By Sharon Tillman, innkeeper
Updated October 28, 2024

Discover Central Maryland and when to choose a bed and breakfast to make the most of your next getaway. Get insight into the difference between a traditional B&B and a short-term rental stay, and when a hotel is just fine.

There are more lodging choices than ever now. And access to booking is completely different than even 10 years ago. Pick up your favorite device and ask, “Find lodging near me.” Whoa.

With so many choices and so much information being sent to the palm of your hand, how does today’s traveler decide when to click ‘Book Now?’ And what type of property is best for your next getaway? Why do people choose Bed and Breakfasts? What can you expect when you stay at a traditional B&B?

With all there is to consider, it usually comes down to one thing for me – why am I going where I am going.

Business Travel
Is this a business trip and all I will do is check-in, work, and check-out? Then a hotel can be just fine. While I do like the anonymity of a chain hotel, choosing a B&B makes a longer business trip more like being at home. Plus, when you get some time to explore the area, nothing beats an innkeeper at knowing the local sites.

Solo Travel
Travelling solo can get a bit lonely — no matter what the reason for the trip. Sometimes you just need a little interaction and people staying at bed and breakfasts generally like to make conversation. Ever try that in a hotel lobby? Learn more about why a B&B is a good choice for business travel. Hint: we have free, high-speed, secure Wi-Fi, too.

Family / Group Trip
Am I traveling with my entire brood, heading to the beach or mountains for a fun-filled vacation? I love a house or condo rental where we can spread out and (maybe) cook a few meals in. Having everyone under one roof with space for young kids to hang out and parents to relax is huge. I am so there.

There are pros and cons of a bed and breakfast for a big group. Pros: En suite baths, beautiful common areas, and breakfast prepared by not you for your group. Picture this: You and your friends (or adult kids) each get your own room with an en suite bathroom (privacy, check). You meet up at breakfast and chat about your day over fresh coffee and a beautifully prepared breakfast (and someone else does the dishes!). Then, at the end of the day, you’re swapping stories around the firepit, or catching up on the comfy couches in the lounge. Sounds delightful, right?

Cons: Check children and pet policies before you book. As independent lodging properties, innkeepers set their own policies. At Georges on York B&B for example, we welcome children 15 years and older with an adult as guests. Our inn is fur-free so please leave pets with a sitter.

Whispering Breeze Guest House is our short-term rental option that’s perfect for families and small groups. It’s a nearby extension of Georges on York B&B — comfortable, well-appointed, and convenient to all the top wedding venues, historic Gettysburg sites, and lots more. And it’s family-friendly (children are welcome, but no pets) with three bedrooms, a fully-outfitted kitchen, nice big yard, and lots of room to hang out together.

Make it Special (whether it’s a special occasion or not)
When the occasion is special, the lodging should be, too. This is when I prefer a traditional Bed & Breakfast over anything else. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a special event, or time away with my best buds, I want to stay someplace that offers excellent service, a unique experience, and the comforts of home, only better. I want a unique and memorable stay that elevates our time together and becomes part of those memories. This is when I want to discover my next Bed & Breakfast stay.

I love a space where I can sit and unwind with my husband or friends. Not a cookie-cutter lobby or perching on the end of a double bed with a plastic cup of warm white balanced on my knee — give me a beautifully decorated living room or a private patio. Check ahead but most inns offer a guest fridge for BYO snacks and beverages, and you’ll find openers and glasses you can use.

A bonus is getting a taste of the local culture and the innkeeper’s personality just by looking at the décor. Local art, handmade crafts and personal items can often be found in inns. And because inns have fewer rooms – and fewer guests -- you are not competing for seating in the common areas.

Since the other B is for Breakfast I know I’ll be sitting down to my morning coffee without the U14 travel soccer team wandering around in sleep pants. It’s grown-up time. And, depending on the inn, maybe I’m in sleep pants and it’s ok! Even though some hotels offer breakfast, nothing beats being served a well-prepared meal on real plates with great conversation.

What else does the real B&B stay offer that a hotel or a rental can’t? Highly personalized service and a unique experience.

Traveling to celebrate a milestone – birthday, anniversary, engagement, or other big life event? Let the innkeeper know. They will often help you make your stay even more special by planning or booking excursions, securing dinner reservations, and even helping you surprise your partner with flowers and candy. Going above and beyond is what the hospitality business is all about, and professional innkeepers have this market cornered.

Looking for a unique experience? When you stay at Georges on York, you are staying in the former home of a Civil War (asst) surgeon, with many modern upgrades. Every property has its own story. Staying in a B&B is an immersive experience that you take with you when you leave. It’s unique and memorable and adds to the journey. Your innkeeper will be a fount of knowledge about the area, too. It’s the ultimate in traveling like a local.

Searching for Your Next Stay
You, me, we all have lots of choices when we travel. Just open your favorite device and the world is there. I like to look past the obvious and find the unique, the one-of-a-kind. For me staying in a bed & breakfast is part of my life’s journey. Want to stay in a B&B for your next getaway? Here are a few keywords you can use in your next search to be sure you’re staying in a real B&B:

• bed and breakfast near destination

• unique bed and breakfast near destination

• boutique hotel or bed and breakfast

• traditional bed and breakfast

To make it part of your next experience, book now at Georges on York B&B or Whispering Breeze Guest House. Experience the crossroads of Carroll, Frederick and Adams County and all the region has to offer. We look forward to seeing you!