Recently we were asked for alternatives to hotels for business travelers.  That’s a no-brainer for those that know that inns and B&Bs are the better way to stay. From the free hot and hearty breakfast to conference facilities and more, here are 5 reasons why B&Bs make a great alternative to hotels for business travelers:

 Complimentary breakfast

No need to spend that per diem money on breakfast.  It’s complimentary, hearty and home cooked at inns and B&Bs.  Have an early morning meeting?  No worries, just tell the innkeeper and they’ll fix a to-go breakfast or schedule yours when you need it.  Have special dietary restrictions?  No problem! Your innkeeper can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar, you name it! But don’t forget to mention it the night before, so the innkeeper can prepare the kind of breakfast you prefer!

Corporate rates & facilities

Many inns and B&Bs offer corporate rates for business travelers.  However, you must ask for the corporate rate when booking.  If  business travelers need the breakfast fee pulled out of the rate because food and lodging must be separately accounted for, simply ask the innkeeper to help with this. Additionally, there are plenty of inns and B&Bs that make the perfect location for corporate retreats.  From inviting a business colleague to breakfast to holding a multi-day conference, inns and B&Bs throughout the country offer personalized service and excellent facilities for small conferences.

Amenities galore, no extra fees!

Stay at an inn or B&B and say good bye to exorbitant mini-bar charges, wi-fi fees, safe fees and resort fees.  You’ll find guest pantries stocked with soft drinks, coffee, teas and snacks.  You’ll often find complimentary afternoon or evening refreshments offered to guests too.  You’ll always find free parking, and you’ll always find the light on and someone to greet you by name when you return home (depending on what time you get home – remember your innkeeper’s up at 5am to prepare your breakfast!).

Security

If you don’t come home, heaven forbid, you will be missed.  Unlike the impersonal hotel, your innkeeper will miss you if you don’t show up at breakfast.  This is a comforting thought especially for women business travelers who travel alone at night.  Just the fact that there’s someone to greet you with a warm hello when you arrive or at breakfast the next morning is a huge plus over hotels. And guess what?  They’ll know your name too!

You’ll get a great night sleep! 

Lovely linens, incredibly comfortable beds, even Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces are options at inns and B&Bs who cornered the “Heavenly bed” concept long before hotels snagged it from them.

 Best of all, in a comparison between resort hotels and distinctive inns, we found at least a $150 savings in additional fees and rates for the inngoer.  Between the lower rates and the lack of wi-fi and resort fees, not to mention the cost of breakfast, the inngoer was destined to save at least $150 for a two day stay.  Thus it pays to stay the better way!