Everyone is looking for a deal these days, and there is no shortage of them at B&Bs. A complimentary – and often gourmet – breakfast is always included. Yet, there are lesser-known and equally worthwhile benefits to a B&B stay. In fact, we've calculated as much as $180 in savings realized by staying at a B&B. Recently, BedandBreakfast.com polled innkeepers to learn about the array of amenities offered at inns and B&Bs throughout the contry.  Figures below reflect our survey results. Here’s how the value of B&Bs add up:

- Free breakfasts for two daily (all B&Bs): $50
- Free Wi-Fi access and/or guest computers (nearly 90% of B&Bs): $20
- Free afternoon refreshments, wine and cheese and/or evening dessert for two (94% of B&Bs): $40
- Tip-free help with luggage & concierge services (over 65% of B&Bs): $10
- Free local telephone calls (75% of B&Bs) plus free long distance calls: $10
- Free parking (over 95% of B&Bs): Up to $50     

Still not enough value? BedandBreakfast.com ups the savings each month with a different campaign when you book online at the site. This month, look for more than $100 in savings on a four-night stay booked on BedandBreakfast.com through the Fantastic Fall Sale.

For the next two weeks, we'll post an additional piece of advice for saving on B&B getaways. Be sure to check back for more travel advice.

Tip #1

Travel midweek to the country and weekends to the city: Rural B&Bs are popular relaxing weekend escapes for those hoping to “get out of the city,” yet midweek is quieter. Since business travelers tend to fill urban B&Bs during the week, you’ll often find wider availability on the weekends. Room rates may reflect the slower times, so ask for midweek or a weekend rate depending upon where you’re traveling.

Tune into the BedandBreakfast.com blog daily for more tips on B&B savings.

Happy New Year to all BedandBreakfast.com blog readers.  We're delighted to welcome in the new year with encouragement to continue traveling to your favorite B&Bs, along with some enticements to try a few new ones.  Whether your January travel plans involve skiing, surfing, or post-holiday relaxation, BedandBreakfast.com offers packages and incentives for winter getaways. We know that you are are fed up with hotel charges of $5 for a bottle of water, $7 for a phone call, and are looking for the valuable money-saving bonuses that B&Bs offer. BedandBreakfast.com recently surveyed more than 5,200 innkeepers and heard from almost 1,400 of them about B&B amenities, ranging from free local and long distance phone calls to complimentary afternoon refreshments, wine and cheese, and/or evening desserts.

Inn travelers also save with free parking, free Wi-Fi, and tip-free bellhop and concierge services like restaurant reservations and insider sightseeing advice. Add in a $50 Ski and Surf Vacation Bonus from BedandBreakfast.com for a two-night online reservation, and it's clear that B&B bonuses can add up to savings of hundreds of dollars on an unforgettable winter getaway. In fact, BedandBreakfast.com estimates the following savings when you book a two-night B&B getaway:

• Free breakfasts for two daily (all B&Bs): $50
• Free Wi-Fi access and/or guest computers (nearly 90% of B&Bs): $20
• Free afternoon refreshments, wine and cheese and/or evening dessert for two (94% of B&Bs): $40
• Tip-free help with luggage and concierge services (over 65% of B&Bs): $10
• Free local telephone calls (75% of B&Bs) plus free long distance calls $10
• Free parking (over 95% of B&Bs): Up to $50
• Total savings for the two day stay is $180.  Include the $50 BedandBreakfast.com online booking bonus and save $230 for a two-night stay!  

Covered Bridge House, Glen, NH: Stay two midweek nights and receive two lift tickets honored at any of the seven Mt Washington Valley ski resorts or two trail passes, group lesson and equipment rental good at any one of six Mt. Washington Valley Nordic centers, absolutely free. After a vigorous day on the slopes, return to the inn for a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the stars. This package includes two night’s lodging (Sunday - Thursday), two full country breakfasts daily, and two lift tickets for only $198 for two people through April 1, 2009 (excluding February 14-22, 2009).

The Craftsman Bed and Breakfast, Storm City, OR: Take advantage of the midweek special.  Stay two nights, Sunday through Thursday for the price of one. Cuddle up warm inside while the high winds, blowing surf and waves crashing into the Cape Kiwanda offer pure excitement that Oregonians look forward to every year.