Recently the Maine Stay Inn has seen an upswing in the number of guests that have never 
stayed in a bed and breakfast. As someone who has traveled in bed and breakfasts since infancy, this is entirely foreign to me. However, I am beginning to recognize that my experience is unusual, particularly because many bed and breakfasts discourage families from bringing children (not the Maine Stay Inn, of course!). But as I speak with bed and breakfast newbies, I realize that many travelers stick to traditional hotels out of habit and misinformation (or lack of information all together) about the bed and breakfast experience.
Often guests think that bed and breakfasts are old fashioned and lacking in amenities. The truth of the matter is that bed and breakfast inns, particularly the Kennebunkport bed and breakfasts, offer most, if not all, of the same amenities – and at no charge, for that matter! Certainly, there may be some where this is not the case, but bed and breakfasts, like the Maine Stay Inn, have to keep up with the times! Wireless internet is complimentary, as is the use of our business center. A fax machine is available upon request, and telephone service is available in the main house at no charge. Not only that, but most rooms or suites have flat panel televisions and DVD players. For those whose rooms have not converted yet, we have spare DVD players that can be hooked up in a flash. And, unlikeKennebunkport hotels, we offer complimentary DVD rentals.
And while room decor at a bed and breakfast is unlikely to be ultra-modern, guest
accommodations and especially bathrooms, are carefully chosen, unique, and up-to-date, if not lavish and luxurious. But for folks with trendy tastes, check out Cottage Suite #8, our most recently renovated and contemporary suite!
Bed and breakfasts also offer hidden value that traditional hotels do not. Think complimentary water bottles, chocolates or other sweets upon arrival, and unlimited tea and coffee. Afternoon teatime, with freshly baked cookies and refreshing beverages, is included as well. Let’s not forget breakfast! These days, bed and breakfasts tend to serve full breakfasts, freshly made and piping hot! As a Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, the Maine Stay serves 
(or delivers – yes, that’s room service at no charge!) a full, multi-course, gourmet breakfast and takes into account dietary restrictions, where as Kennebunkport hotels offer a limited continental or nothing at all. And don’t worry about forced chit-chat over breakfast if you aren’t so inclined – most modern bed and breakfasts offer varied seating options (the Maine Stay Inn, for example, can deliver morning meals to private breakfast rooms in our cottage suites, or serves tables of two on the wraparound porch and larger tables in our dining room).
Although most bed and breakfasts do not have on site restaurants (that’s something you’ll find at larger inns), they are usually situated near excellent dining options. That means the others you encounter are fellow guests, not restaurant patrons. This is a huge perk, because people are more likely to be friendly and respectful if they know they will see you over morning coffee!
But the most often overlooked, and undervalued, aspect of staying in a bed and breakfast is the hospitality. It is our goal to make you feel as pampered and take care of as possible. We’ll know you by name and help figure out how to make your stay perfect for you. We essentially become your personal travel agent, helping plan your itinerary each day – if you want it, of course! You aren’t staying in Aunt Sue’s spare bedroom, you are a valued guest, but we take our cues from you – if you want to build a personal relationship with innkeepers and staff, make that known, but if not, we won’t press you. But pick our minds when it comes to dining, because we know the restaurants extremely well and will often know what will be the best match for you!
One notable difference, however is that a bed and breakfast keeps office hours, and usually does not have staff available 24 hours, like a traditional hotel. So if you’re looking for a spare pillow or an extra bottle of water during the night, know that calling the front desk will likely mean waking up your innkeeper – and that’s usually the person making your breakfast!
So the next time you are planning a weekend getaway or Maine vacation, choose The Maine Stay Inn and Cottages, Kennebunkport Maine, instead of your average hotel.
