·        Free breakfasts for two daily (all B&Bs): $50

·         Free Wi-Fi access and/or guest computers (nearly 90% of B&Bs):  $20

       (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. 

Many BedandBreakfast.com members also add value with packages, and suddenly the economic reasons to avoid travel disappear.  A quick search through  thousands of packages offered on BedandBreakfast.com reveals the following Editor’s Picks for winter packages, listed in alpha-order by state. Packages not valid with other promotional offers, and may not be offered during MLK weekend or Presidents’ Week. 

The Butler House, Mankato, MN: All rooms are specially priced at $99 from January 3 to February 10th, 2009. Stay one night and receive a surprise gift from your innkeeper; stay two nights and get a $10 gas card.  

Albemarle Inn, Asheville, NC:  Travelers looking for post-holiday relaxation can chill with savings of 30 to 50 percent. Bronze-level rooms start at $100/night, silver rooms are $125 per night and platinum rooms top out at $175 per night through January (excluding January 18-19), including down-filled comforters, enticing parlor fires, and gourmet breakfasts. 

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. 

Australian Walkabout B&B, Lancaster, PA: During January and February, stay for one midweek (Sun-Thurs) night and get the second for only $20.09. Take advantage of in-house massage options, complimentary beverages, a DVD library and whirlpool tubs to relax and rejuvenate this winter.

There's no reason to let winter keep you inside.  Book a two-night B&B getaway on BedandBreakfast.com and start the new year out right with some "chillaxing".

While we at BedandBreakfast.com can recite many reasons B&Bs are a more affordable option for budget-driven travelers, I imagine that Frequent Stay programs are not one you'd think might be on the list.  However, BedandBreakfast.com surveys have shown that an estimated 1500 B&Bs offer frequent stay programs.  Many have been around longer than your standard hotel frequent stay program. We've traced frequent stay programs at B&Bs back 25 years. Just as no two B&Bs are alike (and that's what you love about them), many of the frequent stay programs vary and can be quite creative.  Here's a sampling of some of the frequent stay programs you'll find from BedandBreakfast.com members.

Beach Drive Inn Bed & Breakfast, Petersburg FL: Rooms are discounted to $99 for the off-season and $129/season for frequent stay corporate clients.  This is a $50 difference from normal room rates.

Captain Lord Mansion,Kennebunkport, ME: This Frequent Stay program was started 25 years ago, making it likely that it is one of the oldest B&B Frequent Stay program. Initially, when the program started in 1983, to celebrate a guests' 10^th visit, the guests received a pewter hurricane lamp from the inn.  However, as the list of returning guests grew, Rick and Bev Litchfield, owners of the Captain Lord Mansion, wanted to give guests something permanent. So about 15 years ago, they went to gift show in Atlanta, and found historic rock pavers.  In 1993, they created what they call a Memory Garden and each time a guest stays 10 times, a stone paver is engraved with their name and placed into the memory garden.  Today, a circle of pavers around a fountain has been filled with over 450 pavers with frequent guests names on it. There are so many now that a walkway is being built to accommodate the pavers. The pavers are not the only gift, however. For every fifth visit, guests receive special gifts. They are:5^th visit – a beautiful cut glass bud vase10^th – paver engraved and placed into the Memory Garden15^th – a lovely cut glass candy dish20^th – a gorgeous Large cut glass vase25^th – cobalt blue salt and pepper shakers with silver tops After the 25th visit, the Litchfields get creative depending upon the guests' interests. There is one couple that has stayed at the Captain Lord Mansion 75 times!   For their 75th visit, the Litchfields bought Kathi Nelson a solid gold lobster claw necklace with a diamond in the claw.  Because Hal is a Red Sox fan, he received a Daisuke Matsuzaka Red Sox shirt.

Nichols Guest Rooms, Seekonk, MA: Despite inflation, stock market declines, etc., this inn matches the rate return guests paid on their last visit.  For example, recentlya guest who'd stayed three years ago returned for a visit at the rate he paid in 2005 which was a 40% discount.

Maxwell House B&B, "Mayberry" Mount Airy, NC

The Maxwell House Bed and Breakfast, offers a "Mayberry" stayer program. The program runs  for two years from the date of your first stay.  Guests can accumulate points for all stays plus and referrals After your first stay..... for each night you personally stay and for each night that someone you referred to the the inn stays, you get a point.  After 10 points or ten nights of stays, you get a free night. Points are not available for promotional packages and rates. 

Bed and Breakfast Inns of Missouri (BBIM). The BBIM Frequent Stay program is called F.U.N. – Free Unstressed Nights. Guests collect a stamp for any number of consecutive nights paid lodging with the same inn. (Business program is one stamp for two or more consecutive nights paid lodging with the same inn.) Collect six stamps to fill the F.U.N. collection card, mail the completed card to BBIM and receive a $100 gift certificate good at any BBIM member inn. Only two stamps may be collected from any individual member inn after August 15, 2007. Stamps and collection cards will be issued through May 1, 2009. Completed collection cards must be received by BBIM not later than July 1, 2009.

Next time you book a stay at a B&B, be sure to ask whether they have a frequent stay program.  It's a great way to rack up points toward discounted or free stays in 2009.  Be sure to visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on SEARCH then SPECIAL PACKAGES then choose FREQUENT STAY PROGRAMS from the drop down menu for more frequent stay programs from BedandBreakfast.com members.

Stay in a “White House” B&B and enjoy a positively Presidential getaway 

While the Obama family will soon take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you don’t have to be a famous celebrity, well-known politician, or a deep-pockets donor to sleep in the White House. “If you’ve always dreamed of staying overnight in the White House, here’s your chance,” says Sandy Soule, VP of Marketing for www.BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide. “You can park in the First Lady’s parking spot, dine in the Reagan Dining Room, and even sleep in the West Wing at these B&Bs, all featuring a White House theme or connection,” says Soule. Enjoy Presidential trivia, breakfast cooked by a former White House chef, and White House architecture, while basking in guest room fit for a President at these BedandBreakfast.com member B&Bs, listed in alpha-order by state. Washington may be sold out for the Presidential inauguration, but these white houses have rooms fit for a President with rates starting at $125 per night.   

White House Inn and Spa, Napa, CA: While the inn is white, its theme is green. Describing itself as Napa’s “first hip green hotel”, this white-columned inn offers 17 newly appointed rooms. The Presidential Suite is fit for the nation’s leader or the most discriminating traveler; this 1,300- square-foot cottage offers two floors, two baths, and a double spa tub. Within easy walking distance of downtown Napa, you’ll find trendy chic surroundings for Napa’s newest generation of eco-travelers.   

The White House, Nantucket, MA: This historic property, ideally located in the core district of Nantucket and adjacent to the Jared Coffin garden, is named after its exterior color more than the Presidential theme. The first floor is home to one of the island's fine whaling antique shops where a resident scrimshander can be found carving actual whale bone. Guest rooms above feature Ralph Lauren bedding, private baths and views of the town. Guests are given vouchers to enjoy breakfast at a nearby restaurant.  

1 Church Street, The White House B&B, Belfast, ME: Built by James P. White, this home has long been considered one of the most dramatic in Maine, like its namesake in DC. Designed with graceful symmetry, a columned facade, and an eight-sided cupola, it is one of the most photographed homes on Maine's coast. The home's interior is as stunning as the exterior, with ornate plaster ceiling medallions, marble fireplaces, and intricate moldings. A park-like triangle of grounds and gardens surround Maine’s White House. 

Inn of the Patriots and Presidential Culinary Museum, Grover, NC: While the inn is painted white, the Presidential draw here is former Executive Chef to the President, Martin Mongiello. As a former White House and Camp David Chef, Chef Marti has collected everything from a large display of Presidential photos to White House china, letters from Presidents and even Wooden Easter eggs rolled on the White House lawn each year. Guests can take a guided tour through this collection, and enjoy breakfasts and afternoon treats that are fit for a President. 

Portland’s White House B&B, Portland, OR: A dead ringer for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this circa 1911 B&B comes complete with 14 pillars and fountain in front. Restored to its original splendor with sparkling European chandeliers, a formal dining room, sweeping staircase, and a grand ballroom, this B&B offers extensive collections of European and Continental porcelains and 18th and 19th century oil paintings. Five guest rooms in the main house and three guest rooms in the Carriage House are elegantly appointed with antiques, paintings and porcelains. King or queen feather beds, feather pillows and rich linens guarantee that unlike the President, guests can enjoy a relaxing and carefree night’s sleep.

The White House Inn, Blacksburg, SC: The majestic columns topped with Corinthian capitals frame the entrance to this inn, which resembles a smaller version of the Presidential White House, although its name comes from former owner Mr. Jim White, a local architectural visionary.  Guests can choose to stay in the White House Suite, complete with private bath, kitchenette, and dining, living and sleeping areas or choose the Rose Garden Room overlooking a view of the Rose of Sharon trees. 

The Texas White House, Fort Worth, TX: A stay here comes with a guarantee that it’ll be the most accommodating B&B in Texas. Guest rooms feature private baths and sitting areas. Some are complete with double whirlpool tubs or private saunas. On-site massages mean that whether you’re President of the country or your own fan club, you can relax knowing you’re close to Fort Worth’s attractions and downtown offices. The Little White House B&B, Fredericksburg, VA: Built in 1740, this B&B is part of the oldest house in historic Fredericksburg. Charles Dick, a commissioner of the Revolutionary War gunnery, built the house on a bluff above the Rappahannock River, across from the boyhood home of his close friend George Washington. Presidents Adams, Coolidge, and Cleveland have also visited the smaller namesake of their presidential home. Use this family-friendly B&B as a base to explore all the history of nearby Fredericksburg.

 A Williamsburg White House, Williamsburg, VA: A passion for presidential politics led the owners to open a B&B to show off all their Presidential photos and White House collections.  Arrive and choose to park in the Chief of Staff or First Lady’s reserved parking spot. You’ll dine in the Reagan Dining Room and relax in the Kennedy Library, filled with photos and reminders of President Kennedy’s time in the White House. Choose to sleep in the Lincoln Bedroom suite, complete with Ford’s Theater sitting room, or stay in the newer West Wing with FDR’s Suite complete with photos of his time in office. True to its theme, down to the sign on the inside of the front door which reads “Homeland Security asks that you please close the door,” this B&B is ideal for political junkies and those looking for a positively presidential respite within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg. 

White House Inn, Wilmington, VT: Built as a summer home in 1915 for lumber baron Martin Brown, this inn has 14 fireplaces, finely crafted French doors and two-story terraces supported by soaring pillars. Three intimate dining rooms mean guests can enjoy a cocktail and dinner while watching a magnificent sunset through the large windows. The inn has 16 guest rooms, each equipped with private bath and furnished with period pieces. Thanks to the inn’s majestic hilltop location, there is a view fit for a king – or a President – from every room. 

Fuel-conscious holiday shoppers will let their fingers do the driving this holiday season, making gift cards more popular than ever this year. According to Deloitte's 23rd Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends recently announced, for the fifth straight year, gift cards are expected to be the top gift purchase.  66% of consumers surveyed in 2008 plan to buy them, just slightly below last year’s 69% of consumers. Businesses will be giving employees gift cards more than any other category of gift this year, according a recent American Express Business Gifting survey. From the employee perspective, gift cards rival a day off as a desirable gift, and are bested only by cash and vacation time.

This holiday season, join savvy gift card shoppers who are turning to The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcome at nearly 4,000 B&Bs across the United States and Canada.Everyone loves that that there are no fees, no taxes, no expiration or blackout dates, and unlike other online gift purchases, free shipping is always available. Online buying in minutes means that shoppers can give a no-strings gift that offers complete flexibility. It’s the perfect holiday gift for adult kids to give their parents and grandparents, and equally appropriate for parents to give their grown children, along with a promise to babysit the grandkids! Add a customized photo of the whole family, and you have a gift that’s perfect for those who have everything but time to relax.