Sheryl

We are heading down to N.O. for a few nights at a bed and breakfast and since we usually stay in large hotels we have a few questions. Is it proper to leave a tip at the end of our stay? (as we would for the cleaning staff of a hotel). Also, will our host ask us what time we want to have breakfast or is it only served at a specific time with the other guests? We would like to go out on the town and return very late, but is it considered rude to come back to a small establishment that late when others may be sleeping? Do b&b's have curfews, etc? Sorry if these questions seem stupid, but we've never stayed at a b&b before and we would like to fit in. Thanks

Merilee

I stayed at the Colby Hill Inn in Henniker, New Hamshire and the owners served breakfast at a specific time. If you missed it, they prepared something light for you. They did ask what time I would be returning when I went out one night so that someone could stay up. I don't know if it was proper, but I do remember leaving a tip. I think that B&B's probably have different "rules" depending on their location.

lili

each b&b has its own rules so once you select one you might want to ask them, but here's the general rule - we usually don't leave an extra tip since the proprietors don't need our little dollars ... if there's a hired maid, maybe leave him/her a little as you would in a hotel. some b&bs ask when you want breakfast, others have a preset time for everybody, some have small tables some have you sit at one big one with the other guests. some b&bs have somebody available to let you in at all hours while others just give you your own key to let yourself in. most don't have curfews. if you are quiet when you return, you won't disturb anybody ).

Cindy

Like Lili, I've had varied experiences in B&B's . Some are very accomodating, some less so. It depends on how big or small the place is (2 rooms in someone's house, or more like an Inn, with 10 or 15 rooms) and the personality of the owners/managers. Ask, ask and ask again. Also, re tips, some places tack on a service charge (often way too much,{12-15% of the whole bill}, in my opinion) that is supposed to cover the cleaning and breakfast cooking staff (might be the owners, might not) Personally, unlike big hotel, I've always figured that these expenses ARE build into the cost of the night's stay, and therefore don't tip except for unusual service and for a long stay.
As far as coming in late, of course use common sense and realize that walls are thinner in houses than hotels , but in N.O, you're likely to have lots of coming in late company

Nookie Monster

If you come in late, make sure to be quiet so as not to wake your bed mates.