B&Bs vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]

Bed And BreakfastsHotels
Written By Taz Zaidi

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Hotels

Bed and breakfasts differ from hotels in key ways.

While hotels are still much more popular, B&Bs offer unique features that most hotels don’t or can’t. But if you’re accustomed to the standard hotel experience, it can feel intimidating to try something different.

In this guide, we’ll compare bed and breakfasts with hotels.

After defining both, I’ll compare their atmospheres, prices, safety, privacy and amenities, then give my opinion on the type of traveler that should consider either type. Lastly, I’ll compare bed and breakfasts to guest houses, inns, motels, lodges and hostels. To learn how B&Bs compare to Airbnb, click here.

*Agoda.com is one of the best places to find and book bed and breakfasts and hotels. To see today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels, click here.

Definition Of A Bed And Breakfast

A bed and breakfast (abbreviated “B&B”) is a type of hosted accommodation that includes a breakfast in its nightly rate. B&Bs are often family-run, with fewer rooms than hotels. Hosts often live in or nearby the same property as their guests, which creates a homely atmosphere. To learn more about B&Bs, click here.

Definition Of A Hotel

You’ve likely stayed in a hotel before. Hotel guests can expect a typical check-in process (present ID to get a room key), standard amenities (breakfast, common area/lobby) and standard checkout hours (between 9 am and 12 pm). Hotels range by type (budget, mid-tier, and even 7-star). Rooms can range from compact studios to luxury suites, and from secluded jungle bungalows to modern, urban high-rises.

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Hotels Comparison

Let’s compare B&Bs to hotels in 5 key categories:

  • Atmosphere

  • Price

  • Safety

  • Privacy

  • Amenities

Atmosphere Comparison

B&Bs: Better choice for homely atmosphere

Hotels: Better choice for privacy and anonymity

Bed and breakfasts tend to provide a more laid-back, relaxed atmosphere than hotels do. B&B hosts often live in or nearby the same property as their guests, which creates an intimate, homely and low-pressure setting where guests can experience a local culture and interact with their host and/or other guests.

Hospitality is a major reason to book a B&B. Of the various lodging types, B&Bs offer perhaps the most warm and personal hospitality. However, you should not expect service to be as streamlined or as speedy as in large hotels. B&Bs are best-suited for slowing your day down, not speeding it up. B&Bs typically have a more compact common area and fewer guest rooms than hotels do, and may offer one or multiple room style options (in layout, total beds, furniture, features, etc.). Rooms are often unique and/or locally-themed.

As B&Bs tend to focus on providing comfort and service, they’re ideal for “staycations” and weekend getaways - allowing guests to escape the daily routine in a relaxed setting. B&Bs often lack a reception area and some hosts also lock their front door overnight (for example, from 11 pm until 6 am).

Timing and rules in B&Bs are often less rigid than in hotels. For example, the host may ask when you want breakfast served (rather than assigning a time for you) and the check-in and checkout hours may be flexible (depending on the host). For the 13 types of bed and breakfasts (with 5 examples of each), click here. In regions that receive few visitors, a bed and breakfast can be the only lodging option available in town.

Large hotels are ideal for travelers seeking privacy, space and anonymity. A hotel’s atmosphere is usually better-suited for those traveling in a large group, with children (some bed and breakfasts prohibit children), or those seeking streamlined services (airport pick-up, room service, etc.). While hotels will have employees, many B&Bs have few or no staff apart from the host.

In B&Bs, the homemade breakfast may be served on one large table where guest groups sit together, or on small tables where guests can sit amongst themselves. Some B&B hosts set up a “treats table” (with finger foods, tea, water, etc.) for guests to take from as they please throughout their stay.

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

Price Comparison

B&Bs: Most rooms are not cheap or expensive

Hotels: Offer a wider range of price options

So, are bed and breakfasts cheaper than hotels? In my experience, the nightly rates for B&Bs usually fall within roughly the same price range as local 3 and 4-star hotel rooms. B&B prices may seem low to you if you’re accustomed to 5-star hotels, or perhaps high if you typically book budget hotels (1 or 2-star). B&Bs are not considered to be “budget accommodation”.

Bed and breakfast nightly rates typically fall within a narrower price range than hotel rates. For example, in a destination, you might see B&B rooms from $50 to $300 per night, while the hotel rooms in that location might cost $20 to $5,000+ per night. But even when you book a higher end B&B, don’t expect to find the same level of luxury as in 5-star hotels (in terms of the facilities). To learn all about the 13 types of bed and breakfasts, (with 5 examples of each), click here.

The price of a hotel or a bed and breakfast depends on various factors, including region and seasonality. You might find weekly, monthly or package rates (like lodging, breakfast, dinner + ski lessons), or discounts during the local shoulder seasons or off-seasons.

B&Bs typically include breakfast in their nightly rate, while hotel rooms may or may not. For the budget-conscious traveler to consider - this means $120 for a B&B with breakfast for two would end up costing less than a $100 hotel room for two, if you’ll still end up paying $40 more to eat breakfast outside the property.

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

Safety Comparison

Safety depends on the particular property.

Many hotels offer a level of safety that B&Bs don’t or can’t. Hotels are more likely to employ security staff and 24/7 reception, provide electronic room key cards and operate security cameras. B&Bs are less likely to hire overnight reception or security staff, due to the costs involved (most B&Bs are small operations).

B&B hosts often lock the property’s front door from late evening to early morning hours, so there may be an evening curfew (like 11 pm to 6 am). Many hotels allow guests to bring non-guest visitors into the room, while B&Bs typically prohibit this. Hotels and B&Bs that have an on-site bar, restaurant or cafe typically prohibit non-guests customers from entering guest-only areas. To read all about B&B safety, click here.

When booking a B&B, stick to properties/hosts that have been highly-rated by past guests on trusted sites like Agoda.com and Vrbo. When considering a hotel, always research local neighborhoods, read their recent guest reviews and browse their room photos prior to booking. For a step-by-step guide on how to find and book quality hotel rooms at discounted rates, click here. For help finding a B&B that fits your tastes and budget, follow our B&B Booking Guide.

Privacy Comparison

B&Bs: Expect to interact with your host

Hotels: More overall privacy is provided

Bed and breakfasts are typically smaller and more compact than hotels. Some B&Bs do provide guests with a high degree of personal privacy (sometimes a private entrance), but it’s arguably more common for B&B guests to share some amenities or common areas with other guests and/or a host (many B&Bs include a shared kitchen, lobby and courtyard).

Since B&B hosts often live within or nearby the same property as their guests, it’s common for guests to see their host cook, do laundry or tend to the yard during a stay, or see the host’s children in the common areas. This is all part of what makes B&Bs a unique cultural experience for guests, and it should be expected.

B&B guests can expect to interact with, or at least see, their host throughout their stay. You may see the host or other guests each time you enter or exit your room, which can be positive if you want a social experience. If you prefer more privacy, consider booking a room in a spacious hotel rather than in a bed and breakfast.

Breakfast in a B&B is often served on one large table where guests sit together, or on smaller, individual tables, in a way that guests can easily interact with other groups (if they choose to). Hotel guests usually only interact with their own group during breakfast, and are typically given more space between tables.

Hotel guests typically have a small private kitchen, or no kitchen access at all. In B&Bs, any kitchen access is typically shared between guests, and potentially the host as well. To learn about the shared kitchen B&B etiquette, click here. Hotels provide private (en-suite) bathrooms in each room. Bed and breakfasts can offer private bathrooms, shared bathrooms or both (based on the property or room you book). To learn about the shared bathroom etiquette in B&Bs, click here.

Many large hotels offer multi-room rentals (with 2 or more connected rooms). This is less common in bed and breakfasts. It can be difficult to find B&Bs with sufficient space for large groups (since B&Bs typically have fewer than 10 guest rooms in the property).

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

Amenities Comparison

B&Bs: Amenities vary by property

Hotels: Better choice for on-site facilities

Both options can offer few or various amenities. The amenities you can potentially find in hotels and bed and breakfasts include: shuttle service, afternoon tea and events or activities (guided hikes, walking tours, wine tasting, cooking classes, etc.). Some hotels and B&Bs offer package stays (such as a lodging, dinner + ski lesson package).

In terms of hygiene amenities, a hotel guest should expect to have shampoo, body soap and toothpaste included in the room, while B&B guests can expect a towel (per guest), shampoo and soap. Some B&Bs and hotels offer additional room amenities (such as water bottles and bathrobes), but this is not standard.

Hotels typically provide a power outlet beside each bed, while B&Bs often don’t. If you book a bed and breakfast, consider bringing a power strip with you. For a high quality, reasonably-sized power strip on Amazon, click here. For the 5 things every traveler should consider bringing to a B&B stay, click here.

Large hotels are the better choice for those seeking large on-site facilities (fitness center, pool, etc.). B&B properties are typically too small to include such facilities. Some B&Bs, such as those with après ski options, may provide them. For the 13 types of bed and breakfasts (with 5 examples of each), click here.

Breakfast in a large hotel is typically cooked in large volume and can range from minimal to continental. In a B&B, home-cooked breakfast is a major part of the overall experience and a key reason why guests book. Many B&B hosts take pride in cooking and serving fresh, delicious, homemade breakfast, and use it as a selling point. If you’d like to order room service during your stay, you’ll likely want to stick to hotels.

Many B&B properties began as family homes, then were later modified to function as a lodging business. This is why many only have one kitchen on-property. Guests often share kitchen access, and may be able to cook/store food brought from outside. Hotel rooms may include a private (en-suite) kitchenette. To learn about B&B shared kitchen etiquette, click here.

To find a hotel room with breakfast or a kitchen on Agoda.com, simply filter your search by clicking on “More” (below the search bar), then select “Breakfast included” under the “Room offers” and/or “Kitchen” under “Room amenities” (screenshot below). To find B&Bs on Agoda, simply select the “Guesthouse/bed and breakfast” filter under “Property type” section.

Hotels and B&Bs can be half board or full board. In the travel industry, “half board” describes a lodging that serves two meals per day, while “full board” is a property that serves three meals. To learn about lunch and dinner options in bed and breakfasts, click here.

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

So, Which Should You Choose?

All travelers should experience a B&B at least once.

I’ve booked B&Bs around the world and recommend them to anyone who wants to experience a charming atmosphere, homemade breakfast, service from a local resident host and cultural immersion. B&Bs help you experience local culture in a unique and memorable style. Still, hotels are the most popular lodging choice in the world, by far. They’re widely available for all tastes and budgets, which is why many travelers do not even consider other options. Hotels are ideal for those seeking privacy, anonymity and large on-site amenities (like a fitness center, pool or rooftop bar).

B&Bs tend to attract couples, professionals, small families and retirees. They’re great for staycations and weekend getaways. However, it can be difficult to find a B&B to accommodate large groups (they typically have few guest rooms) or very young children (some B&Bs prohibit children).

On the other hand, it’s easy to find hotels that offer something for all ages and group sizes. As hotels are often more “generic” in their offering, they often lack the personalization bed and breakfasts can provide. To read about 10 reasons to stay in a bed and breakfast, click here. To learn about the 13 types of B&Bs (with 5 examples of each), click here. For how to find your ideal B&B, follow our full B&B Booking Guide.

*For today’s deals on B&Bs and hotels in your destination, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Guest Houses

Guest houses are the closest equivalent to B&Bs.

As with B&Bs, guest house hosts usually live in or nearby the same property as their guests. The main difference between these two lodging types mostly boils down to the level of service they provide. B&B guests typically expect personal service and breakfast included in their stay, while guest house guests don’t always expect/receive this. B&B rooms typically cost more. Aside from these two differences, these lodging types tend to be very similar in layout and operation (many booking sites even categorize them together). To learn all about guest houses, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Inns

Inns are also similar to bed and breakfasts.

B&B hosts are generally more involved in guests’ stays and provide more services than innkeepers do. B&B guests can expect breakfast to be included, while inn guests don’t necessarily. In addition to lodging, many inns function as a pub or event space. Either lodging type can be located in rural or urban areas. Inns were the original travel accommodation in many regions of Europe (similar to the caravanserai on the Silk Road). Many inns still operate, though they’re now much less popular with European travelers, due to the rise of other lodging options (hotels, Airbnb, hostels, etc.).

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Motels

Motels are more similar to hotels than B&Bs.

Typically, motels offer few amenities and are used as stopover lodging for drivers between destinations (like the motels along historic Route 66). Motels are often located on busy roads and provide parking, as guests often arrive by car. Motel guests tend to stay for only a night or two, though some motels provide weekly or monthly rates to attract longer stays. As their primary focus is to provide a quality night’s sleep (and maybe breakfast), motels typically lack luxury features (some provide a pool or other comfort amenities). Typically, local motel rooms cost less than local hotel rooms.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Lodges

Lodges are often located in rural areas. Also referred to sometimes as “cabins” or “huts”, lodges are often used as stopover resting for drivers and hikers. They tend to be affordable (rates equal to or lesser than the local 3-star hotels), lack luxury features, and are often family owned and operated. The service provided in lodges is usually less “formal” than what you’d receive in mid-sized or large hotels.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Hostels

Hostels rent out (mostly) dorm beds.

Often the lowest-priced lodging option you’ll find in a destination, hostels are ideal for travelers seeking to meet people and save money. As in B&Bs, the hostel common areas foster an intimate, social atmosphere where guests are able to relax and meet/interact with other travelers. A bed and breakfast typically includes breakfast in its nightly rate (hostels often don’t). B&B guest rooms are typically fully private (hostels mostly offer dorm beds). B&B guests tend to be older, on average. In both types of lodging, it’s more common for guests to share one kitchen than to have a private one. For more on hostel accommodation, click here.

Bed And Breakfasts vs. Airbnb

Many people conflate “B&B” with “Airbnb”.

Airbnb.com is a marketplace where hosts are able to list practically any type of accommodation for rent (including B&Bs). If someone says they’re “renting an Airbnb”, this typically means they’re renting a private or shared space hosted by an individual (not hosted by a business). For a full, thorough breakdown of this topic, read our B&Bs vs. Airbnb Comparison.

*To see today’s deals on B&Bs in your particular destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

As someone who stays in both B&Bs and hotels, I don’t believe one is better than the other. The choice comes down to preference and the type of experience you’re seeking out of a trip. To learn more about bed and breakfasts, or to find discounts on hotels, explore our other 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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