If you travel, you will someday want to experience a bed-and-breakfast, if you haven’t already. In most cases, a bed-and-breakfast is a wonderful haven worth the money. I have been to several and I can tell you that some don’t supply what they claim.
I recently stayed at one in Ouray, Colorado. It had an inviting exterior. I walked in and it had that old historical look and feel. I walked into our room and it had historical nostalgia. Right down to the two prong outlets (which were few). It was a challenge to accommodate our electrical needs. The bed wobbled both sleepers when one moved, so we didn’t get quality sleep. So, we needed naps in the afternoon. (I didn’t mind taking a nap). The shower had no place to store soap and had little, itsy bitsy, tiny bars of soap provided. Which doesn’t bother us since we usually bring our own. These are things you adjust to. What is hard to accept is the false write-ups and lack of updates on their web pages. We stayed in room #3 which was clearly room #6 on their site. This place claimed a wine garden with wine tasting every evening and a place to get food. And yes, they provide this during certain times of the year. That time frame wasn’t something I noticed looking at their site. The guest kitchen was also the family’s kitchen. Awkward! Especially when you came into the kitchen for your morning coffee and they treat you like an intruding stranger. But, I found the place to be clean and well cared for.
On this same trip, I experienced one of those excellent bed-and-breakfast finds that make you want to stay at a bed-and-breakfast all the time. It had modern plug-ins with USB capability and that old home history charm. The caretakers were pleasant and the rooms tastefully historic and comfortable. The breakfast was something out of a magazine and delicious. They were every bit what they said they were, and more, a wonderful stay.
So, when looking for a bed-and-breakfast, keep in mind that advertisements are just that. Some update their sites and advertise what they provide clearly. Some let you search and find what time of the year they offer things like wine tasting. But always remember when you arrive to enjoy what you can!
Katherine Murie Webster 