Nano Breaks Perfect for Recession-Weary Travelers

B&Bs turn mini escapes into maxi values

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. April 02, 2010

AUSTIN, TX - April 2, 2010 - Rather than give up vacations entirely, value-conscious travelers are turning to mini-escapes for much needed getaways. In a 2009 survey, nearly 50% of BedandBreakfast.com member innkeepers reported an increase in one-night stay requests, a predictable response to the recession. “B&Bs offer all the ingredients for turning mini escapes into maxi values,” said Sandy Soule of BedandBreakfast.com. “With such treats as complimentary pillow menus, wine tastings, chocolates, sweet treats, and gourmet breakfasts, travelers can achieve the relaxation and rejuvenation they need with a quick escape. When you combine the minimal travel costs of a close-to-home getaway with affordable package prices, it's clear that a nano-break may be just the ticket,” explained Soule.

BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory and reservation network, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with those in need of a nano break. From April 15 through May 31, make your mini-escape even more affordable by booking a two-day B&B getaway online at BedandBreakfast.com and get a 15 percent discount on your reservation. Simply enter promo code BBCELEBRATE15 when booking online at BedandBreakfast.com. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion; travel must be completed by August 31, 2010.

To encourage nano breaks, BedandBreakfast.com members have posted nearly 70 mini-escapes. For a complete list of participating inns, go to www.BedandBreakfast.com and click the badge for Mini Escapes in the center of the screen. To ensure you get these great offers, mention the BedandBreakfast.com Mini Escapes promotion when booking. Offers can not be applied to pre-existing reservations nor combined with any other promotion, and may not be available during holiday periods. Unless otherwise specified, rates are quoted for double occupancy during 2010, including breakfast, and excluding taxes. Here are a few examples of Mini Escapes, listed alphabetically by country or state.

The Inn at Locke House, Lockeford, CA: You don't have to work for Budweiser to drive the Clydesdales. Available through October, your mini escape, includes instruction and Clydesdale driving experience, a picnic lunch to enjoy on the ranch, and two nights accommodations in the Main House followed by full scrumptious breakfasts for $399 per couple.

Oliver Inn B&B, South Bend, IN: Eat, sleep and be merry in a 1880s Victorian mansion. This mini escape, offered through 2010, includes two nights accommodations, dinner at the landmark Tippecanoe Place Mansion next door, and tickets for the Oliver Museum, former home of J.D. Oliver, inventor of the” chilled” plow and tractor, all for $278 midweek and $323 weekends.

1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B, Springfield, KY: This nano break fills a 24-hour mini-escape with romantic activities and amenities. Combine a one-night stay anytime through October in a room with double whirlpool tub and a fireplace, plus a private limo to take you to several local wineries or bourbon distilleries, including a private tasting, a discount on purchases, and keepsake glasses. Next, enjoy a pre-arranged dinner including a $50 dining gift certificate to one of the area's best restaurants. Of course, a full country breakfast will be served on fine china and crystal the next morning. All this starts at $525 weekdays and $575 weekends.

Benjamin F. Packard House, Bath, ME: Here's a “mudder” of a way to explore Midcoast Maine during April's mud season. After playing in mud puddles, you'll appreciate your souvenir bath soap and towel to commemorate your stay in Bath and help clean you up! This mud season mini escape, offered through April, includes an overnight stay, complimentary Bath soaps and Bath towel, plus mud sweets upon arrival and Maine “Mud” muffins with a gourmet breakfast, all for $130. Add a second night for just $80.

High Pointe Inn, West Barnstable, MA: Through April, treat yourself to a special "Teacher's Pet" mini-escape package including two nights in an ocean view room, a one-hour in-room relaxation massage, three-course gourmet dinner for two at one of Cape Cod's premier restaurants, and a take-home gift bag of local products, plus breakfast each day with a choice of six entrees, afternoon tea or coffee and sweet treats, and complimentary after-dinner drinks all starting at $499 including tax.

Schooner Woodwind, Annapolis, MD: Offered on Saturdays only through October, enjoy a sunset sail then stay aboard this 74-foot wooden schooner “boat-and-breakfast” docked in the harbor with restaurants just steps away. The next morning, breakfast overlooking the harbor is a great way to start the day. Accommodations are in double berths with shared heads (baths); $289 per couple, including tax.

The Kingsley House, Fennville, MI: Take advantage of the Tulip Time rate while visiting nearby Holland's tulip display. The mini escape, offered Sunday through Thursday through April, includes one night in your choice of any available room, a $40 dinner voucher at the popular Salt of the Earth restaurant nearby, and a gourmet breakfast, all for just $139. On a tight budget? Through May 20, any non-Jacuzzi room is just $49 per night, Sunday through Thursday.

1847 Blake House, Arden, NC: Located near Asheville, the “everything Asheville” nano break is offered Monday through Thursday through May 27, including an overnight stay, two tickets to the Asheville Grayline Historic Trolley Tour, and breakfast the next day for $165 for the Magnolia or Dagwood rooms and $170 for the Lilac or Rose rooms.

Mayhurst Inn, Orange, VA: Enjoy a mini vacation of Presidential proportions with this package including tickets to three presidential museums. The mini escape includes two nights accommodations and breakfast for two each morning, champagne and strawberries in your room, two tickets to James Madison's Montpelier, two Presidential Passes for Jefferson's Monticello, and two tickets to Monroe's Ashlawn and the historic Mitchie Tavern. Complimentary wine, cheese and snacks will be served each evening. Package price is $520 including tax.

For those looking for a mini escape over the pond, here are a few options at European B&Bs:

Villa Pape, Trogir, Croatia: This newly renovated, eco-friendly villa offers a value-filled option for visiting Croatia, the hottest new destination. Stay weekends throughout May for three nights including a Friday or Monday and receive a 10 percent discount off room rates starting at €56 per day. Upgrade to a two-bedroom family suite with a sea view terrace for €96 per day.

Old Doctor's House B&B, Markt Einersheim, Germany: Located in the heart of Bavaria's wine country, the mini escape offered through October includes comfortable accommodations, breakfast, a bottle of wine, a three-course dinner with wine at a local restaurant, and two tickets for the Knauf Museum for €174 for one night and €244 for two nights.

Carndaisy House, Easter Urray, Muir of Ord,Scotland: Act quickly to take advantage of this inviting B&B, close to Inverness, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Glen Ord Whisky Distillery. Through April 15, the four poster and twin/triple rooms are offered at £29 nightly for two people, with a two-night minimum, including a continental breakfast.

About BedandBreakfast.com:
BedandBreakfast.com, based in Austin, Texas, is a leading specialty travel website with detailed information on more than 11,000 bed-and-breakfast properties worldwide. The site helps travelers find the ideal B&B or small inns through informative descriptions, photos and more than 100,000 consumer reviews, and make confirmed reservations instantly at nearly 2,000 properties. In addition, BedandBreakfast.com offers gift cards welcomed at more than 4,000 B&Bs in the United States and Canada, with no restrictions or blackout dates. The company also operates RezOvation, the industry leader in property management systems, online reservations, website design and internet marketing for the inn and B&B market.