When Picking Bed And Breakfast, Best Advice Is To Ask Questions

Q.I often travel in Washington and Oregon, and I’d like some information on selecting a bed and breakfast. Are there any directories? What do I need to know or ask before making a reservation? - M.S., Spokane.

A. B&Bs are as varied as the weather. Some are formal, others casual. Some are fancy, others plain.

Most B&B devotees enjoy seeing and learning about someone else’s home and its decor. They delight in making new friends and learning about a town or area from the “local folks.” They usually like meeting people and are not disturbed at the thought of staying overnight in someone else’s home or sharing a conversation at the breakfast table with other guests.

If you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t like surprises, here are some questions to ask when making a reservation at a B&B: What time is breakfast served? Is there any flexibility on the time? What is the typical menu? Can special dietary needs be accommodated? What are the policies on alcohol, smoking, pets and children? Are there house pets? Do the rooms have private bathrooms? Are there showers or tubs? Are there locks on the doors? What size is the bed? Are there stairs to climb? Is there wheelchair access? If children are accepted, what kind of accommodations are there for them? How would the B&B be characterized as to its atmosphere - lively, quiet, romantic? Can business travelers be accommodated with a table, fax access and telephone? Is the B&B within walking distance of shops and stores? What are check-in/out times? What are the cancellation and payment policies?

The best reference for a B&B is a personal recommendation. If such an endorsement is not available, I’d recommend reviewing a state B&B Guild Directory. Both Oregon and Washington have Bed & Breakfast Guilds.

These guilds have specific requirements for membership, which translates to an inn’s commitment to a minimum level of standards for hospitality, safety and security for their guests. Inns appearing in the directory undergo inspection before membership acceptance and are periodically re-examined.

I should point out, however, that many newer, smaller B&B’s may not be able to afford guild membership at first, so the fact that a B&B isn’t a guild member doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t want to stay there. But ask lots of questions.

Information sources

For a copy of the Washington B&B Guild Directory: (800) 647- 2918.

For a copy of the Washington State Lodging and Travel Guide: (800) 544-1800.

For a copy of the Oregon B&B Guild Directory: (800) 944- 6196.

For a copy of the Oregon Traveler’s Guide to Accommodations: (800) 547-7842.

Larger bookstores also are likely to have a good selection of B&B directories from a variety of publishers.

Q.My husband and I plan to visit Leavenworth for some nordic skiing. We want it to be a romantic getaway, too. We’d like to stay in a quiet, romantic bed and breakfast, country inn or lodge. Could you offer some suggestions? - Mr. & Mrs. J.V., Sandpoint.

A.Leavenworth’s small-town, Bavarian architectural theme makes it especially attractive for romantic getaways. Generally, nordic skiers can ski directly from their lodge or walk a short distance to a groomed trail network provided by the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. A daily trail pass is $7 and is good for all of Leavenworth’s trails.

Here are some places that I am familiar with personally.

Abendblume Inn is exquisitely designed to reflect the romance and luxury of fine European inns. Rates are $70 and up. (509) 548-4059.

Mountain Home Lodge is a romantic country inn, located on a mountainside overlooking Leavenworth. Rates are $78 and up. (509) 548-7077 or (800) 414-2378.

Run of the River is a handcrafted log cabin B&B on the Icicle River. It caters exclusively to adults. Rates are $90 and up. (509) 548-7171 or (800) 288-6491.

Information sources

For a complete listing of accommodations in Leavenworth, contact the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 327, Leavenworth, WA 98826; (509) 548-5807. The chamber’s staff acts as a central reservations agency and can help callers select a lodging choice according to their desires and price range.

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