Debunking the Top Five Myths of Bed & Breakfasts: California's B&B Association Sets the Record Straight

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (CABBI) recently asked travelers if they've ever stayed at a bed and breakfast, and if not, why? The answers made us smile. Below is a list of the top five misconceptions we heard.  For more debunked myths about B&Bs, visit: http://www.cabbi.com/res/docs/BB_Myths_PressRelease_April2010.pdf

1) B&B decor is limited to lace doilies, paisley wallpaper, antiques, and patchwork quilts

The decor of some CABBI-member inns recall earlier eras, but increasingly more inns, such as San Francisco's Laurel Inn in or San Diego's Hotel Parisi are trending toward clean, sophisticated decor with modern furnishings and amenities. Even many Victorians, like the Honor Mansion in Healdsburg, feature individually decorated rooms to appeal to a variety of tastes.

2) You have to share a bathroom with other guests
The majority of CABBI-member inns offer private bathrooms. For those that don't, most--like the Hotel Charlotte near Yosemite National Park--have policies of only renting rooms with shared bathrooms to families and couples traveling together to ensure the safety and comfort of guests.

3) You have to eat breakfast with total strangers and eat whatever the innkeeper prepares that morning

The Elk Cove Inn & Spa in Elk offers guests many choices for breakfast.  Guests can choose to sit at the large table if they wish to socialize, or dine at a more intimate, two-person table. The inn's champagne brunch features 20-30 items, allowing guests to select what they want to eat.  Many inns also pride themselves on accommodating guests with special diets or food allergies.

4) You have to abide by a curfew set by the innkeeper

Curfews are one of the most common myths. At the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast in Twain Harte, guests have keys to the main house and guest room doors, providing guests with the flexibility to come and go as they please.  

5) B&Bs are only for couples and strictly prohibit children and pets

CABBI has over 180 family-friendly inns and more than 70 pet-friendly inns in California. The Dolphin Inn in Carmel offers a family unit with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a heated swimming pool, and breakfast delivered to your door. The Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Napa offers 11 pet-friendly rooms. Four-legged guests receive a water bowl, a treat bag, and a list of dog-friendly wineries and restaurants. To search for more family-friendly or pet-friendly inns, visit http://www.cabbi.com/search/advanced/.

Established in 1991, The California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (CABBI) is the largest tourism organization of its kind in California. We are a non-profit, statewide organization that is wholly dedicated to ensuring the highest quality standards in bed and breakfast accommodations. Currently, CABBI has nearly 300 members.

SOURCE The California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns