Best Honeymoon B&Bs: Wanderable's Top Picks

May 13, 2013 15:59 by Bevin

Today’s article is a guest post from Gemma of Wanderable.com. Wanderable is a honeymoon registry site that helps couples fund their dream honeymoons through the gifts of experiences from friends and family.

Are you or someone you know planning for a wedding night or honeymoon? At Wanderable we love the personalized service and local flavor of staying in B&Bs. We have selected five B&Bs that feature luxurious amenities and personal touches, set in locations that are perfect for romance. Explore our picks below!

Wine Country Inn - Saint Helena, California

Perfect for: Foodies and wine lovers. Spend your days exploring wine country, enjoying wine tastings at local vineyards, hiking in state parks and eating at fantastic restaurants.

Why we love it: Perched on a hill overlooking a vineyard, this property features stunning views and gorgeous grounds. Rooms feature local antiques, family made quilts, fireplaces and balconies to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Learn more.

Hale Puka ‘ana - Kekaha, Hawaii

Perfect for: Beach and nature lovers. Explore the wild rainforests of Koke'e and Waimea Canyon national parks, tour the Napali Coast and relax on the longest white sand beach in Hawaii.

Why we love it: Just feet from the beach, this B&B allows you to enjoy Hawaii away from the crowds. Rooms feature sumptuous high thread count bed linens and private lanais (balconies) for sunset gazing and whale watching. Learn more.

Addison on Amelia - Fernandina Beach, Florida

Perfect for: Beach bums, golfers, and hikers. Amelia Island features white sand beaches, maritime forests, treed marshlands, three nearby state parks and numerous golf courses.

Why we love it: Nestled in a historic seaside village, this lovely property marries 'old Florida' elegance with modern amenities. Rooms feature soaring ceilings, four-poster beds, rich hardwood floors, luxurious bed linens and lots of large down-filled pillows. Learn more.

The Ruby of Crested Butte - Crested Butte, Colorado

Perfect for: Nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, and snow bunnies. Crested Butte has a plethora of activities available: fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, skiing and snowboarding.

Why we love it: This gorgeous mountain lodge is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with unobstructed views of Mount Crested Butte. All rooms will enchant you with a spectacular view, luxurious 1000 thread count sheets, antique furnishings and thoughtful details. Learn more.

The Governor's Inn - Charleston, South Carolina

Perfect for: Romance lovers and history buffs. Horse drawn carriages, trees draped in Spanish moss, cobblestone streets and legendary southern hospitality make Charleston an ideal honeymoon destination.

Why we love it: Situated in the heart of historic Charleston, this pre-revolution mansion is rich in history and glamour. Rooms feature crystal chandeliers, family antiques, four-poster beds, original hardwood floors, whirlpool baths and private porches. Learn more.


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Less-is-More Luggage Lessons for B&B Guests

March 14, 2013 11:21 by Emily

We see many people take huge suitcases with them on short getaways. While it’s handy to have a plethora outfits and toiletries to choose from, do you really need five pairs of shoes or three books for a weekend escape? Over-packing is particularly inconvenient and unnecessary when you're visiting B&Bs. Here's why:

Lots of steps: A typical Victorian mansion has six or more steps to get to the front door, and at least two full flights of stairs to get to second- and third-floor guest rooms. Although many B&Bs have wheelchair accessible guest rooms, elevators are a rarity.

Limited closet space: In the 19th century and earlier, most people had very few clothes--just their everyday work clothes and a Sunday suit or dress. The oversize closets of today's homes were very rare. Where closets existed, innkeepers have typically transformed them into bathrooms, since indoor plumbing was even scarcer than closets. While innkeepers do their best to provide you with adequate storage space, and newer B&Bs often do have some nice closet space, limitations do exist at many B&Bs.

Limited staff: Although innkeepers will be delighted to help you with your bags whenever possible, B&Bs usually do not have bellhops or other staff on call for carrying luggage.

Lots of amenities: Nearly every innkeeper will be delighted to provide you with a hair dryer and iron (plus an ironing board), so remove those items from your suitcase. Lovely toiletries at most inns (shampoo, lotions, etc.) can also lighten your load.

Lots of books: Although good books are a key ingredient of a great vacation, you don't need to pack a library. Most innkeepers will be happy to trust you to return their own favorites, while others offer an informal exchange program--take a book, leave a book.

Be a ruthless packer. If you’re really tight on space, consider packing only neutral-colored slacks, shorts, and/or skirts (black & khaki are best), so that all your tops match all the bottoms. One great idea is taking no-iron microfiber fabrics, which weigh little and fold up into nothing. Since you can usually wear the bottoms for several days, you'll only need two or three if you’re going on a week-long trip.

Three pairs of shoes is the maximum, and two pairs is better--a pair of walking shoes, and another that's a little dressier. Always take a bathing suit since many B&Bs have hot tubs and/or lovely swimming pools. Roll it into a ball, stick it in a corner of your suitcase, and you'll never have to miss the fun if an opportunity strikes. Do bring an empty, lightweight daypack if you plan to go hiking. Most of all, enjoy your trip!


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Soothe Your Soul at our Top 10 Zen Inns

January 25, 2013 16:45 by Emily

Our January award this year is a brand new category: Top 10 Inns for Finding Zen. Over the years, we have learned about so many incredible B&Bs that soothe the soul that we decided it was time to honor some of the best. These B&Bs break the mold with offerings such as yoga classes, walking meditation labyrinths, napping hammocks, and saunas.

Explore the list to decide where to go the next time you need a rejuvenating getaway! Pictured is the labyrinth at one of the winners, Adobe & Pines in Taos, New Mexico.

By Emily Starbuck Crone


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Holiday Traditions Around the World

December 5, 2012 15:54 by Emily

While traditions are an important part of the holiday season, this year, expand your horizons and learn how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Witnessing traditions from around the globe — from Christmas markets to holiday decorations — will bring a festive atmosphere to any trip. It’s also a perfect excuse to spend quality time with family and friends.


London, England

Many people love to travel during the holidays for one simple reason: extravagant decorations. One of the best cities for holiday decorations is London. Expect holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees across the city, especially in places like beautiful Trafalgar Square. Experience a more intimate side of the city by choosing a London B&B for your accommodation.

Prague, Czech Republic
Travel to Prague during the holidays to experience one of the city’s oldest and most beloved traditions: the Christmas markets. The main squares of the city are home to these atmospheric, outdoor markets selling everything from handmade arts and crafts to spicy mulled wine. These markets are also known for their hot, delicious street food. Expect choral performances and a big Christmas tree in the Old Town Square as well. Make your visit especially festive with a stay at a seasonally decorated Prague bed and breakfast.

Paris, France

If you’re seeking Christmas romance, plan a trip to Paris. This gorgeous city becomes even more cheerful with holiday decorations and charming Christmas markets. Visitors can nibble on gingerbread while picking up gifts for family and friends back home, including everything from French delicacies (like cheese and sausage) to handmade toys and crafts. Finish your holiday-themed trip with an ice-skating excursion at Trocadero. Experience the local side of the City of Love by choosing a Paris bed and breakfast in a quiet neighborhood.

Dublin, Ireland
Leave it to the Irish to create one of the most festive atmospheres in Europe leading up to Christmas. On Dublin’s main, central strip, Grafton Street, street performers sing holiday carols and groups gather for photos around the big Christmas trees and twinkling lights. The cold weather is ideal for squeezing into a historic pub for a pint of Guinness while Christmas music plays in the background. Get to know how the locals celebrate by choosing an intimate city center bed and breakfast in Dublin.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is home to some of the most impressive light displays on the continent. Escape the stress of the holidays for a relaxed trip to Madrid, where you can fill your days browsing the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor, checking out the famous nativity scenes at local churches, and ice skating at Retiro Park. Madrid is also a fabulous place to do some Christmas shopping at well-decorated department stores like El Corte Ingles. Witness even more local traditions by staying in a central bed and breakfast.

Back at home, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in the stress of the holidays. Escape this year with a trip abroad to experience how others make the season bright.

Updated by Emily Starbuck Crone


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New Feature: Detailed Map Search

July 17, 2012 14:55 by Emily

Today, we are announcing a brand new maps feature that makes it easier for you to find properties in the exact area where you want to stay. It also makes it easy to see how many B&Bs are in any given area.

There is still a map on the city page in the right sidebar, which you can see in the image below:

 

Starting today, when you click on the map on a city page, it will take you to a new page with a large map like the one below. When you click on a pin, you will see the name of the inn with some quick facts, plus a link to the listing. If you drag the map to another area, it will automatically repopulate with properties in the new area. BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection properties are noted with a blue icon.

We think this change will make it even easier for you to find the perfect B&B. What do you think?

By Emily Starbuck Crone


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