Some of our guests have been a little confused over the difference between a B&B and an Hotel.

This is taken from Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay British Bed and Breakfast, 4th Edition.

How to Use B&B's

After carefully reading the write up, we hope that you will find yourself in a B&B that you like. The host are all different, but if you treat them with the kindness and humanity that you reserve for your own friends you cannot go far wrong. Some will give you space and privacy, others may include you in family life, some have a fireside just for you, others a kitchen table bustling with activity that you can't resist.

Remember where you are. You are visiting someone's home, not a hotel. Most of your requests will be met, but do not treat the owners like staff. Your bed may be made for you and your bathroom cleaned daily, but do not expect it. If you are staying more than one night and you would prefer your room left undisturbed while you are out, just say so. Ask your hosts if you would like fresh towels or your bin emptied.

Arriving and leaving. We cringe when we hear of owners wanting guests to arrive late and leave early. We do not condone this, but understand their irritation, too, if guests push the boundaries of the bed and breakfast `contract`. If you plan to relax in the garden with a book or would like to play tennis or swim in the day, just ask when booking if it will be a problem. If it is, you can look for somewhere more accommodating of your needs. Someone did once say:
“Some people can stay longer in a day than others do in a week”. We are sure that applies to none of our readers.

Many thanks to Sawday’s for the use of this text.