I booked two rooms at a B&B in Maine about a month ago. After I booked they sent me a confirmation letter showing the two rooms I booked for two nights.

They charged by credit card for both rooms, for both nights..the total was around $850.00. The confirmation letter stated that their cancellation policy was 14 days in advance and that if I canceled within the 14 days I would lose the entire $850.00. If they re-booked the rooms, I'd get my money back...if not I lost it all. I am in Florida so I'd really have no sure way to know whether they re-booked the rooms or not.

I've never stayed in a B&B but this seemed kind of harsh. Is this a typical B&B cancellation policy. I am used to hotel cancellation rules like within 24 hours or maybe 3 days at most.

I was really getting a bad feeling about this so I canceled the reservation and they wanted to charge me $30.00 per room ($60.00) to cancel outside the 14 days. I called them and told them their letter said "only" $30.00 and they relinquished on that...begrudgingly.

Is this standard policies for most B&B's? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

RM

Hi RM.,
I've stayed at lots of b&bs and a no-money-back policy if the room isn't rented isn't unheard of. Maine is usually bustling this time of year, and the owners hate to give up business. Still,none of the b&bs I've stayed at had quite as strict a policy, maybe a one-night charge per room 72 hours or less in advance. I would feel uncomfortable with the 2-week rule, esp. for such expensive rooms. I think that you did the right thing. That would be a lot of money to lose.

I just don't like that kind of attitude and wouldn't stay there no matter how nice it was.

A lot of B&Bs have what you call a "harsh" policy. The reason is simple: Usually a B&B has few rooms to let. Thus, a last-minute cancellation puts a significant crimp in its revenue for the period cancelled. In your case, it's even more critical should you cancel at the last minute, because two rooms are involved.

Actually I don't think that is overly harsh. One night for sure is normal. Both nights is more rare - but certainly done in very popular resort areas.

Heck, some B&B's in New England and Northern California have a 30 day cancellation policy. If you really wanted that B&B you probably should have kept the reservation - it may be hard to find one as nice at this late date.

A hotel with 150 or 200 rooms is a LOT different that a B&B with 2 to 10 rooms. That is why the cancellation policies are so much different.

I agree, sounds harsh to me, but hey, I've only stayed in about 40 BB's.

We stay at small Inns and B&B's in New England several times a year and this policy is fairly typical. We booked a July weekend at an Inn in NH this past January and were charged a $25 fee when we cancelled in February - I knew this was their policy and took a risk when I made the original reservation. Every empty room during peak season is money out of the owners pocket - so, I think the policy is fair - although harsh.

The policy seems fairly typical for B&Bs for all the reasons already stated, although I've never run into anything like the $30 cancellation fee. (Just giving you my experience, not the final word.)

As for getting your money back if they find a replacement, that's happened to me twice, and I did get the money back when they filled the room. However, I did have to call one B&B to get it -- I don't know if they were ever going to let me know.

The reputable B&Bs usually operate this way, and will try to refund the money if they fill the room. But that's why I usually only stay at B&Bs that have been recommended to me.

Remember, too, that B&Bs don't overbook. Your room is purchased and will be there when you arrive. Hotels overbook to account for no-shows and late cancellations, which is why people often get "bumped" to other places.

Did you know the cancellation policy in advance ? Most accommodation providers publish their cancellation policy on their advertising /web sites AND usually on the confirmation that is sent to customers.

Thanks for all your replies. No, I absolutely did not know their cancellation policy in advance or I wouldn't have booked there. I found out about it via their written confirmation to me. Also, their written confirmation was at a higher price than that quoted on the phone, had to call them on that too. I just got bad "vibes" about the whole experience. I am glad I cancelled.

Seems as though this is may be a typical B&B practice and I understand why. However, at this point, I am not willing to subject myself to those standards so it looks like it's hotels for me.

Thanks all,

RM

RM: I, for one, would like to know which B&B that was.

I wouldn't stay in a B&B if they paid ME! Musty, spooky, you have to make small talk and have breakfast with the other guests, and they have restrictive cancellation policies. Give me a big Marriott, Westin, Four Seasons, etc. any day of the week.

Norman, it's pretty stupid to say all B&Bs are musty, spooky or require small talk. I assume you've read the dozens of "bad hotel service/rooms" posts here recently???

The point is that some B&Bs are winners, some aren't. Just like with hotels, motels, etc.

PCM, as soon as the credit posts to my card I'll gladly tell you what B&B it was.

RM

Sounds reasonable to me.

L

That's not harsh. That is obscene, who the hell is trying to do that...


Ab

I had a reservati0n in Camden and had to cancel 2 months in advance because my mom died, and I still got a 25.00 cancellation fee, and I have stayed there 2x before.talk about insensitivity, and I know that the room rebooked immediately. However, give me a B&B anytime, I love them.

I love b and bs too, but I would never stay with greedy hosts. RM and "xxx", you unfortunately hooked up with those representing the minority of b&b owners who are money people rather than people people.
Better luck with your next booking!