Unique Lodging
We have had great experiences with VRBO, Airbnb, and B&BS. I enjoy them because each one has its own unique character and décor. VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) and Airbnb have a variety of options. Our experience with VRBO is that you usually have an entire apartment or house to yourself while Airbnb might mean you’re just renting a room in someone’s home. A Bed & Breakfast usually requires that someone lives there.
I have learned a few things from experience. Always check the details of what is provided. We showed up at a home where we planned to meet friends for a couple days and discovered that we were supposed to bring our own towels and bedding! Fortunately, the owner lived next door and was able to supply those items, so we didn’t have to go looking for a place to purchase new ones.
I also learned that when I’m looking over details for an Airbnb; Br tells you how many bedrooms; B tells you how many beds, NOT how many bathrooms. I thought it meant bathrooms (I prefer a private bath). In an Aribnb you might be sharing a bathroom with other guests or the homeowners! Check the details.
It’s also important to look at the “sleeping arrangements”. It might say it sleeps 20 but you need to know if that’s 10 rooms, each with a queen bed, or a dorm room with 10 bunk beds.
Bed & Breakfasts are fun. I like meeting the owner and it means a homecooked breakfast. I’ve had basic bacon and eggs, simple pancakes, and some delicious gourmet meals.
The first place we stayed on our “Wander Indiana” trip was Brookville Lodge in Brookville, IN. It wasn’t a B&B because the owner didn’t live there. We only talked to her by phone. If you wanted breakfast it had a kitchen you could cook your own food in. We found it by looking up local lodging on the maps app of our phone.
The next night was Southern Grace Bed & Breakfast in Brandenburg, KY. It was a luxurious home on a farm that had friendly goats and alpacas. Our room had a balcony that overlooked the pool in their beautiful back yard. We were able to select our choice from the breakfast menu and schedule the time we wanted to eat. The blackberry topping on waffles and the maple crusted bacon were scrumptious! We enjoyed visiting with the owner while we ate.
Riverview Mansion Hotel in Golconda, IL overlooking the Scenic Ohio River was completely different. The house seemed a little creepy to me, with dark woodwork and furniture. I asked about the history of the house and the owner gave me a magazine with an article her husband had written about it a few years ago. It was all very interesting except the part about Lucy’s ghost. Fortunately, she didn’t visit us! I wasn’t impressed with the dust and cobwebs in the corners there.
When we discovered Ste. Genevieve, MO it was late in the afternoon and we knew we wanted to explore more the following day, so we found Main Streat Inn B&B. This place was originally built in 1882 as a hotel but it had recently undergone an extensive renovation, keeping the antique appearance with modern conveniences. (Like indoor plumbing.) Breakfast included berry topped yogurt, delicious quiche, bacon and autumn spiced nut bread.
Our last experience was in the EighteenNinety Sleepover in Casey, IL. A charming old building that combined rustic charm with modern conveniences. Breakfast was a coupon for your meal at Reflections Family Restaurant across the street.
Most hotels have many similarities but places like these are unique and I enjoy the variety.