The aim of this article is for innkeepers to understand exactly why the Millennials have discovered B & B’s and are Loving Them, and what you can do to capitalize on this travel trend. We have asked 7 of the most diverse and successful millennial travel writers to tell you exactly what they like about B&B’s and what they want and expect in this experience.
I think that Shandos Cleaver of Travelnuity sums it up perfectly when she says “So much that is old-school is new again, ranging from beards to knitting, and B&B’s are part of that old-school renaissance”.
Who would have thought that the millennials would have discovered B & B’s and that this is becoming such a growth travel trend? Many have as much money as their Baby Boomer parents, who are choosing to spend their children’s inheritance anyway.
Millennials are now looking for weekend getaways that are unique and take them away from their often high-pressured office environments, and out of the cities.
B&Bs or Inns, are ideal for that because they do not have that corporate feel, and that is what many millennials need a break from.
What Very Successful Millennial Travel Writers Say
Contents
- 1 What Very Successful Millennial Travel Writers Say
- 2 How we came to notice this trend
- 3 Who are the Millennial?
- 4 Why the fascination with B&B’s and Inns
- 4.1 1. What are the absolutely essential things that you must have in choosing an inn (Wi-Fi, experiences, services, activities, peace and quiet, a combination)?
- 4.2 2. What has or could annoy you in staying at a B&B?
- 4.3 3. Why do you think that Millennials’s are visiting B&B’s more regularly now?
- 4.4 4. What would the ideal weekend at a B&B look like for you?
- 4.5 5. Any other comments.
- 5 Millennials Travel
We asked seven very successful millennial travel writers to weigh in on this conversation, and their comments are written below ..verbatim.
How we came to notice this trend
Many of you will know that we are staying at each of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England and a lot of the delightful company that we are keeping is from the Millennial generation. The various innkeepers that we have spoken to, confirm that Millennials are by far their biggest and most astounding growth demographic.
Who are the Millennial?
Most researchers state that millennials were born anywhere between the early 1980s to the early 2000s, which would make some in their mid 30’s. We understand that there seems to be many different opinions on what ages a millennial are, so we were a little flexible.
Why the fascination with B&B’s and Inns
It is a little crazy, but the demographics of the B&B’s, Inns, etc. are so varied. From older people, as in much older than Gordon and I, to millennials, particularly in the 20’s and 30’s there are a mixture of guests who are frequenting B&B’s and Inns for a variety of reasons.
Some millennials go for celebratory reasons like weddings, honeymoons, babymoons and anniversaries. There has however been a rapid increase with many wanting to get away for a weekend from the hectic work lives that they have, and some time to debrief away from the cities and their corporate worlds.
Others are going because there is an upturn in their interest in the artisanal way of life – the return to the basics and the emphasis on the homemade and the grassroots approach to living.
In saying that, they will still have their phones in their hands, and you know what? That is ok too. You can have it all. FYI, even we Baby Boomers clutch at our technology also. So that may be something that innkeepers need to understand.
One of the most successful things we experienced was a communal breakfast of the eight guests. Not only was the food of an extraordinary standard, but the company was from millennials to much older guests. We talked, and we shared photos from our smartphones, and that is just the way that it was, and then we each went off doing different things as suggested by the innkeepers, or that we each had organised.
We asked some very successful travel writers, who just happen to be Millenials, what they want when visiting an inn or a B&B.
We posed some questions and here are the responses, unedited.
Matt & Alana of Great Big Globe are independent travelers who have been exploring the globe non-stop for the last year and half. They enjoy getting away from tourists hot spots and getting to know a destination on a local level.
Imma of A World to Travel runs a site focused in unique experiences around the world, photography, music festivals and the great outdoors
Rob of World Wide Travel Advice is a global traveller, adventurer, shameless tech geek, vegan and wannabe photographer! It’s his my aim to inspire people to get out there and see the world!
Sarah of Travel on your Lonesome writes about solo and independent travel, and offer a lot of advice on how you can do this too.
Stefan and Sebastien, gay couple and owners of the travel blog, Nomadic Boys . Over the past 7 years of their relationship they have done many trips around the world together and always preferred B&Bs. During their recent long 2 years trip in Asia, they preferred guesthouses and B&Bs to hostels and found this was definitely their preferred accommodation option.
Mar Pages of Once in a Lifetime Journey. Mar, is from a tiny town south of Barcelona. Over the past 10 years she has traveled practically non-stop, taking a plane every week to exotic destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia as a telecoms consultant.
Sanket is just another 20-something trying to crack the code of the nomadic dream. Not one year ago, he quit an amazing job with one of the largest ad-syndication networks in the world (hint: it may or may not have an exclamation mark in its name), to focus on his writing career. He’s the dusky charmer with the husky voice behind Nomadic Lives, and he writes about experiential, slow and off-beat travel, often interspersed with rants over his perpetual existential crisis.
Shandos Cleaver of Travelnuity is a Sydney-based travel blogger. A long traveller who has always been trying to stretch her own travel budget, the mission of Travelnuity is to provide travel inspiration and ingenious tips to stretch other people’s travel budgets.
1. What are the absolutely essential things that you must have in choosing an inn (Wi-Fi, experiences, services, activities, peace and quiet, a combination)?
Great Big Globe: We look for a B&B that offers reliable WiFi in all parts of the property. Having access to a small kitchen for coffee and tea throughout the day and laundry facilities is a plus for us. We also tend to choose properties which offer a nightly reception whether it be wine and cheese, a showcase of different local products or just a quick drink and bite before we head out the door for dinner. It’s nice way to connect with other guests who might staying at the same place and a good time to get tips for what to do the next day.
Worldwide Travel Advice: Sad to say, but unless I’m out in the sticks, then WiFi is a bare-essential. Towels are also a staple, plus the ability to communicate with the staff! The should be staff very well informed of the local area.
A World to Travel: Wi-Fi if I am traveling anywhere else than my country is essential (and it needs to be working, I have faced this situation many times where they advertise it online and once you’re there it’s down. Frustrating much!).
A unique design helps as well. We head to cozy B&B running away from standard hotel rooms, where you are unsure if you are in Copenhaguen or Marrakech.
Being next or close enough to unique, special and overall stunning landscapes help as well.
AND if they include any other meals, a kettle, have good reviews and are a good value, we are sold!
Travel on your Lonesome:I think a good B+B simply HAS to have an amazing breakfast! I’ve stayed in places before and the morning meal has been a let down. A bit of good conversation goes down well, as well as fast, unlimited internet, and FLUFFY TOWELS! 🙂
Nomadic Boys: Wi-Fi is a must, but we appreciate in places like the Philippines, Nepal and particularly Myanmar, this will be a struggle or non-existent. For the rest, we look at all the Tripadvisor reviews and get an idea of the feel of the place and base a decision on that. Above all else, our favourite stays involve owners who are very personable – we do like to be mothered a bit by our hosts.
2. What has or could annoy you in staying at a B&B?
Great Big Globe: When a property isn’t set up to minimize the noise of other guests. (Slamming doors, not using rugs on wood floors, putting headboards on a common wall, etc.). Also, public spaces not being tended to throughout the day (only cleaning once a day). Another guest comes through with muddy shoes; someone spills something, etc. Finally, not leaving ample supplies in room for your stay (toilet paper, shampoo, etc.)
Worldwide Travel Advice: I stayed in one place in England where the owner wouldn’t leave us alone. As in, knocking on the door every 10 minutes and generally being a bit of a pest! It was irritating, but she meant well I think. I don’t think anyone had stayed there for a while!
A World to Travel: Not having someone to welcome me and having to phone someone when you are at the door, rain or shine. That drives me mad.
Not having the described equipment or services.
Travel on your Lonesome: Hotels tend to be pretty consistent – reasonable beds, clean facilities etc. Just because I’m staying in someones house, doesn’t mean the bed can’t be comfy…
Nomadic Boys: The most annoying thing which almost kills an experience is when you’re not told about a particular B&B’s location directly next to the local mosque’s speakers. This was particularly the case in Udaipur in North India and throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. The call to the Mosque can be a really beautiful sound and particularly in Istanbul it adds a bit of magic to the atmosphere. But when it sounds like a loud obnoxious dictator preparing to invade, droning on and on until 11pm and then starting up again at 5am, it takes its toll.
Once in a Lifetime Journey: When charming and heritage become sold, worn out and unpractical. or decor that instead of being charming it feel too much like grandma’s house, there is a fine balance between the two.
Nomadic Lives: Constant noise — by way of noisy neighbors, guests or some sort of construction project around. Like I mentioned, I pick B&Bs when I want a break from the high-tempo hostel life, so the a certain amount of peace is necessary.
Travelnuity: There is such a thing as being too helpful and chatty. While I love a friendly welcome and a local tip or two, I’ve come across at least one host who didn’t want to stop talking and let us go out the door to go exploring! Give the guests space and quiet if they want it.
3. Why do you think that Millennials’s are visiting B&B’s more regularly now?
Great Big Globe: We like the personal service that comes along with a B&B stay. When staying at a hotel, you tend to be just a room number. When staying at a B&B, you have a name and the person behind the desk genuinely cares whether or not you enjoy your stay. Not just at their property but the city or region you are visiting as well. B&B owners have almost always lived in the area for several years and know wonderful restaurants, hole in the wall establishments, beautiful hikes, etc. They are happy to cater generic cialis 5mg their suggestions to both your budget and personality. Not just sending you to the most expensive restaurants or shopping centers when that isn’t what you’re looking for.
Worldwide Travel Advice:I think they’re much more personal and intimate than a generic, cold and corporate ‘one size fits all’ hotel chain. Speaking to a normal person who’s house you happen to be staying in, rather than a robot just doing to job makes a difference too I think. Plus it’s quaint!
A World to Travel: To search for unique experiences far from mainstream hotels and big chains. Also, because they are usually budget friendly.
Travel on your Lonesome: I think the rise of Airbnb has made people more interested in the whole ‘experience’ of an overnight stay. Staying with a family in someones actual house rather than in a boring room hotel room definitely appeals to me. Staying somewhere a bit more residential is handy too, rather than out in an industrial estate on the edge of town.
Nomadic Boys: We love anything which leads to experiencing something through the eyes of a local. This changes everything – you not only make a really good friend, but you really appreciate the place you’re visiting far more when you’ve got a local showing you round. Staying at B&Bs, you’re the best place to meet and make friends with locals and not only that but locals who are open to travellers and usually keen to show you round.
Once in a Lifetime Journey: Looking for more genuine experiences. Naturally, as I write about luxury and out of the ordinary, Inns could give me both. If the owners are willing to show the real side of the place, interact with guests (without intruding) and provide a unique setting and building that has history and charm. I would choose to stay at a castle or alike because the property has something else than just a room. Also, some Inns can be very luxurious and more personable with the possibility to getting real concierge service from people who live in the area.
Nomadic Lives: I think millenials are beginning to see the value of a B&B. There’s a slightly annoying stereotype about young travellers in their late teens/early 20s — that they usually travel to party, in a pursuit of cheap alcohol and easy sex. While this is partly true, some of us also travel to discover new places, new cultures and meet new people. Some of us are what you’d call ambiverts — we love the outrageous hostel parties, but we also love peace and homeliness. Naturally, B&Bs become appealing — they are one of the best ways to discover daily local life in a new country, meet local folks, live a few days like a local person and all of this at a reasonable price, and a certain amount of privacy and peace, which is hard-to-come by at hostels.
Travelnuity: So much that is old-school is new again, ranging from beards to knitting, and B&B’s are part of that old-school renaissance. Additionally, many Millennials are regular travellers, and are looking for unique and authentic experiences, with B&B’s more likely to fit the bill than international hotel chains.
4. What would the ideal weekend at a B&B look like for you?
Great Big Globe: The B&B would offer early afternoon check-in so we can get settled but still have the afternoon to do some sightseeing. The B&B would suggest options for dinner and assist us with reservations if necessary. We’d come back for an early evening welcome reception which would showcase local wines, beers, cheesemakers, etc. At the reception, we would talk to other guests or the B&B owners and make a plan for the rest of our weekend. Ideally, the property would be situated within walking distance of dinner.
On Saturday, breakfast would be offered between 7-10am (coffee and tea available earlier) so we could dine at our leisure. It would be great if the property was quiet (no set events) for the remainder of the day so those wanting to relax and read on the grounds, etc. could have that option. We’d spend the day out sightseeing or hiking, come back for shower and a quick hors d’oeuvres hour before walking to dinner.
On Sunday, a traditional breakfast would be offered as well as a “to go” option for those needing to leave town or simply wanting to maximize their time.
Worldwide Travel Advice: My dream B+B weekend would involve a healthy selection of books, a well-stocked wood burner, quality complimentary cosmetics, heaps of local knowledge on where to go locally, privacy… and of course, an incredible home cooked breakfast in the morning! I mean seriously, keep the coffee and OJ flowing!!!
A World to Travel: Active, getting close and personal with the great outdoors and with an awesomely warm and welcoming place where to rest my head after a great day outside. With a warm meal waiting for me and the comfiest bed ever!
Travel on your Lonesome: A local adventure, an action packed day, followed by peace and quiet in the evening, a ridiculously comfy bed, some books, endless hot water and a BATH!
Nomadic Boys: Getting that local experience from a weekend B&B stay is a bit more tricky as you’re more inclined to squeezing as much in as you possibly can in a weekend stay. But nonetheless, the B&B we stayed at in Bruges in Belgium was run by a really sweet husband / wife team who opened up 3 rooms in their home to travellers via Air BnB. It was centrally located, and they made the most delicious breakfast every morning for us, so delicately prepared and were friendly/keen to chat with us, but knew when not to become too intrusive.
Once in a Lifetime Journey: Great breakfasts and activities to explore the area. Maybe a map with a daily itinerary that can be followed on a self-guided manner or a local guide the Inn can organize to show you nature or wildlife or even just to take you to the local market and get to know the owners of the market stalls. Great homey dinner is essential too with romantic touches of candles and soothing music.
Nomadic Lives: A cozy king/queen size bed, a window overlooking a water-body, a common living-room/salon with carpeted floors, warm-fuzzy lights and a raging fireplace; a friendly local host, eager to share his/her life-stories, an intriguing book or awesome people for company, and some chilled beer or a superb Riesling. Sounds pretty close to perfect for me.
Travelnuity: Drive up to a beautiful old house out of the misty, afternoon rain. Check-in and sprawl out on the comfy, king-size bed. Head out to a local restaurant recommended by the friendly host, who made a last-minute booking for us. Return to have a glass of port around an open fire or relax with bubble bath in the bath. Sleep like a baby, then wake up to feast at a small table in the room or outside in a sunny courtyard on a basket of locally-produced breakfast goodies.
5. Any other comments.
Great Big Globe: It’s important for guests to know how to contact owners/employees throughout their stay. That doesn’t mean someone needs to man a “front desk” all day, just simply be clear on how to contact someone if you need something. Whether it’s a phone number, knock on a certain door, etc. No guests want to try to track someone down for an hour to simply ask for another roll of toilet paper or lightbulb.
Worldwide Travel Advice: Active, getting close and personal with the great outdoors and with an awesomely warm and welcoming place where to rest my head after a great day outside. With a warm meal waiting for me and the comfiest bed ever!
Nomadic Boys: Air BnB has been our main base to get the best BnB experiences. During big trip in Asia, we frequently tried to find a long term base in cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur where we could essentially work on our blog. We would usually find a condo apartment in the suburbs of the city which would include a pool and gym, and would cost no more than $30 a night. We spent Christmas last year in our condo in Bangkok.
Take a Break and reflect on what these travel writers, your clients, with huge readerships, and who are influences in the travel industry, are telling you.
Millennials Travel
They are explorers and want the unique experience.They are also a money pit, much like their baby boomer parents, another lucrative marketplace.
Constant Connection.
Free Wi-Fi. But then we all should get that. Do not charge anyone, millennials or not, for Wi-Fi. If you have to spend some money to upgrade your system; then this will be money very well spent.
Authenticity and Personal Experiences.
Home cooked meals and chances to perhaps cook the home cooked meals and also the chance to have their own space. We asked one couple who said they want the community feel ‘when they felt like it’. This seemed fair enough because we felt the same. It is also about experiencing artisanal food, in a community environment.
Knowledge of the Local Area
Based on our experiences, this is where B&B’s shine through. They do know everything that is going on so keep it up because we and millennials appreciate this insider information.
A Bargain
OK, it is human nature to want a good deal and if you can add as many inclusions as possible, millennials weill be happy. A knitting class, a foraging for mushrooms opportunity. What bundles can be suggested to meet the needs of the millennials?
To See Proof of your Internet Presence
Make sure your site is attractive and user-friendly. Sell your product, your B&B to your client, and in this case, we are talking a very lucrative market; the millennials. Make sure that you have a very well thought-out testimonials page. Having a Facebook page that is frequently updated, is a given. Any other social media is a bonus.
Listen and Respond to your critics.
People do rely on other’s opinions but are savvy enough to read between the lines. If someone has given your inn a poor review on Trip Advisor or Yelp, address it publically and politely. In fact, answer all comments…and try not to be defensive.
Millennials have Discovered B & B’s
Ask your guests what has worked and what didn’t. If it is realistic and is in keeping with your inn’s ethos, then address it. However, you are successful because you have your own signature…and at the end of the day, you need to be true to yourself and your business model. None of us are perfect however and can always learn from one another.
So, the Millennials have discovered B & B’s and are loving them, and you may well get a piece of this lucrative action.
I hope that this has given all of you innkeepers food for thought. We would love to keep in contact , so join our newsletter and see what else we are discovering in this very interesting world of travel. It is easy and you will not be spammed, just sign up here for a weekly update.
My husband and I have been planning our travels and we’ve been trying to decide where to stay. I love the idea here that staying at a b&b is preferred because you can see things from the eyes of a local, and you meet locals, so you can also get information about the best places to go and explore. This sounds exactly like the experience that we want to have!
Totally agree, you get to meet the people who live in the community. Not sure where you are going, but if you head to the New England area of the US, you will love this, https://contentedtraveller.com/top-12-new-england-inns-that-shout-gilmore-girls/
I find this post very useful, both as a millennial traveler and as a host of my own little apartment at AirBNB. I know it doesn’t quite qualify as a BNB, but I did get several relevant and useful pointers on how to be a better host. Thank you! 🙂
I am so happy. I think it does pertain to Airbnb as well, but I am doing a specific post on that also.
Really it was a nice article..
Thank you, I appreciate that
I’m a Millenial and I definitely love B&Bs, mainly because of the price point. Spending less on accommodation means I have more to spare when it comes to doing outdoor activities.
I don’t necessarily agree Rachel with price point. Many B&B’s are certainly way up there in the luxury price bracket. Actually most B&B’s because they offer such a complete package. And the people who go, no matter what the age, don’t mind spending the money.
What a great piece, and an eye opening one. I must confess I didn’t think Millennials and B&Bs went hand in hand but I really like knowing that kids these days are embracing them.
The last time I did B&Bs was on a road trip around England and I loved it. But I’ve just realised it’s now been a while since I’ve used them myself and I’m having a bit of a word with myself about that.
Everything old is new again; don’t be too harsh with yourself.
Traveling in Alaska is a great opportunity to experience B&Bs – and many DO have washer & dryer services. We love to introduce first-time B&B guests to that mix of homey & private — with strong WIFI/technology support. When traveling with kids, a hotel with pool and snack bar may be better choices, but other travelers appreciate the quietude & the personal service.
We must come to Alaska. It would be an amazing way to experience it.
What a lot of good comments…personally I can’t believe anyone wouldn’t love a B&B!
I love all of the comments too and the insights from the wonderful millennial travel writers.
I’m so happy to know that I am, in fact a Millenial! :p And yes, I do love the B&B’s too because it’s unique, charming and it gives you that “break from the norm” sense.
It does seem to be a fairly fluid term, but I think many people like the fact that B&B’s give you a local experience.
Interesting post however, I don’t see that much difference between what Millennials want and what we look for when we travel. Good that they’re catching on to what some of us have known for a while!
I agree, there is a lot of similarities, in fact I would say that there is almost total alignment. I also am happy that they are having amazing ‘grassroots’ experiences.
We have only stayed at B&B’s twice but loved them! Now that we travel with kids, it add’s a more “homey” atmosphere, but we still generally stick to condo’s as it gives our kids more room to run around!
I agree, there are various times for B&B’s and times for condo’s. I still like condo’s or apartments too, as I like having things like a washing machine. Sad but true.
we have never stayed in a B&B before maybe we should put it on out list, Boen in the 70’s we are not millennials but close
I think you will find that B&B’s are for most people, well couples more so, or adults. It is not always a great fit with children. You need to check each B&B to see their policy.
Wifi is important and the fact that some hotels don’t have it or charge for it makes people want to go the alternative route.
I hate hotels charging for Wi-Fi and out them all when I find out.
I’ve always been drawn to the relaxed feel of B&B’s. I stayed in one not too long ago and enjoyed the company of the owners. They were accommodating, kind and had lots of story to tell. 🙂
It is a lovely and special experience. Pleased you had such a good time.
I’m a millenial and I love B&Bs! It’s so nice to feel like you’re having a weekend away in someone’s home instead of a soulless cookie-cutter hotel.
I agree also that achieving the right balance between being a present host and giving your guests the freedom of solitude is important. The best B&B I ever went to was at a property where the owners lived in a separate home on the property behind the B&B. They worked in the office, which was in the B&B building and they were present at mealtimes in order to cater to us and have some lovely chats, but apart from that we barely saw them. They weren’t always up in our business but we also knew where to go if we needed something. Perfect.
We found that a lot at the New England inns that we stayed at, that the owners lived off site but were accessible. Win, win.
obviously agree with the text and thanks for having me. Inns are a great way to have a local experience, to interact with the hosts and feel more at home less in a hotel. The more we become independent and living on our own, the more need there is to feel like we are visiting old friends. Inn can be that.
Thanks Mar for being a part of this. We appreciated your input very much.
I really enjoy when you write these articles about the travel industry. They are very insightful. As for myself, I was born in the early 80s and yes, I enjoy staying in B&Bs and small inns. Recently, I stayed in one in Bisbee, Arizona and it is an experience I will not forget in a long time. There are many reasons why I will chose to stay in a place like this. It has to do with the unique decoration, opportunity to know people from the area, home cooking and putting my money on the hands of the locals.
I think you have summed this up beautifully Ruth. Thank you.
I used quite a few B&Bs when road tripping in Scotland in my early 20’s where the B&B scene was alive and well. We had so many different experiences, some of them good, some of them – not bad – but challenging, and it was a great way to look into Scottish homes. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
I do think that they are unique experiences. Beats a corporate hotel.
BNBs are really becoming a hit among us millennials, and I think because it adds to the adventure of the trip. It could get noisy and crazy in BNBs but I guess that’s part of the thrill.
I think it does add to knowing an area so much better, and be local is important.
This is so interesting – It’s definitely not a trend that I would’ve picked up on! I’m visiting some New England B&Bs this fall/winter for a similar collaboration, and I’ve found that I’m always the youngest person there (in my 30s). But I’m happy to see there’s a push for more authentic travel experiences overall – I myself prefer AirBnB over hotels for that same reason.
I think you will find that you may have peers your own age as well, at least that was our experiences at a total of 13 different inns.
I do think that AirBnB is one of the reasons why Millennials are looking to stay at B&B’s. Back when I was in my twenties, the B&B’s were less likely to have an internet presence than the chain hotels, so I’d have to call to make a booking which was less convenient. Thank goodness things have changed. When I had small children, I stopped staying at B&B’s as I thought the other guests might not want to share a communal breakfast with the kindy crowd. Now that my kids are older, we’re starting to stay at them again. While I do like the communal breakfast, what I don’t like is the one-room-at-a-time breakfast when you have to reserve a time slot and stick to it. Sometimes, the time is later/earlier than what we’d prefer when on vacation. We were running late by 15 minutes one morning, and the host really got mad at us as she wouldn’t be able to clear us out before the next room arrived.
I haven’t experienced the time slot breakfast and I hope any B&B’s who do have that system, work out an alternative.
I think bnb’s and airbnb is very popular now with all age groups that want to have a unique and original experience of a mom and pop type of outfit and connect with the local area and locals in general.
That is exactly what we saw too Noel, but the interesting thing was that we saw a lot more younger people than we have seen in the past.
It’s natural, many millennials have not settled down yet to have children. We enjoyed B&Bs before we had kids for many of the reasons described above. But ever since baby #1 outgrew a crib/pack ‘n play, we tend to prefer 1-2 BDR rental apartments and that paradigm was pretty much sealed after #2 arrived. B&Bs don’t tend to market to families or go out of their way to make you feel like you’d be welcome there. I think the best rental apartments offer elements of the B&B experience. For example, some gîtes in France offer a continental breakfast (fresh baked goods, fruit, milk, juice, coffee, maybe some cereal) brought to your door in the morning. Many have the owner/manager on property or nearby who is willing to chat about the local area. Others have spacious indoor and/or outdoor common areas to facilitate meeting other travelers and maybe a weekly event like a BBQ night. It’s the little things done to help create a better experience that can make a good vacation great.
I agree, B&B’s and inns are a couples type of experience, pre and post children. The solution you have with apartments and gites works well for families.
Super interesting read, Paula. As an “older” millennial myself, I see B&B’s a little bit like grown-up hostels. The communal breakfasts, the appeal of supporting small family-owned businesses instead of large impersonal corporations and, like you stated, the interest in having a more grassroots approach to living all contribute to making B&B’s one of my favorite options for accommodation whilst traveling.
I love the comparison to ‘grown up hostels’, with a pricier tag o enter the market. You also make a very good point about the support for independently run establishments over corporate hotels.
Great article and fun seeing what others had to say along with our responses. As ‘older’ millennials as well, this is a great comment and something we relate to very much. Supporting local small business is an area we try to focus on whenever possible. Cheers!
Love these insightful comments, and keeping money locally is a very important consideration.
Oh wow, now these are interesting findings, and very insightful too! This will not only help those who are looking for accommodations but bloggers and B&B owners themselves. That’s for sure!
Thanks Aileen, it was excellent to have many millennial travel writers share their thoughts, and I know that innkeepers appreciate this too.
I hear these millennials on the WiFi. I can’t believe that some top hotels still charge for WiFi – in this day and age it should be free. I refuse to stay somewhere it’s not included.
I totally hate the hotels who charge for wi-fi. We also will not support this archaic practice by staying with them. I am with you, in this day and age it should be free for everyone.
I did not know about Millennials….(and neither does my spell check?)
LOL, i must admit that I had to have a few goes at it myself.
As a B&B host I found this article very informative and helpful. Reliable WiFi really came through as an essential amenity, as did privacy and peacefulness. Thank God we have great internet available for our guests but we live pretty close to a busy highway so it can be a bit noisy at times. However we do live 200m to the beach and great cafes, etc so this makes up for a bit of road traffic noise!
I think beaches and cafes make up for a little noise; need to check where you B&B is and come and visit.
The responses to your questions were most interesting. I could relate especially to the comment about the call to prayer when staying near mosques because I had a similar experience.
I actually like the call to prayer because it is unique to wake to, and makes me realise that I am somewhere new. Though, where we live now in Australia, we often hear it at the park across the road and again it reminds me of why I like our multiculturalism.
Wow! What fabulous advice for innkeepers. Not only are your stories about the Distinctive Inns of New England helping travelers to understand the B&B experience, now your sage advice helps innkeepers to understand travelers. It’s truly a gift. Thank you! We will share this liberally with other innkeepers.
Thank you, I was surprised to see such a mix of travellers at the Distinctive Inns so thought I would ask millennial travel writers for their input. I am pleased with their candidness and the way the article turned out.
Lots of valuable information here, especially for B&B’s. As a borderline baby boomer spending my kids inheritance, I actually like B&Bs for nearly all the same reasons as the millennials, some of whom are quite a bit insightful.
I must admit that the millennial reasons for staying at B&B’s aligned with ours also.