome beginning. Even if you stay at a hotel where breakfast is included you still have to get up, get at least a little bit presentable and get your butt to where those great smells are waiting for you; it's not there in your room, it's not usually convenient at all, it's usually at the end of a line of strangers who have picked over everything available before you get to scavenge through what's left. Most importantly, it's not curated then plated specifically for you and your group, taking into account your allergies, requests and dietary requirements. You only get that at a B&B.

The idea of "bed and breakfast" is a novel one, with a unique and valuable experience and once you've tried it out you'll have a hard time going back to a room-only situation with your accommodation - at least that's been my evolution. Since my 14 years owning/operating a B&B, I like to look for places where breakfast is either included, staying somewhere that actually resembles a true B&B. Sadly, I've noticed that it's becoming harder and harder to find a true B&B, probably due to the demands of "complicated" guests coupled with the costs and regulations associated with operating a food-licensed venue.

Are B&B's Disappearing?

I just finished booking a trip with a friend; we're going to Europe later this spring. In our quest to book B&B's we found that if we wanted our own bathroom with a breakfast provided it would cost us roughly double what we would pay for a private vacation rental with those same amenities (with kitchen but without the breakfast). I was surprised by this, as the last time I made a similar trip, real Bed and Breakfasts were quite readily available for not that much of a price difference. In the end, in 2 different cities we had to book just regular vacation rentals where at least we could have a private bathroom, separate beds and a kitchenette suitable enough to create our own continental breakfasts. And so, on this upcoming trip, despite our attempts to do so and with a bit of disappointment, we will not be staying in any B&B's.

If you want to know an ironic truth about me, even though I'm a master of breakfasts I have the same thing almost every morning; fruit with yoghurt, maybe a chunk of really nice cheese and one perfect cappuccino, no eggs in sight. (I'm actually laughing out loud given that I am the Master of the Egg!) I can't even remember the last time I made a full breakfast.... must have been for my dad on one of his visits last year.

I've noticed that people are using the term "B&B" with a lot less frequency than decades gone past; I even get people telling me my book is about my "AIR B&B" (which totally rubs me the wrong way), like the two terms are interchangeable. This is likely contributing to the demise of the BnB genre, but if people don't actually know the difference then the demise will not even register to them. For my own part, I will remember and continue to try to support B&Bs when I can; I love the comfort of being in someone's home and I love to wake up to those fabulous aromas followed by a fabulous breakfast!

Happy Birthday to a guy who LOVES Breakfast!

So, this guy turned 92 this week and, you can see, he's in good shape and has a healthy appetite... he eats a hearty breakfast every single day (and lunch, dinner and several snacks throughout the day). He and mom traveled extensively and very much enjoyed the great experience of the B&B heydays in their globe-trotting; I wish that culture still existed! I go on a couple of road trips with him every year and when I'm making the bookings, you bet I'm booking into accommodations that include breakfast; he'd have it no other way and takes full advantage and pleasure in the experience.

Happy Birthday Dad!