Bed & Breakfast houses, shortened to B&B most of the time, are perhaps the quintessential Irish accommodation the tourist may encounter. They are also big business - encouraged by tax breaks many Irish families started to supplement their income by letting strangers stay over night.
Bed & Breakfast Houses - What to Expect
B&Bs used to be a simple affair - you bedded down in the spare room, shared toilet and bath with the owners and were served the usual breakfast before you went on your way. But today you are more than likely to run into a smoothly oiled operation, often with purpose-built guest accommodation, a private bathroom en suite, cable TV and the "Full Irish" (or "Ulster Fry") as possible as muesli and fruit. The variety on offer is staggering.
One thing that has nearly died out is any close interaction with your host - you are still seen as a guest, but as a paying guest and not a friend. Sure the landlady (usually it is the "woman of the house" running the business) will be all smiles and accommodating, but do not expect to be the apple of her eye.
You can expect to use a room from around 4 pm to 11 am for a one-night stay, usually late arrivals and early departures have to be pre-arranged.
Their Prices and How to Pay
Prices for B&B accommodation can vary enormously, depending on location and amenities. But expect to pay no less than € 35 per person if sharing an en-suite room.
Payment is usually expected in cash - the tendency of B&B providers to tweak the books here and there is rumored to be as much a reason as simple practicality. Payment in vouchers is also accepted, though these vouches may prove more expensive for the guest than a direct cash payment.
Credit cards are often frowned upon due to the high costs involved, many B&B owners will charge a credit card fee in addition to the accommodation.
What Should be Included in the Price?
The minimum standard is a clean, heated room with fresh bed linen and towels. Anything beyond this is up for negotiation or should be clearly outlined by the provider. Guidebooks and websites usually indicate the amenities quite well. And if you are in doubt, just ask.
Breakfast is also included and will usually consist of a fried breakfast, toast and tea or coffee. There are many variations on this theme, both in quality and quantity. Again - should you be looking for specific dietary requirements, ask beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Bed & Breakfast Houses - How to Book
These days B&Bs can be booked through many means - by phone, mail or via the internet. Tourist information centers will also book for you, charging a nominal fee to recover the Costs incurred.
It is also quite common to drive up to a B&B advertising vacancies and enquire about a room - between 4 and 7 pm is a reasonable time.
If you are touring from day to day ask for a recommendation at your next destination - often the landlady will know somebody there and book you in with a quick phonecall.
Bed & Breakfast Houses - Etiquette
You are, after all, in a private residence - so respect the privacy of the owners as far as possible. Note that walls in Irish houses tend to be thin ... too much noise is never appreciated!
Most B&B owners will gladly accept families with children but not provide a child-minding service - do not dump your offspring at the B&B when heading for the pub.
If you plan to bring a companion animal, make sure it is accepted.
And remember - you are a customer and have certain rights; it is perfectly allright to refuse a room you are unhappy with or to shorten a booked stay if the B&B does not meet your (reasonable) expectations.
