An Introduction to B&Bs

The leading B&B reservations organizations

Regional in scope, each representing about 100 homes, these firms perform the function of pre-screening/inspecting each lodging to ensure its suitability for transient visitors. They also have the wherewithal to advertise (a bit) and to maintain extensive phone lines and reservations personnel.

In booking a B&B, be sure to make a sharp distinction between "bed-and-breakfast homes" and "bed-and-breakfast inns." When I refer to a B&B, I mean a low-priced room in a private home--the term's initial meaning.

Important: our selections will make reservations for you in 26 of the 50 American states, plus the United Kingdom, Canada and Italy. If the state to which you will be traveling is not listed, then your first recourse is to consult a "Yellow Pages" phone directory for the key cities in that state, or to ask the information operator to consult "Bed and Breakfast" in those Yellow Pages.

The US, plus Canada & Europe

bbonline.com

This online listing of B&Bs contains nearly 5,000 properties of all types and in all price ranges, concentrated mainly in the U.S. Owner Randy Fought has been adding 50 to 125 new listings every month since the website's founding in 1995, and recently began listing international bed and breakfasts (including such far-flung destinations as Kenya, Thailand, Estonia and Peru). Website users can search by country, state, region and city to find listings, which include photos of the properties as well as all information needed to make a reservation directly with the B&B. In addition, the website has an extensive listing of package deals and last-minute or off-season specials to appeal to the budget traveler.

Alaska

Alaska's Travelers Accommodations

4672 S. Tongos Highway
Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone: 907/247-7117 or 800/928-3308
Web: alaskatravelers.com
Alaska Travelers Accommodations is a free service for travelers coming to the 49th state. The company concentrates on southeast Alaska, offering travelers a choice of over 100 pre-screened B&Bs.

Alaska Private Lodgings

P.O. Box 200047
Anchorage, AK 99320
Phone: 907/235-2148
Web: alaskabandb.com
Email: apl@alaskabandb.com
In business 24 years, representing almost 200 homes ranging from apartment suites to cabins throughout Alaska. The service includes not only the making of reservations, but complete itinerary planning if needed, specializing in adventure travel (kayaking, rafting, etc.) Homes range from $65 to $150 a night.