Guest House an Enjoyable Alternative to a Bed and Breakfast

About the Author: Pat Schulte, I have traveled the country and stayed at many Bed and Breakfast Inns. Now I prefer Guest Houses mainly for the privacy they offer. I have in fact opened a small cottage called Doyle, www.doylecottage.com, and have furnished it with the amenities I enjoy when we travel.


     Guest Houses, what a great alternative to the Bed and Breakfast. A Guest House is and can be very similar to a Bed and Breakfast. Similar in the fact that you usually deal with a private owner, not a huge hotel/motel chain with an employee sitting at the front desk. The owners at most B&B's are very friendly, likewise as with the Guest House owners. They offer the personal service much lacking in the hotel environment. However, with the B&B, the owner usually lives on the premises whereas, the Guest House owner lives off the premises making the guest a little more relaxed.
     Staying at a Bed and Breakfast most times you share one or more of the amenities offered. These amenities could be the gathering areas such as the family room, living room, library, porches, patios, driveways and sometimes the bathrooms. The Guest House is much more private as you are the only occupant. Nothing to share, such as a computer, television, or just sitting on the screened porch in your robe if you want to, having the entire home to yourself and your family for the length of time you have rented it.
     As for the breakfast part of the Bed & Breakfast, it is usually very good offering a gourmet designed egg dish along with all the accompanying meats, fruits and muffins. The kitchens are usually reserved for the owners or hired help to prepare the meal. The Guest house offers a kitchen many equipped with everything you would need to prepare your own meal. Granted when you're on vacation you might not want to always fix a meal, but if you have special needs, or maybe affordability by making your own meals this is an excellent option.
     Guest services can be similar, the B&B's might change your bed linens daily, many do not. Usually fresh towels are offered. The Guest House comes equipped with fresh linens, towels usually for two to three days then they will come by and clean and replenish. Usually anything you need is just a phone call away while staying at the house.
Cost can be similar but with the Bed and Breakfast you get a bedroom, possibly a suite, but everything else is shared. The Guest House you enjoy the entire home.
     Now I understand the premise of the B&B is to socialize, get to know your fellow travelers, which at times can be enjoyable. But sometimes it is wonderful to have the total peace and solitude of a home away from home like a Guest House. They are a great alternative to the Bed and Breakfast.