Fed up with the $20 breakfasts, $5 waters in mini-bars and $10 Wi-Fi access fees hotels charge? In Cheaper by the Dozen, Part I, I outlined how B&Bs offer $180 in added value with complimentary breakfasts, Wi-Fi, refreshments, free parking and more. While resorts and hotels are nickeling and diming guests, B&Bs offer the ultimate “all inclusive” getaway, pampering guests without adding additional fees. Add to that frequent-stay programs, exclusive deals on newsletters and even Tweets, treats and deals for followers, and B&Bs represent the ultimate value.
Still need more ways to save? Here are six more ideas finishing my “Cheaper by a Dozen” twelve-step B&B savings campaign.
Six more ideas for saving on your bed and breakfast getaway
The more the merrier: Carpool and travel with friends. Share a family or two-room suite. It’ll be cheaper than booking two rooms at the inn, and the travel costs will be shared.
Wait for seasonal rates to change: Many B&Bs offer different rates depending upon the season. In New England, rates change after fall foliage. If your schedule allows, hold off, wait for quiet season, and you’ll often find lower rates.
Save through promotions: Schedule your stay around popular savings-oriented events, like Boston Restaurant Week. Right now, Emerson Inn by the Sea has extended their Boston Restaurant Week $33.09 prix fixe dinners until September 28.
Follow the online B&B directories: BedandBreakfast.com posts a different promotion, offering up to $100 off a four-night stay in most months. Select Registry offers a $25 coupon each time you stay at three member properties through their loyalty reward program. Iloveinns.com is offering their 20th edition Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns Guide for just $10 (normally $24.95) complete with a buy-one-get-one-free copon.
Sign up for frequent stay programs at B&Bs. More than 1500 inns and B&Bs offer frequent stay programs and/or special offers for returning guests.
Follow Deal of the Day offers: Last but certainly not least, follow my Examiner.com “Deal of the Day” stories. If you have not yet signed up, be sure to click on the SUBSCRIBE button above to receive email alerts each time a deal or story is posted.
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Comments
I totally agree. I'm always suggesting people find a good b&b to stay because of the extra value.
As a marketer for a B&B I am interested to know more about the frequent stay programs that you found and what are consumers looking for the most in a frequent stay program?
Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.
kelly@stonebridgeinnandspa.com
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