B&Bs and country inns for two

Some of the most romantic trips are also the simplest: a few nights in a small inn or bed and breakfast, somewhere pretty, with nothing on the agenda but each other. There are no crowds, no queues and no enormous dining rooms. Instead there is a room with character, a quiet lounge, a garden, and the feeling of being welcomed into someone's home.

What a B&B is

Wikipedia's article on the bed and breakfast describes a B&B as a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, where the hosts generally live in the same house. It notes that in the United States bed and breakfasts are often private family homes with only a handful of rooms. That smallness is the heart of the appeal. With only a few rooms, the atmosphere is calm and personal, and hosts can give real attention to each guest.

Country inns are similar but often a little larger, sometimes with a restaurant or bar on site. Many occupy historic buildings: old coaching inns, farmhouses, sea captains' houses, manor houses or mills that have been carefully renovated to welcome guests.

Why they are so romantic

A good inn offers the things that make a getaway feel special. Rooms tend to be individually decorated, often with fireplaces, deep bathtubs, canopy or four-poster beds, and windows onto gardens or water. Breakfast is usually a highlight, sometimes served at a shared table, sometimes at your own table by the window, and often made with local produce. Hosts can point you to the best walk, the prettiest drive and the restaurant locals love.

Inns are also usually found in the kinds of places couples like to wander: small towns with main streets and bookshops, villages near lakes or coasts, and countryside dotted with farms and vineyards.

What to ask before booking

Every inn is different, and the small details can make or break a romantic stay. Consider asking:

• Is the bathroom private and inside the room, or down the hall?
• What kind of bed is in the room, and how large is it?
• Is breakfast served at a set time at a shared table, or can you have it on your own and at your own pace?
• Does the room have a fireplace, and is it working?
• Is the room near the kitchen, the lounge or a road, and how quiet is it at night?
• What is the cancellation policy? Small inns often have stricter rules than big hotels.
• Are there stairs, and is there help with luggage?
• Is there a minimum stay at weekends or in peak season?

A short, friendly question before booking also gives you a feel for the hosts, which is part of the experience.

Historic inns and small towns

Staying in an old building adds a sense of story to a trip. Creaking floorboards, thick stone walls and rooms that have welcomed travellers for generations can be enchanting. Historic inns do sometimes come with quirks, from small bathrooms to uneven floors to thin walls, so read descriptions carefully and ask questions if something matters to you.

Look for inns in towns with a walkable centre, so that you can stroll to dinner and back. In the countryside, choose somewhere with a garden or a view, since you may spend a lot of time simply enjoying it.

Etiquette for guests

Staying in a B&B is a little different from staying in a hotel. Let your hosts know your arrival time, since they may not be at the desk all day. Keep noise down late at night and early in the morning, out of respect for other guests. Mention any dietary needs in advance. And if you want privacy at breakfast, say so politely; good hosts are happy to oblige.

Perfect for weekends

Inns are ideal for short getaways close to home. Pick one within a pleasant drive, go midweek if you can for lower prices and more peace, and plan little beyond a walk, a good dinner and a lazy breakfast. For longer trips, a string of small inns can make a wonderful road trip through a wine region, along a coastline or through the countryside of Europe. See romantic Europe and romantic getaways in the USA for ideas, and anniversaries and vow renewals if you are celebrating a special date.

Small comforts

A few things make an inn stay even better: a good book each, walking shoes, a bottle of something to share by the fire, and no fixed plans. Let the hosts recommend a dinner spot, take the long way back, and enjoy the rare pleasure of a place that feels as if it was made just for the two of you.