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.

Together, Steve and his innkeeper Theresa have redecorated and rebuilt just about every room and cottage at the inn. Gone is the Bavarian style dining room; in its place is a gorgous gold and maroon papered room with richly upholstered chairs and tables. What was formerly a living room is now a pub with rich woodworking and a full service bar, tended many nights by Steve himself. The living room and library offer comfortable seating, a full array of books, area brochures and even a chess table.  Wi-fi is also available throughout the inn and there's even a room for spa treatments.

I had the chance to stay in the Dream Cottage, which was finished just about a year ago.  I have to say I've stayed at many inns, but have rarely found such indulgent amenities.  The cottage has high ceilings, giving it a nice sense of spaciousness.  The bath has a large window that overlooks the rest of the cottage, so you can soak in the deep double whirlpool tub and watch the flat screen TV or enjoy the fireplace.  The shower is plenty big enough for two, with  natural stone tiles, multi-jets and believe it or not, a private sauna off it.  I don't think I've ever seen a private sauna in a guest room before!  There is a private porch off the Dream Cottage with a swinging bench and nice wicker chairs.  When we came out of the door, the sun lit the top of a nearby mountain and it was aflame in fall foliage color. The mountain views from everywhere at the Sugar Hill Inn are just breath taking.  The inn's front porch, with it's inviting wicker furniture and mums, pumpkins and corn stalks is another great place to enjoy the views.  

We had the opportunity to dine at the inn.  The food was beautifully presented and equally delicious.  I was intrigued by the baked parmesan cup the Caesar salad was served in, and the decadent desserts.  The four course prix-fixe $49 dinner is a value given the presentation and quality of the food. From the beautiful, rich tones to the amenities and food, you can't beat the Sugar Hill Inn for a romantic getaway.