When Distinctive Inns of New England did an informal survey recently, four times more people said they'd prefer a romantic getaway to jewelery, flowers or chocolate on Vallentine's Day. I'm willing to bet that most of those were women.
Those in the innkeeping industry know that when it comes to men, there are more than a few hurdles to overcome. While women crave B&B getaways for the distinctive décor, intimate settings and the chance to get out of the breakfast duty, men foolishly fear they’ll be buried alive in doilies and teddy bears. Move aside B&B myths. Ladies, here are five ways to convince the guys that inns and B&Bs are not only the perfect way to make you happy, but might actually be worth his while too.
You can watch the game
Throw aside the idea B&Bs have no TVs. According to the 2011 Industry Study of Innkeeping Operations by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, more than 80 percent of inns and B&Bs offer televisions in rooms and/or common areas. Tell your guy he can watch the game from the comfort of his bed or with other guys in the living room; 8 out of 10 inns and B&Bs will have the game on and no one will mind if he yells when his team scores.
No, you won’t have to go unplugged
Banish the idea that all inns and B&Bs are located on out-of-the-way farms or rural locations. While farmstays are still alive and thriving for those seeking that experience, the number one most popular amenity offered at inns and B&Bs today is complimentary wi-fi. The same 2011 Industry Study of Innkeeping Operations shows that more than 93-percent of inns and B&Bs offer wi-fi. No matter if the B&B is rural or urban, he can count on getting a signal and staying plugged into home, the office or his favorite sports sites on your next B&B getaway.
It’s not Grandma’s Attic
For some reason, guys thing they’ll be buried in pillows, lace and doilies when they visit a B&B. Popular TV shows like Parks and Recreation perpetuate this myth depicting B&Bs with harpsichord playing innkeepers surrounded by 15 cats. While B&Bs vary widely in their décor - which is actually one of their selling points - increasingly innkeepers are declaring death to doilies and replacing floral wallpapers with bold contemporary colors and urban chic furnishings. Step aside Grandma’s attic; today’s inns and B&Bs offer everything from beer on tap to wine and cheese receptions, flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Soon, the industry will reveal a humorous campaign burying old B&B myths along with a few doilies. Keep your eyes open for that!
The food is great!
Tell him to stop complaining about the burned English muffins and cold cereal he grabs for breakfast at home and say hello to gourmet, hearty breakfasts to start each day during his inn escape. With breakfast being half their name, B&B owners take the most important meal of the day seriously. You’ll enjoy multi-course meals with fresh local ingredients. And unlike hotels offering frozen toaster waffles at the impersonal breakfast bar, innkeepers will ask and provide for special diets with low fat, vegan or gluten free substitutes. And if he’s a creature of habit, there’s always English muffins and cereal if he asks! Add to that afternoon refreshments, stocked guest pantries and beverages 24-7 at 8 out of 10 B&Bs and you can assure him he’ll never go hungry.
And the best way to convince him to choose a B&B…
You’ll get lucky!
Seriously, let’s face it. You offer fabulously comfy beds, luxurious linens, deep whirlpool tubs and private fireplaces, and one thing generally leads to another. Even if the luckiest part is his best night sleep in a long time, you can assure him he’ll have scored.
The Better Way To Stay campaign is here to help bust the B&B myths and help travelers discover today’s inns and B&Bs. Visit www.BetterwaytoStay.com for more information on how to find your perfect B&B escape.
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