A bed and breakfast, often abbreviated as B&B, is a type of lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast. B&Bs are often private family homes with a limited number of rooms, typically between four and eleven, with six being the average. They are usually run by the owners themselves, which makes it feel like youre staying in a home away from home. Unlike hotels, B&Bs usually only host guests for short periods, typically overnight, as opposed to accommodating individuals interested in a longer stay.

The amenities provided by B&Bs can vary, but in most cases, you can expect complimentary tea and coffee, a hairdryer, a TV, fresh towels, and basic toiletries like shampoo and soap. B&Bs also offer a personal touch that you wouldnt get from a hotel, such as gift baskets with local products, catering to a guests preferences, and even decorating rooms for special occasions.

B&Bs are graded by VisitBritain and the AA on a star system, with 3-, 4-, and 5-star establishments having a higher standard. In the United States, there are approximately 17,000 B&Bs. Guests at B&Bs were asked to identify the features and factors that motivated them to choose the establishment they were staying at. The friendliness of the host was the most important factor, followed by easy access to other places, and the site being the most appealing place in the region.

Airbnb is a lightly regulated home-sharing site that lets almost anyone list accommodations for rent, while a B&B is a regulated small inn subject to state or local lodging laws. Although Airbnb is short for "air bed and breakfast," there are several key differences between the two. The popular rental service features a variety of properties and even lets some guests book stays at B&Bs through its app, though this doesnt make up the majority of their listings.

In summary, a B&B is a type of lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, often in a private family home with a limited number of rooms. They offer a personal touch that you wouldnt get from a hotel and are graded on a star system. Airbnb is a home-sharing site that lets almost anyone list accommodations for rent and is different from a B&B, which is a regulated small inn subject to state or local lodging laws.