Results of the new Ypartnership/Harrison Group 2011 Portrait of American Travelers show that one out of every eight (13 percent) American leisure travelers stayed at a B&B or inn at least once during the previous year. This incidence rises to one out of six (17 percent) among leisure travelers with an annual household income of $125,000 or more. Eight out of 10 (79 percent) leisure travelers also express interest in staying at a B&B during the year ahead.

When asked why they stay in B&Bs and inns, leisure travelers who did so during the previous year cited reasons that point to the unique, authentic experiences they enjoy during their stay. According to the YPartnership/Harrison Group study, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of patrons prefer the private, less crowded, quiet atmosphere of small inns and B&Bs. More than half feel B&Bs offer a better sense of local culture (56 percent).

Personalized service delivered by the innkeeper (54 percent), unique architecture and décor (53 percent) and home-cooked food (52 percent) were also cited as appealing aspects of B&B travel. When compared to a traditional hotel/motel, more than two in five travelers find B&Bs more romantic (47 percent) and feel more pampered (45 percent), while slightly less enjoy socializing with other guests (39 percent) and feel B&Bs are a more affordable escape (37 percent). One in five (19 percent) appreciates a general pet-friendly policy maintained by most B&Bs and small inns.

Among leisure travelers who express interest in staying at a B&B or inn on a future trip, the home-like ambiance and amenities they expect to find in these properties are the primary motivators. The majority of survey respondents (92 percent) cited comfortable beds/linens, friendly staff (91 percent), complimentary, fresh-made breakfast (88 percent), free time to relax and unwind (87 percent) and knowledgeable innkeepers (80 percent) as desirable attributes of B&Bs.

Other aspects include the opportunity to taste different or unusual cuisines (68 percent), free Wi-Fi availability (67 percent), romantic ambiance (63 percent), distinctive theme or atmosphere (59 percent), unique architecture (55 percent) and the ability to reserve a specific room with unique décor (53 percent). Two in five travelers are eager to socialize with other interesting guests (41 percent).

Courtesy of TravelPulse.com , July 5, 2011

I’d love to know what you think of this survey.  Why do you stay in a B&B?  Give us your comments below.  And try this link next time you begin to Plan Your Next Romantic Getaway.