Recently the Y-Partnership, experts in travel research, revealed the results of a survey showing that 13% of leisure travelers opted to stay at inns and B&Bs in the past year.  In a recent blog post entitled To B&B, or Not, travel expert and Y-Partnership partner Peter Yesawich shared findings from the 2011 Portrait Of American Travelers™.  According to Yesawich, 1/8 (13%) American leisure travelers tried a B&B or inn at least once during the previous year. The study reveals that travelers who try B&Bs increased to 1/6 (17%) among travelers with an annual household income of $125,000 or more.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this study comes with the revelation that a remarkable 8/10 (79%) leisure travelers expressed interest in staying at a B&B during the year ahead.  That’s music to the ears of the Better Way To Stay campaign!

Why is the notion of an inn or B&B so appealing? Not surprisingly, it’s the lure of their distinctive ambiance according to Yesawich.  When asked why they patronized B&Bs and inns, Yesawich revealed that leisure travelers who visited inns and B&Bs did so during the previous year citing reasons ranging from the personalized service delivered by innkeepers, to the social aspects and “home-cooked food” as revealed by the results of the research below:

According to Yesawich “Among leisure travelers who express interest in staying at a B&B or inn on a future trip, the home-like ambiance and amenities they expect to find in these properties are the primary reasons why:

The Y-Partnership research corresponds with studies from BedandBreakfast.com and PAII, indicating that personalized service, comfortable surroundings, and added value drive the decision to choose a B&B.

Yet interestingly enough the Yesawich study did not reveal the ages for those responding to the survey.  While baby boomers make up the majority of inn-goers today, the second largest group opting for the B&B experience are Gen-X and Gen-Y travelers, according to BedandBreakfast.com research.  Recently this review for the Adobe Nido B&B was posted on TripAdvisor, indicating what 20-something travelers love about B&Bs:

“Quaint, Eclectic, and Welcoming”, Reviewed July 5, 2011

Wow! My husband and I just returned from a two-night stay at the Adobe Nido. Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. Our experience, as a whole, couldn’t have been any better. The conversations, breakfast, environment, location, room, etc., were all enjoyable. My husband and I are in our early twenties, so we weren’t totally sure if a B&B would be up our alley, but . . . adios hotels. The Adobe Nido was eclectic, unique, and perfect for heading anywhere in and around Albuquerque. Thanks so much Sarah and Rol! We can’t wait to return.

Bottom line: The buzz word in travel today is value, and travelers are discovering that inns and B&Bs offer just the kind of personalized experience, ambiance and added value they seek.  All those who’ve never tried it should try the B&B experience.  Like those visiting the Adobe Nido B&B, you’ll soon be hooked.