BedandBreakfast.com - Worldwide directory of Bed and Breakfasts and Inns

Collingwood Inn, Ferndale, CA

It's hard to make up rules about inns, because it's their individuality that makes them special. In general, we look for inns that are:

Owner-operated: No one gives better advice about the area or can deal with problems quicker than a resident owner/innkeeper.
Value: Whether you're paying $100 a night or $500, you want to feel like you're getting your money's worth.
Distinctiveness: Unlike motel chains which advertise "no surprises" the best B&Bs are a delicious balance of the personal warmth of the innkeepers, the style and comfort of their inn, and the appeal of the setting itself.
Appropriateness: If you want a romantic getaway, don't select an inn that caters to children; if it's a family vacation, make sure kids are welcomed with age-appropriate facilities and activities.
Personal style: Call innkeepers and check out their websites to see if their style and yours are a good fit.

Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards 2004

The Sallerhof Pension, Salzburg, Austria

BedandBreakfast.com launched the first web-based awards program for inns in October, 2003. In just six months, more than 16,000 votes were cast by inngoers in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards. After all votes were checked for validity, the results show that wonderful B&Bs are found throughout the world, and come in all shapes, styles, and sizes.

Best Overall -- International

The Sallerhof, Salzburg, Austria: A delightful pension located in the cultural capital of Europe. Best known for its beautiful surroundings, personalized service, and cultural tour packages.

Best Overall - United States

Woolverton Inn, Stockton, NJ: A beautifully appointed stone manor offering distinctive elegance and amenities, minutes from New Hope, PA. An ideal choice for a romantic getaway, and an easy drive from many Northeastern cities.
Queen Anne B&B, Galveston, TX: Regal accommodations in walking distance of the historic Galveston Strand. The stained glass windows, inlaid wood floors and exquisite antiques make this B&B distinctive.
Collingwood Inn, Ferndale, CA: A historic Victorian featuring four individually appointed guest rooms and scenic gardens, ideal for weddings.
Garth Woodside Mansion, Hannibal, MO: Steeped in Mark Twain history, this antique-filled mansion on a gorgeous 39-acre estate offers the ideal romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon setting.
The Empress of Little Rock, Little Rock, AR: The only four-diamond rated inn in Arkansas, this Victorian mansion comes complete with a secret watch tower in the turret, and candlelit breakfasts.
Cordials Bed and Breakfast, New Hope, PA: Superb hospitality highlights this six guest-room inn in the heart of New Hope's restaurant and shopping district.
Eastman Inn, North Conway, NH: Offering Southern hospitality with New England flair, this 1777 Georgian Colonial B&B offers antique soaking tubs and modern whirlpools, fireplaces, and private balconies, convenient to North Conway's famous shopping district.
Notchland Inn, Harts Location, NH: This granite mansion is located on a 100-acre estate in the heart of the White Mountains. Guest rooms feature private fireplaces, many with whirlpool tubs. Enjoy gourmet breakfast and dinner daily.
La Maison Marigny, New Orleans, LA: Ideally situated for all New Orleans offers, this luxuriously appointed 1898 house is the only B&B on world-famous Bourbon Street, and is just five minutes from the antiques on Royal Street or museums and shopping in Jackson Square.
Mountain Thyme, Jessieville AR: Located in foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, near Hot Springs, and designed and built by inn travelers, this B&B offers modern amenities and old-fashioned country hospitality.

Themed Category Winners

Best Breakfast: Collingwood Inn, Ferndale, CA

Best Hospitality: Eastman Inn, North Conway, NH

Best Service: Raven Haven, Mentone, AL

Most Pet Friendly B&B: Lodge at Sedona, Sedona, AZ

Most Romantic B&B: Casa de la Paz Bayfront B&B, St. Augustine, FL

Voting has already begun for the 2005 Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards. Each person may vote for their favorite B&B once in each category, but changes can be made throughout the voting process, if inngoers find new favorites for these distinctions. The voting will end April 30, 2005, and winners will be by announced June 1, 2005.