B&Bs publish self-serving silver lining

A new survey by BedandBreakfast.com says that inn-goers are continuing to travel, despite news of an economic crisis and a drop-off in travel spending. North of 96 percent of respondents replied that they had stayed in a hotel in the past two years, and 85.5 percent reported staying in a bed and breakfast. A whopping 75 percent claim to be planning two to four getaways through September 30, 2009.

And, the numbers just get rosier.

More than half of the respondents are planning to take as many trips as they did last year, and 25 percent are anticipating even more. Surprisingly … (add a little sarcasm here) … 84 percent said they’re going to stay at a B&B on trips between now and the end of September. Of course, only 10 percent would admit to plans for a two-star hotel, with 46 percent ‘fessing up to three-star hotel plans. Imagine that, from a B&B site that polls subscribers!

Peer pressure’s a bitch.

Seventy-three percent are planning trips within 150 miles of home, and 62 percent are shooting for longer distances (with multiple trips between now and September 30, there’s room for some overlap).

The best part – and this comes straight from the horse’s mouth (i.e., the press release) – “BedandBreakfast.com survey respondents embrace the value represented by B&Bs.”

Gas give-a-ways that ease summer travel–a bit

Perhaps you’ve noticed the gas-give-away promotions popping up at various locations in the U.S. this summer. As a boost to help folks pile into that family car for a vacation, several hotels are offering gas card rebates.

Steve Stephens, head of the travel section of the Columbus Dispatch, outlines several gas card deals in his column Ticket to Write. As he points out, one reason for the gas rebates is a psychological one to appeal to travelers looking to make ends meet when working out a monthly budget.

When you figure in the increase on gas prices to summer destinations, it may not be all that much, particularly if you’re not going all that far. Knowing that it may cost you $20 more than it has in the past may keep you from getting behind the wheel. That rebate gets you to change your mind.

Here are deals that Stephens lists and suggestions for finding others.

  • Park Inn hotels are offering a $20 rebate if you stay for two nights in a row. Check out www.parkinn.com
  • www.Expedia.com is offering a rebate deal also if you book your hotel through the Web site. A two-night stay gets you $25 and a three-night or more stay gets you $50.
  • At www.Hotels.com you can find a gas rebate as a prepaid MasterCard, as well, if you book for three or more nights.

Other deals can be found at www.BedandBreakfast.com and www.BnBFinder.com.

There are several deals in Ohio and the region including West Virginia. Check out Stephens’ article to see what they are.

Pair a themed hotel with all skill level slopes for a unique ski weekend

I’ve mentioned this place before, but with the holidays coming up and the possibility that you’re looking for an interesting place to stay in conjunction with a ski weekend, The Broadway Hotel in Philipsburg, Montana is not just a place to hang your hat for the night, but it’s a lesson in creativity. This is where the owners have a knack with whipping up themes. Each room is totally different from the others. If you’re feeling elegant and frilly, opt for The Britannia Suite, an ode to Great Britain. If you are feeling like a lumber jack and you’re okay, bed down in The Cross Cut room, decorated with a cross cut saw. There are several twin, double bed or queen size options.

A friend of mine stayed in the Wrangler Room and vowed the next day to become a cowgirl. No, that’s not true, but the room was terrific. She’s an interior designer, so she’s not easily wowed. She was wowed, particularly by the common room where there’s a fireplace, books to read, board games, videos to use in the rooms and a wonderful upscale Western style decor–plus a glass of wine if you want.

Since I was staying with my family in a storage shed on our small bit of property in Philipsburg, I was more than happy to take drink my friend’s complimentary wine since she didn’t want it. Breakfast is also included in the price. I’m telling you, this place is quite the deal and just one of the reasons to head to Philipsburg. For the skiing, Philipsburg is the closest real town to Discovery Basin Ski area which is located 20 miles away at Georgetown Lake.

Discovery Basin has slopes that range from beginner to extreme skiing and has plans to open on November 22.

Presidents’ Day: George Washington Slept Here

Chances are you’ve heard the adage, “George Washington slept here.” There is a reason for the saying. The man got around. I don’t mean he got around in a nudge, nudge, wink, wink, ya’ know what I mean kind of way, but he did sleep in a lot of places. During the Revolutionary War he traveled across the Mid-Atlantic states and through the Northeast eating, drinking and catching some shut-eye in various taverns and inns.

Tracing Washington’s steps, either the actual steps or the possibilities, is a way to travel through American history. One website Did George Washington Sleep Here? You Can! at www.BnBFinder.com lists bed and breakfasts where Washington may have tucked in for the night or stopped by for some eats. Whether he stayed at these places or not, they are featured as if he might have. Each have retained their historic value and ooze charm, but their upscale amenities bring them into the 21st century. Here are the list’s highlights.

I also found a section of Flickr photos devoted to the George Washington slept here theme. If you click on the above photo, you’ll be taken to a larger image on Flickr by mdmarcus66.