To B&B or not B&B...in Ireland
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
To B&B or not B&B...in Ireland
Hi Again!
I've been doing a lot of research and love the B&B's that I've seen, but I got a quote from my travel agent of staying in manor houses during our stay with breakfast and rental car included. The price seems great (approx. $2000 per person), but I'm afraid we're going to miss out on the experience of staying in B&B's. Is breakfast always included? We're planning 4 nights in Dublin, 4 nights in Co. Cork, and 4 nights in Galway.
Thank you!
I've been doing a lot of research and love the B&B's that I've seen, but I got a quote from my travel agent of staying in manor houses during our stay with breakfast and rental car included. The price seems great (approx. $2000 per person), but I'm afraid we're going to miss out on the experience of staying in B&B's. Is breakfast always included? We're planning 4 nights in Dublin, 4 nights in Co. Cork, and 4 nights in Galway.
Thank you!
#2



Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,039
Likes: 50
"<i>Is breakfast always included? </i>"
They are called Bed and <u>Breakfasts</u> afterall, so yes, breakfast is included. Usually a multi-course, full cooked breakfast.
Most TA's don't bother w/ B&Bs since they don't make commissions
They are called Bed and <u>Breakfasts</u> afterall, so yes, breakfast is included. Usually a multi-course, full cooked breakfast.
Most TA's don't bother w/ B&Bs since they don't make commissions
#3
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 0
$4000 for 12 nights in a double plus car is a lot more than I've ever paid for staying in B&Bs in Ireland. Probably close to twice as much. If you want the 'manor house' experience, then go for it. Otherwise, you'd do better to stay at comfortable, centrally-located hotels or B&Bs, where you have a choice of places within walking distance for an evening meal. This way you can enjoy drinks or wine with dinner without worrying about driving back after. IMHO.
#4
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,056
Likes: 0
Are you asking if breakfast is included with the Manor House deal? We don't know, ask your travel agent.
You've just got to decide what you want. Pay more for the manor house deal, stay in more glamorous places, probably tending to be in more remote locations. I can see the appeal.
Or do B&Bs, cheaper, variation in quality, can be remote or right in the middle of town as you want. Also appealing.
Only you know which you'll enjoy more. I'm not sure about the 'experience' of staying in B&Bs. I do it because it's comparatively cheap and wherever you want to go, there'll be somewhere to stay nearby. I know some people rave about it but frankly most B&Bs are just like very small guest houses/hotels. It's not actually like staying in someone's home as a guest. In the few I've stayed where it has just been a room or two in someone's home, you don't get free range through their home. When I've stayed in B&Bs the only time I've seen my hosts is at check in-out and breakfast. So, depends what you are looking for as the 'experience' whether you really prefer B&Bs or not.
Of course, you could do B&Bs and treat yourself to a couple of nights in a manor house as well?
You've just got to decide what you want. Pay more for the manor house deal, stay in more glamorous places, probably tending to be in more remote locations. I can see the appeal.
Or do B&Bs, cheaper, variation in quality, can be remote or right in the middle of town as you want. Also appealing.
Only you know which you'll enjoy more. I'm not sure about the 'experience' of staying in B&Bs. I do it because it's comparatively cheap and wherever you want to go, there'll be somewhere to stay nearby. I know some people rave about it but frankly most B&Bs are just like very small guest houses/hotels. It's not actually like staying in someone's home as a guest. In the few I've stayed where it has just been a room or two in someone's home, you don't get free range through their home. When I've stayed in B&Bs the only time I've seen my hosts is at check in-out and breakfast. So, depends what you are looking for as the 'experience' whether you really prefer B&Bs or not.
Of course, you could do B&Bs and treat yourself to a couple of nights in a manor house as well?
#5
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
4+ years ago we had a lovely trip to Ireland with our then college age daughter. Even with three of us (two rooms) we didn't spend anything near what your TA is suggesting, and we stayed in a manor house. I just did a lot of research on the web and came up with great places and have wonderful memories of the trip.
#6
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
B&Bing in Ireland just became very affordable> If you hop around the vacation store site, there are some of the best deals Ive seen for Ireland in years.
http://www.aerlingusvacationstore.co...s/em-pkg-wint/
btw: I have stayed in B&Bs that did not include the breakfast, but normally those reservations have 'room only' disclaimers attached for a promotional booking
http://www.aerlingusvacationstore.co...s/em-pkg-wint/
btw: I have stayed in B&Bs that did not include the breakfast, but normally those reservations have 'room only' disclaimers attached for a promotional booking
#7
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
Most Hotels in which I have stayed in the Irish Republic include full Irish breakfast in the room rate.
I think $2,000 per person sharing (PPS) is high for 12-nights, even if it's called a Manor House rather than a B&B. Standard is about 35 Euro PPS: that's around $100 /nite for two or $1,200 for 12-nights.
MsJennifer writes: "I'm afraid we're going to miss out on the experience of staying in B&B's."
I agree with julia1. My experiences staying in B&B's have often been unpleasant. I'm not really into telling 'the help' my life story, or not being able to bring a couple of cans of beer to drink in my room. The only real benefit of a B&B is for an early departure: if you ask, they will prepare an early breakfast.
I think $2,000 per person sharing (PPS) is high for 12-nights, even if it's called a Manor House rather than a B&B. Standard is about 35 Euro PPS: that's around $100 /nite for two or $1,200 for 12-nights.
MsJennifer writes: "I'm afraid we're going to miss out on the experience of staying in B&B's."
I agree with julia1. My experiences staying in B&B's have often been unpleasant. I'm not really into telling 'the help' my life story, or not being able to bring a couple of cans of beer to drink in my room. The only real benefit of a B&B is for an early departure: if you ask, they will prepare an early breakfast.




