Hello All, For my trip to Scotland-Ireland, I was thinking of the pros and cons of both. B&B's=less costly, better interaction with people, more homey. Hotels=easy access(own key), lift sometimes, more amenities usually... also, the ability to return rather sheepishly, after a long nights pub crawl.... So, what say you Fodorites? Hmmm? Thanks, Judy

<BR>Judy, <BR>I just returned from a trip to Ireland and I would suggest B&B's without any hesitation. At every B&B I stayed at, I did receive a key to my room as well as the front door. So slinking in late at night won't be a problem. <BR>Also, many of them had main floor bedrooms. YOu could request one if you aren't up to carrying your suitcase up the stairs. But most of them are only 2 story homes, so it's only a matter of carrying them up one flight. I tended to look for new 'purpose built' B&B's and they were wonderful and had great ensuite baths. and furnished beautifully. The hosts were wonderful and I think you'd miss a lot by staying in hotels. <BR>HAve fun.

Thanks Lee, And I forgot to mention that I have never stayed at a B&B before! That is why I am so curious...where did you stay? Thanks again, Judy

Stay at B&B's - I paid no more than 22.5 punts per person per night. We always had a key to the front door. <BR> <BR> <BR>In Ireland, I can recommend the Boyne View in Slane, Redwoods in Killarney, Holly Tree House in Swords, and Marchmont in Lisdoonvarna. <BR> <BR>We used the Bed & Breakfast Ireland 2000 book put out by the Town and Country Homes Association. Available at the Tourist offices. Website is www.townandcountry.ie

Judy: Stayed in B&Bs numerous times, most recently in Rome 2 wks ago. Have always found accomodations to be superior to comparably priced hotel room. I like the ability to mix w/ others if I want; sometimes, I have found the breakfasts to be more genenrous and better quality. Never have had problems with access. Try www.karenbrown.com for great B&Bs in numerous places. Enjoy your trip and let us know about B&B you end up staying in.

Have stayed in B&Bs many times in the UK, but they were small hotels, not a home with one or two bedrooms. I like a small B&B with five to twelve bedrooms. You will find all sorts of B&Bs, a large variety, to suit your needs. I just don't want the ones where you are sitting in with the family, but with other travelers.

Thanks all, for for input....Sally, I did order the Karen Brown's book....Ireland Inns& Itineraries.....it is very interesting.... Steve, I will look into the townandcountry site...and Karen, I feel that way about B&Bs, I know I would prefer a somewhat larger establishment,,,,I would not want to be in someones family room...Lee, I saw quite a few purpose built B&Bs on some sites....that sounds doable to me.

In Ireland, B&Bs typically are a better choice than hotels. While I've stayed in some very nice hotels, I've stayed in more that were damp, smelly, run down, and expensive. On the whole, B&Bs tend to be cheaper, cleaner and more pleasant. The only B&B I've ever stayed at where the hosts were instrusive, and I was made to feel like I was staying in someone's home was here in the U.S. Irish hosts are very sensitive to their guests' needs.

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Contact the Irish Tourist Bureau. They sent us a great package including a thick book on all the B&Bs. <BR>www.Irelandvacations.com . You can e-mail a request.

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