Bed & Breakfast Bonuses

An article published by About.com noted: "Checking out of some hotel rooms can give a you a serious case of sticker shock. With taxes, room service, phone charges and other 'hidden' fees, that $199 deal you booked online can turn into a $379 bill, literally overnight."

It's worth comparing the difference between hotels and B&Bs in what's typically included in the cost of an overnight stay. Although every B&B is different, most of the extra charges you'd encounter at a hotel are free at a bed and breakfast inn.

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 & breakfast inn, you'll be surprised how much you're really getting.

Telephone Charges

Hotel: Many hotels charge 50 or 75 cents for local and toll-free calls; long-distance rates are astronomical.
B&B: Local and toll-free calls are free at almost every B&B; guests are usually asked to use a calling card for long-distance calls, and some innkeepers will even sell you a calling card at cost. Many B&Bs do not have in-room telephones. Although most travelers prefer to use their cell phones, be sure to check with the innkeeper if you’re going to a rural area, where cell-phone service may be spotty.

Internet Access

Hotel: Luxury hotels typically charge around $10 daily for Internet access; many budget-oriented motel chains offer free access in their guest rooms and common areas.
B&B: Most B&Bs now offer free WiFi if they are located in an area where high-speed Internet access via cable or DSL is available.

Breakfast

Hotel: At a luxury hotel, breakfast costs $7 to $30 per person; moderately priced motels often offer a free self-serve breakfast with disposable plates and cutlery.
B&B: Most B&Bs provide a free full breakfast, usually including fresh fruit and juice, main dish with breakfast meats, plus home-baked muffins, often served on elegant china and silver.

Room Service

Hotel: Room service meals (with added service and delivery charges) are usually double or triple the cost of eating in a local coffee shop or restaurant.
B&B: Although B&Bs don't offer room service, some will serve breakfast in your room, usually included in the room rate, or for a small extra charge. A few will serve a special-occasion dinner in your suite. Some will allow you (upon request) to have a meal delivered, to be enjoyed in the inn's common area, or in your room, if an appropriate dining area is available; this service is normally free.

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 and 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 and 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 to $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 two- to three-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 to $20 (or more) a day for valet parking; the free or reduced rate parking may be a good walk from the lobby.
B&B: Parking is free at B&Bs, although the number of spaces may be limited in some areas.

The View

Hotel: For a room with a view, whether it’s a city panorama or one of the ocean, guests typically pay a premium; standard rooms may overlook the parking lot or the lobby roof.
B&B: Most B&Bs take pride in offering magnificent views from all of the guestrooms. Your windows may overlook manicured gardens, mountains or your own personal patio.