The library, a lovely place to relax.
Oh, the joys, trials and inevitable problems with AI. I, like many people, really appreciate that today I can search something really quickly. AI will pop me out some ideas when my brain is too tired to think, like menu ideas for a 4th of July tea or what are good substitutes for a missing ingredient that I thought I had. Like all tools, AI has its purpose but the problem is AI does not really know it all and is taking general information and making statements out of context at times. In today’s bed and breakfast industry where each residence is so uniquely different, I believe their rash generalizations do harm to the unique settings provided by these small stay businesses.
Afternoon snacks for all to enjoy at their leisure.
I recently read some information provided by AI that listed all the reasons you should avoid a bed and breakfast. Statements such as “forced socializing and inflexible curfews”, “lack of menu options”, “lack of parking” and “Quirks of older homes” were just a few of the reasons listed as to why one should go elsewhere. Trying to go beyond the “Garbage In-Garbage Out” that AI often provides, I think some points need to be made about what is really going on with our industry today. So many of today’s Bed and Breakfast amenities are topnotch and I have to challenge these AI conclusions with some additional feedback and information.
A patio nook where one can enjoy coffee in peace.
Let me address a few of these assumptions. The first one mentioned “forced socializing and inflexible curfews”. There are many different sized bed and breakfast options across the country. I’ve met various innkeepers from across many states and communicate almost monthly with several. So far, I’ve not met an owner who forces their guests to socialize. I actually cannot even envision how one would do that. Do we tie our guests to the dining chairs and demand them to talk to each other and BE NICE? Does AI think we knock on doors and demand visitors to get out of their rooms and sit in the living room? I doubt this ever happens. At breakfast many of us have multiple set ups for our tables and chairs providing guests with group seating or separate seating. If a guest is not comfortable dining with others, they should inform us and most innkeepers can arrange more private places for seating. We also work with guests on breakfast times. Yes, in general our guests enjoy eating with others and are happy to have breakfast at a designated time because they want the meal to be as fresh as possible and they actually like other humans. But, most of us know that the reality is some guests want and need more socializing and other guests are more private. As an introvert myself, I enjoy sitting at a table where conversations are going on around me and I can decide when to join in or not. Plus, I appreciate the diversity of people and their opinions even if they do not hold the same ones as me. Remember, just like at your own home you can leave the living room and go to your room anytime you like. In addition, all of our guests get door codes to come and go as they please. There is no curfew and personally I don’t know of any bed and breakfasts that have restrictions on the comings and goings of their guests. With that said most innkeepers want a reasonable check-in time so that they can help guests understand and feel comfortable in the space they will inhabit for their stay but if it must be late most hosts offer a late check-in option too.
One of the many breakfast options.
Lack of menu options is another fallacy. Seriously, breakfast challenge accepted because it could get boring if I only fix scrambled eggs. I, like many other innkeepers, am very concerned about making sure visitors are having palatable experiences. Our menu changes daily and is a good way for guests to explore variety in breakfast options. Bed and Breakfast owners often get together to share successful menu items, discuss ways to make breakfast more satisfying and help support each other through cooking challenges. With that said, many contact guests beforehand and clearly check on allergies, likes and dislikes. If there is a strict allergy condition that is impossible to keep out of the meal I let guests know. Yes, I can prepare gluten free menu items (and the blueberry muffins are fabulous) BUT I can’t say it’s prepared in a gluten free kitchen, at which point guest must decide if my place is safe for them to stay for breakfast. As a person that cannot successfully digest dairy I appreciate the lengths cooks go to to help keep me safe and comfortable and I want my guests to feel the same way. Most of the bed and breakfast owners I know like to explore and experiment with a variety of food options but most importantly innkeepers want to make sure guests are satisfied, full, and able to enjoy a meal safely. But, if someone likes hard boiled eggs out of a tube and to make their own waffle then maybe a bed and breakfast is not for you. Also, check to make sure your Inn of choice really does make you a fresh breakfast because some do not. Typically though breakfast tends to be our specialty. And don’t even get me started on the fresh baked cookies, teas, and other treats that greet your arrival or enhance your evenings as these things too are unique to the inn where you are staying.
Ample parking surrounded by plantings, sculpture, and seating awaits our guests.
I was surprised when “lack of parking” was a listed concern. Yes, there are some bed and breakfasts in neighborhoods where you are parking on the street but often it’s much closer to your room than the parking lots at a motel. Many of us have parking lots that more than handle the guests on hand. Most of us have parking lots surrounded by gardens full of seasonal blooms and trees. Nature makes for a more welcoming homecoming because for us you are coming into a home. Park you car and get ready to relax and feel like you are home….where somebody else does the cooking and laundry.
Finally, we are at the “quirks” of an old home. This one can have some merit….at times. First you need to know that many small inns and bed and breakfast establishments were built new and designed without the quirks. Also, for many of us the old historic home has been completely or partially renovated.
One of the four en-suite rooms where you can rest.
Therefore we were able to add sound proof batting into the walls between rooms which is something most modern homes and motels do not even have. Our plumbing was completely updated which makes for great hot water and water pressure. We have all of the safety features such a smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, gentle motion sensor lights that guide you in your room at night but don’t wake you up, and sound machines to comfort your sleep. So our quirks, well they contain the history and consist of a variety of mismatched doors and doorknobs, some uneven floors, interesting nooks and crannies, and dents in places from a former family home well lived in. The homes history also has a story, in fact many stories and it’s making new stories everyday. If your’re interested in our history take a look back at past blogs such as “A Brief History of the Banks House”, “Every Dent has a Story” , and “A History of Work from Home” . For me, being in a historic home with all of its quirks is what makes us special. You are not going to get lost in the hallway because everything and every room looks alike.
A place to enjoy flowers and easy access to the house.
But, ultimately the experience that makes staying in a bed and breakfast the most special is knowing you have an innkeeper that wants you to have a good stay and truly cares about people. So, to AI I say “You’re not human so you don’t understand how much you are missing by not making a bed and breakfast part of your travel experience.” My suggestion is ignore the negatives AI promotes and make your own decision and at least once in your lifetime give yourself an opportunity to experience a very unique and personal stay. We look forward to hosting you.
Mary
