Are Bed And Breakfasts Safe? [What You Should Know]

Bed And Breakfasts
Written By Taz Zaidi

B&B Safety Guide

Bed and breakfasts are generally safe for guests.

B&B hosts often live in or nearby the same property as their guests and may own the property. Because of this, they are often more incentivized to care for the property than individual hotel employees are.

In this guide, we’ll explore the topic of bed and breakfast safety.

We’ll cover how safe bed and breakfasts typically are, how to choose safe properties and neighborhoods, smart booking practices, and helpful safety tips. For a full step-by-step guide on how to find and book a bed and breakfast, use our B&B Booking Guide.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted bed and breakfasts (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on B&Bs in any destination, click here.

How Safe Are Bed And Breakfasts?

Bed and breakfasts are generally safe, but they can be potentially less safe than large hotels. As someone who stays in B&Bs and hotels around the world, I’ve found that large hotels are more likely to employ overnight security and reception, operate a security camera 24/7, and provide electronic room cards.

B&Bs often lack some or all of these features. Many are family-run, with a host living in/nearby the same property as the guests. Hosts may lock the property’s front door and enforce curfew from late evening to early morning hours (for example, 11 pm to 6 am). Some jurisdictions don’t require local B&Bs to follow the same zoning requirements and/or legal regulations as hotels.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted bed and breakfasts (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on B&Bs in any destination, click here.

Choose The Right Property

If you’re someone who doesn’t travel often and/or are new to booking travel online, I recommend you stick to bed and breakfasts that have already earned quality reviews on trusted sites like Agoda.com. For a step-by-step guide showing you how to find and book a bed and breakfast, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

Choose A Safe Neighborhood

Hotels tend to be located in designated commercial areas, often near other hotel properties and businesses. Meanwhile, B&Bs are often located in residential or mixed use zones. For this reason, it’s a smart idea to research local neighborhoods prior to booking. Even an urban B&B might not be centrally located. To learn about the 13 types of bed and breakfasts (with 5 examples of each), click here.

Smart B&B Booking Practices

By following a few smart booking practices, you can reduce the risk of a negative occurrence/issue during your stay. Use these tips when finding/booking B&Bs online. For a step-by-step guide on finding your ideal bed and breakfast, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

When searching for a listing:

  • Establish your budget prior to searching

  • Use the search filters to narrow the search results based on your personal criteria

Only consider listings with:

  • Recent, positive reviews from satisfied guests

  • Clear photos showing the room and property

Selecting your room and finalizing your booking:

  • B&Bs are often remotely located. If you lack private transportation, consider booking in or near the area you'll spend time at after arriving.

  • Read a listing’s description prior to booking. Verify the amenities fit what you want, whether that’s breakfast, laundry, guided tours, etc.

  • Read the host’s cancellation policy and double-check the price of the stay prior to booking.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted bed and breakfasts (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on B&Bs in any destination, click here.

More B&B Safety Tips!

Before Arriving

  • Learn about the local customs in a destination, particularly if visiting a place where the culture is much different than your home culture.

  • Consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes theft protection. Even if nothing negative occurs during your trip, having travel insurance can help with peace of mind.

  • Many B&Bs do not provide 24/7 reception. If you expect to check in late (after 6 pm), notify your host beforehand. Some hosts lock the front door overnight (for example, 12 to 6 am).

  • Traveling with a non-flashy backpack/suitcase helps avoid unnecessary attention.

At The Property

  • Some bed and breakfasts, like those that have an on-site bar or restaurant, may allow non-guests to enjoy the business area but restrict them from accessing the guest-only areas.

  • While some B&Bs allow guests to store bags after checkout (for pickup later that day), this is not a standard feature (as in large hotels). B&B hosts may have other responsibilities post-checkout, possibly away from their property.

  • Read our B&B Etiquette Guide.

General Travel Tips

  • Regardless of accommodation type, it’s a good idea to split your money between you and your luggage when leaving to explore (take only what you’ll need). This way, you have back-up in case anything happens to you of your bag.

  • Keep a physical or digital copy of your passport ID page with you in your wallet and/or phone.

  • Avoid aimless wandering at night (especially if solo and/or in large cities in some regions).

  • Avoid flashing expensive belongings (including a phone in some regions or neighborhoods).

  • It’s a good idea to dress more conservatively in culturally conservative countries/regions.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted bed and breakfasts (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on B&Bs in any destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful!

While bed and breakfasts are generally safe, staying in one can feel intimidating if you’re accustomed to the standard hotel experience. Follow the tips above for finding, booking and staying in B&Bs. For more on bed and breakfasts, explore our guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find A Bed And Breakfast

Agoda.com provides bed and breakfasts for couples, solo travelers, groups and families. For today’s deals on B&Bs in your destination, click here. For a step-by-step guide showing you exactly how to find your ideal B&B, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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Taz Zaidi
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