Profiling American Bed and Breakfast Accommodations

This study presents a profile of American bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations based on a nationwide survey that includes 385 B&Bs from all geographical regions of the United States. Data are presented in three categories: geographical data, facility characteristics, and operational factors. The typical American B&B is located in a small town (under 10,000 population), with six or seven rooms, five or six baths, and 10 parking spaces. Most B&Bs were built before 1920, are owner-occupied homes that constitute a secondary income, have been in operation for seven years, and serve a full breakfast to guests who stay an average of two days. B&Bs have an occupancy rate of 45% and a repeat rate of 25%, hire one or two full-time and two part-time employees, and have one working partner. The typical B&B offers an overnight accommodation with breakfast for about $72 per night. This general information on B&B accommodations will benefit travelers and travel agents, as well as community planners, potential neighbors, prospective B&B owners, and the public at large.