Bed & Breakfast Experiences?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Have you ever taken teenagers to a bed and breakfast?
We are planning to take our then 14 yo & 18 yo on a weekend a trip. DH wanted to try a bed and breakfast instead of staying at a Holiday Inn Express. However, I'm finding it difficult to locate one that has enough beds in one room/cottage for four. Then, when I found one, it had a caveat that implied anyone under 15 wasn't really welcome. 

Is that how you interpret this?

Children



The Inn is an adult getaway. Anyone under 15 years old is considered a child at the Inn. The private Bella Luna Cottage located on the grounds of the Inn is a wonderful place for families.


I don't want to spend the money on something like this and then find out that they don't like the existence of my children when we arrive. 
I'll email them, but I'm curious about this group's experiences with this type of situation.

[zibazinski]

Id say if your kid is quiet and well behaved then fine. I go to B and B's because, one, I like them over hotels, and two, I don't want to see or hear a kid on the premises. I've been to one kid friendly one, in Savannah. Brought the kids twice. First time it had twin beds connected to a room with a queen. Second time we stayed, there was a special third floor room with amazing bunk beds created out of wood by the owner. A fantasy bed/bedroom/land for children. Awesome.

[gregintenn]

I don't enjoy sharing meals and bathrooms with strangers. Sometimes you meet great people, and sometimes you meet a--holes. A bed and breakfast is a crapshoot in my opinion.

[Tiny]

I don't have kids and I've never been to a B&B.


I suspect that your 14yo in company with adults (the rest of you) will most likely be acting like an adult and not be exhibiting the same kind of behaviors they might if they were with a group of 14yo's or younger kids.     I'd email just to make sure what kind of environment this B&B is... is it filled with boring (to kids) antiques and/or boring (to kids) themed rooms?   What's on the menu?  Stuff that makes typical kids go " EWWW!!! that's not food!!!"  but that adults enjoy?  Will there be wine tastings or "ice breaker" types of conversations that are interesting to adults at the communial dinners but that kids might find tedious?

Is there some chance they might have truly adult only kinds of things - like a pool or hot tub area where suits are optional?  Or open bars in every room?       That's what I thought when I saw the catering to adults - not that it's XXX rated - but that adults might be caught doing adult things that many people try to shield their children from (and children cringe about when they think about their parents doing such stuff...)

[gooddecisions]

How would I interpret that? There is no way I would bring children to a B&B that clearly said adults-only. Yes, they might be extremely well-behaved and adult-like, but you run the risk of really pissing off anyone else staying there. That's like taking 13 items instead of 12 to the express line. Maybe you get away with it, but people are counting and judging.

[Gardening Grandma]

I've stayed at a lot of B&Bs.  I've never shared a bathroom with a stranger; we've always had a room with a private bath.
Breakfast typically has had tables for 2 or 4 or more. We usually sit by ourselves as we aren't really social in tne am.

I agree with gooddecisions.  Your 14 y/o may be the best behaved teen in the world, but  if I went to an "Adults only" B&B, my expectation would be that the guests were all adults.

Have you considered the "Private Bella Luna Cottage"?  

[ArchietheDragon]

They won't be able to tell a 14 yo from a 15 yo. Don't worry about it.

[alabamagal]

If you want to go, then go. If it was for "adult activities" then it would be 18+ not 15+. It sounds like they don't want screaming kids running around or doing damage.

My memories of traveling with older teenagers was that they are pretty grumpy no matter where you take them. So just go where you want.

[Gardening Grandma]

Well, there are always folks who thinks rules are only for others and don't apply to THEM.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 1, 2016 16:32:38 GMT -5 gregintenn said:

I don't enjoy sharing meals and bathrooms with strangers. Sometimes you meet great people, and sometimes you meet a--holes. A bed and breakfast is a crapshoot in my opinion.

I struggle with the sharing concept also. I'm filtering based on private bathrooms. I've told DH I'm willing to try this once; if it goes badly, there won't be a second time. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 1, 2016 16:51:06 GMT -5 Tiny said:

I don't have kids and I've never been to a B&B.


I suspect that your 14yo in company with adults (the rest of you) will most likely be acting like an adult and not be exhibiting the same kind of behaviors they might if they were with a group of 14yo's or younger kids.     I'd email just to make sure what kind of environment this B&B is... is it filled with boring (to kids) antiques and/or boring (to kids) themed rooms?   What's on the menu?  Stuff that makes typical kids go " EWWW!!! that's not food!!!"  but that adults enjoy?  Will there be wine tastings or "ice breaker" types of conversations that are interesting to adults at the communial dinners but that kids might find tedious?

Is there some chance they might have truly adult only kinds of things - like a pool or hot tub area where suits are optional?  Or open bars in every room?       That's what I thought when I saw the catering to adults - not that it's XXX rated - but that adults might be caught doing adult things that many people try to shield their children from (and children cringe about when they think about their parents doing such stuff...)

It doesn't seem to be that type of "adult only" more along the lines of just "don't bring your little kids because little kids are annoying".

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 1, 2016 16:54:21 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

How would I interpret that? There is no way I would bring children to a B&B that clearly said adults-only. Yes, they might be extremely well-behaved and adult-like, but you run the risk of really pissing off anyone else staying there. That's like taking 13 items instead of 12 to the express line. Maybe you get away with it, but people are counting and judging.

I really don't feel like it clearly says that it is adults only. I am biased, but the 13 yo is taller than the 17yo and both are exceptionally well-behaved in public. DD#2 would pass for a 15 as ArchietheDragon suggested. I do hang out with 300 teenagers all day, so I do see the entire spectrum of teenage behavior. I have looked at the Private Bella Luna Cottage. I'm beginning to reach my limit on the expense of this, though. It's an additional $150 per night compared to the suites that are designed for four people. 

Jan 1, 2016 17:10:17 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

I've stayed at a lot of B&Bs.  I've never shared a bathroom with a stranger; we've always had a room with a private bath.
Breakfast typically has had tables for 2 or 4 or more. We usually sit by ourselves as we aren't really social in tne am.

I agree with gooddecisions.  Your 14 y/o may be the best behaved teen in the world, but  if I went to an "Adults only" B&B, my expectation would be that the guests were all adults.

Have you considered the "Private Bella Luna Cottage"?  

[gregintenn]

Jan 1, 2016 18:00:53 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 1, 2016 16:32:38 GMT -5 gregintenn said:

I don't enjoy sharing meals and bathrooms with strangers. Sometimes you meet great people, and sometimes you meet a--holes. A bed and breakfast is a crapshoot in my opinion.

I struggle with the sharing concept also. I'm filtering based on private bathrooms. I've told DH I'm willing to try this once; if it goes badly, there won't be a second time. 

It wouldn't be a bad experience most likely, it's just that I'm not real social and this type setting doesn't work well for me.

My wife says they remind her of staying at her grandmother's house.

[Peace77]

My ex and I stayed at one in Washington state and another in California.  Both were lovely.  We had a private bathroom both times.  I don't remember seeing anyone else at breakfast.  There were multiple tables in the dining area so there's no need to share a table and be social unless you want to.

[gooddecisions]

Jan 1, 2016 18:07:54 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 1, 2016 16:54:21 GMT -5 gooddecisions said:

How would I interpret that? There is no way I would bring children to a B&B that clearly said adults-only. Yes, they might be extremely well-behaved and adult-like, but you run the risk of really pissing off anyone else staying there. That's like taking 13 items instead of 12 to the express line. Maybe you get away with it, but people are counting and judging.

I really don't feel like it clearly says that it is adults only. I am biased, but the 13 yo is taller than the 17yo and both are exceptionally well-behaved in public. DD#2 would pass for a 15 as ArchietheDragon suggested. I do hang out with 300 teenagers all day, so I do see the entire spectrum of teenage behavior. I have looked at the Private Bella Luna Cottage. I'm beginning to reach my limit on the expense of this, though. It's an additional $150 per night compared to the suites that are designed for four people. 

Jan 1, 2016 17:10:17 GMT -5 Gardening Grandma said:

It's right there in your post: The Inn is an adult getaway.

No matter what the text below it says, 14 is not an adult in any other guests eyes. And, yes because teenagers are grumpy, nobody else wants to hear them whining and their parents having to negotiate with them, nobody wants to see them rolling their eyes or being particular about the food when they were expecting the company of adults only.

I'm extremely pro-children, but not at adult-only accommodations. 

[Deleted]

If it was truly adult only it should say 18+. I think saying 15+ indicates high school age teens are ok. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

I'm not seeing the clarity you are because of the 15yo being considered an adult. 

When I checked availability, it looked like everything was booked for the weekend we want. I asked about availability and bringing the teenagers.
Here's the response to the email I sent: 

I am sorry. i would love to have your family stay, but you are correct, I am totally booked for that weekend. I have a group coming in. Please think of stay next time you are in the area.



So, now we're moving on from this particular place. Maybe DH and I will make a trip there on our own.

For comparison, here's the language from another place. 

Our Family Suite includes a full-size Queen room, large bathroom with double sinks, whirlpool tub and a cozy smaller room with a double bed, perfect for a maximum of three adults or one couple with children. Book the suite as a Family Package and enjoy discounts on family activities, and at family restaurants. Families are welcome at the Inn.

[zibazinski]

Super. When I had kids I'd look for that. When I was part of an adult couple, I'd avoid a family friendly B and B.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Here's another one for comparison: 

Nine guest rooms

All with private bath

Many with Air Conditioning

Seasonally inspired breakfasts

On 2+ acres in ****** River Valley countryside

Nearby fabulous dining, wineries and activities galore

Guests with children welcome

Some Rooms Pet-friendly

Special events

Free Parking

High Speed Wi-Fi

Check-in: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. I Check-out: 11:00 a.m.



There are several of these places that have only one bed in each room and specify two people per room though they don't specify age. 

[CCL]

So both your kids would sleep in same bed?

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jan 1, 2016 20:16:49 GMT -5 CCL said:

So both your kids would sleep in same bed?

Yes. They're both girls. When we get a room at a regular hotel, we get two queen beds--one for DH and me and one for the girls. 
Is that not what most people with children do? 


This search has become difficult. I thought I had found a nice boutique hotel that would be exactly what we were going for. Then I figured out that it is $660 per night. Granted, that includes a full breakfast for each of us, but $1400 for lodging for one weekend is not something we have budgeted for. 


I think we're back to Holiday Inn Express for this trip.

[Deleted]

I have a boy and girl so we do husband/son, me/daughter when we do two queen bed rooms. (A double is tight though...)

We we like Holiday inn express  

[CCL]

I was thinking Cloe had a boy and a girl so that arrangement would make sense if that were the case. Mine preferred we bring along a blow-up air mattress rather than sleep together. I like Holiday Inn Express. They saved me a lot of $$$ feeding those boys their free breakfasts lol.

[CCL]

Jan 1, 2016 20:31:25 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 1, 2016 20:16:49 GMT -5 CCL said:

So both your kids would sleep in same bed?

Yes. They're both girls. When we get a room at a regular hotel, we get two queen beds--one for DH and me and one for the girls. 
Is that not what most people with children do? 


This search has become difficult. I thought I had found a nice boutique hotel that would be exactly what we were going for. Then I figured out that it is $660 per night. Granted, that includes a full breakfast for each of us, but $1400 for lodging for one weekend is not something we have budgeted for. 


I think we're back to Holiday Inn Express for this trip.

Ouch! I pay less than that for a week, sometimes two, at Disney World.

[TheOtherMe]

I've stayed at bed and breakfasts in London and in Colorado.  I've never shared a bathroom and would not do that.  I've enjoyed the breakfasts and getting to talk to people as I'm usually traveling alone.  Can't say that I have ever seen a child at any of the B & Bs where I have stayed.

I would not consider a hostel where you definitely share a bathroom and sometimes sleeping quarters with strangers.  I have friends that go the hostel route due to the price.

[gooddecisions]

Jan 1, 2016 20:31:25 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 1, 2016 20:16:49 GMT -5 CCL said:

So both your kids would sleep in same bed?

Yes. They're both girls. When we get a room at a regular hotel, we get two queen beds--one for DH and me and one for the girls. 
Is that not what most people with children do? 


This search has become difficult. I thought I had found a nice boutique hotel that would be exactly what we were going for. Then I figured out that it is $660 per night. Granted, that includes a full breakfast for each of us, but $1400 for lodging for one weekend is not something we have budgeted for. 


I think we're back to Holiday Inn Express for this trip.

Yikes! $1400 is more than I spend on a 3 br/2ba beach-facing condo for a week in late August. That must be one fancy B&B.

[whoisjohngalt]

To answer OP - I can not imagine staying at some stranger's house bc to me that's what B&B are. 

Not that it's relevant anymore, but 15 is a very arbitrary number to pick for age exclusion.  To me that would indicate that I would find their other "rules" just as arbitrary.  I don't do well with that, so even if my kids were 15+, I wouldn't be going there.

[debthaven]

IME some B and Bs are IN a house with shared bathrooms and others are independent annexes (sometimes in the garden) with their own bathrooms.

I can do the second but I HATE doing the first and feeling like I'm staying in some strangers' house. 

I generally much prefer the privacy and anonymity of hotels. 

[resolution]

Jan 1, 2016 19:53:22 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I'm not seeing the clarity you are because of the 15yo being considered an adult. 

When I checked availability, it looked like everything was booked for the weekend we want. I asked about availability and bringing the teenagers.
Here's the response to the email I sent: 

I am sorry. i would love to have your family stay, but you are correct, I am totally booked for that weekend. I have a group coming in. Please think of stay next time you are in the area.

I read that response as they don't want your kids and they don't want any bad press for turning them away.

I used to stay in a lot of bed and breakfasts when I would travel for work, and it really varies how much use there was of the common areas and how secluded your room was. Also in some the proprietor would hang out in the common areas and socialize when you left your room, versus others where they just check you in and then make breakfast in the morning when you leave your room. One place I stayed and forgot something in my room when I checked out, and they actually drove to the next stage of my trip to bring it to me, because we had chatted over breakfast what my plans were for my next stop.

I would probably save the expensive bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway and stick with the the more budget friendly hotel with the kids. 

[zibazinski]

Yup. B&B's used to be inexpensive places to stay. My aunt and uncle used them through Australia decades ago. Loved every minute of it. Now they are very expensive and I love staying in them but as a romantic couple not as a family. My family raising is over.