Bed and Breakfast Inns of North America is a directory of ACCREDITED Bed and Breakfasts, Country Inns, Homestays and Host Homes. We use the definition of these properties as published by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International.

Sorry, but we are NOT able to list reservation services, rental houses, hotels, botique hotels, or "bed and breakfast" hotels.

 

National Definitions & Distinctions
as presented by the
Professional Association of Innkeepers International

The following are the ONLY
types of properties eligible to be included in
Bed and Breakfast Inns of North America.

 

HOMESTAY, HOST HOME
This type of establishment is an owner-occupied private home where the business of paying guests is secondary to its use as a private residence. The hosts are primarily interested in meeting new people and making some additional money while continuing their present employment or retirement. Frequently located in residential areas, zoning or other government restrictions may prevent the use of signs, public advertising, etc. Usually between 1-3 rooms, these homes are often a member of, and usually inspected by a reservation service organization (RSO) but are rarely required to be licensed or inspected by local applicable governmental agencies. Breakfast is the only meal served.

B&B, BED-AND-BREAKFAST
Formerly a single family dwelling in the 4-5 room range, this owner-occupied establishment has an equally mixed use as home and lodging with lodging superseding home more often than not. It is located in a legally zoned area and meets all the tax, fire, building and health requirements for this size and use of property. This establishment advertises publicly and can legally post a sign. Like the homestay or host home, because of its size, these B & Bs usually cannot support a family unit, so the B & B is often one partner's job and the other has outside income. Often the property is purchased specifically to be a B&B, but many are converted family homes. Reservations may be made directly with the property.

BED & BREAKFAST INN
Generally small, owner-operated businesses providing the primary financial support of the owner. Usually the owner lives on premises. The building's primary usage is for business. Inns advertise, have business licenses, produce their own brochures, comply with government ordinances, pay all appropriate taxes and post signs. Breakfast is the only meal served and only to overnight guests. The inn may host events such as weddings, small business meetings, etc. Room numbers range from 4-20 with a small, but increasing number up to 30. Reservations may be made directly with the property. Note: The distinction between a "B & B" and a "B & B inn" is not readily apparent, except with regard to building usage.

COUNTRY INN
A business offering overnight lodging and meals where the owner is actively involved in daily operations, often living on site. These establishments are, in fact, bed-and-breakfast inns which serve at least one meal in addition to breakfast, and operate as "restaurants" as well as overnight lodging accommodations. Modified American plan (MAP) country inns serve dinner to overnight guests only, and the cost of dinner and breakfast is generally included in the room rate. A country inn with a full-service restaurant serves these additional meals to the general public. To be a country inn, a property does not have to be located in a rural area. Room numbers tend to range from 6 to 30.

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We do NOT list any of the following:

(There are other directories on the Internet which DO list
these properties. If you fall into one of these categories,
you may want to contact another directory.) 

 

RENTAL HOUSES
The entire house is rented to the guest. The home is not owner-occupied and breakfast is not prepared by the owner.

RENTAL CABINS
An individual cabin is rented to the guest. The owner may or may not live on the property. Breakfast is not prepared by the owner.

FURNISHED APARTMENTS, STUDIOS, EFFICIENCIES
The apartment is rented to the guest. The apartment is not owner-occupied and breakfast is not prepared by the owner.

BOUTIQUE INN, SMALL LUXURY HOTEL
This group of properties, by name, are expensive and elaborately decorated. They often provide hotel-like services with a personal touch from employees. The size ranges from 15-50 rooms. The owner may be involved in daily operation, but generally a manager is responsible to a corporation. Meal service is usually breakfast only, but in some instances very high-quality dinner and/or lunch service and room service are also provided.

"BED-AND-BREAKFAST" HOTEL
These are 30+ room, historic properties offering breakfast that can only be considered hotels. Only the historic structure, and perhaps some decorating components and breakfast provide the B & B feel. The larger the property -- and particularly if the owner is not actively involved in daily operations and guest interaction -- the property moves rapidly into the "hotel" perception in the minds of the traveler.

The above information is Copyrighted by PAII.