What to expect from your stay at a bed and breakfast in Niagara Falls.

Since the arrival of the internet there are thousands of first time bed and breakfast goers.
For the first-timers there are some basics to make your stay more comfortable for yourself and your innkeeper; and to help you understand the experience. Once you've stayed in a bed and breakfast, you'll never stay anywhere else!

First and foremost is to understand that you are staying in someone's home as was in the 'old days'. Most bed and breakfasts are owner-operated, and some are run by innkeepers. Almost all bed and breakfasts offer complimentary refreshments and a fridge in a common area to keep things cold, but don't allow eating in the rooms. So if you're not sure what is permitted, please ask.

There are some bed and breakfasts that accept babies and very young children. Most don't.
Usually the cut off age is 7+. A bed and breakfast is normally not child proofed (unless a special room or cottage is available for families), and really not appropriate for very young children. Most folks who go to bed and breakfasts are looking for some peace and quiet. I can't vouch for everyone, but once you try it you'll never go back! Bed and breakfasts are great places for women traveling alone. They are also lovely and different places for small weddings, wedding breakfasts, dinners, small business functions and the like. Just ask your host what is available.

Yes! Bala Place welcome children 7 and older.

A Bed and breakfast is what it applies, a bed for the night and a breakfast.
Guest should not over stay there welcome as it is not a Hotel or Motel and proprietors need there private time to. It is very common in tourism areas for guest to leave the B&B early morning and not return till after supper (Dinner), unless the proprietors say other wise. If you are usually up all night going to the bathroom or some other activity that gets you up at 4am or 5am, a Bed and Breakfast may not be advisable for you or the other guest. A Hotel or Motel may be more suitable for your needs. Most B&B's only provide a breakfast, some will provide supper and or a packed lunch to take with you.
So if you're not sure, please ask.

Often, the inn’s owner will be your personal host throughout your stay. As such, it is helpful to ask at the time you make your reservation if there is particular check-in and check-out times. Most B&B inns do not have 24-hour check-in staff, so, if your travels delay you, call to arrange check-in, if that is possible. Some inns have both shared baths and private baths, and rates vary accordingly. Some allow children, pets or smoking, however many do not. Most require advance reservations and a deposit to hold a room, and have a cancellation policy.
So if you're not sure, please ask.

Breakfast is always special. Not only are you enjoying the culinary talents of your host, but you get to meet and greet the other guests. Sometimes you'll meet people from the other side of the globe or run into an old high school chum you haven't seen in 25 years! Usually the menu is the same for all. Some places can accommodate special dietary requests, but I would advise asking when making your reservation.

Bed and breakfast inns provide private and very individually decorated quarters for their guests and usually common areas for the use of all guests at the inn. Innkeepers can be a great resource on the area you are visiting, and are available to assist you with whatever your particular needs might be, be it sightseeing tours or diet restrictions, since many B&Bs serve breakfast as part of the room rate. Any allergies (cats, dogs, goose down quilts) are very important items to mention in advance also.

Many people travel to B&Bs for their individuality, the opportunity to interact with fellow travelers, and for the more home-like feeling. In recent years many travelers have enjoyed a measure of security and safety in the home of a local B&B InnKeeper; Hotel security is often regarded as a poor substitute. Each bed and breakfast is different, depending on the character of each innkeeper, so policies are different. If you book a B&B through a travel agent, be sure to provide the agent with any special needs or requests and to have the agent provide you with the needed check-in and cancellation information, plus any special details you should know in advance.

It's a good idea to do some research about a bed and breakfast before you visit - your idea of 'romantic' may be very different from someone else's! But remember that many guidebook authors stay for free when reviewing a bed and breakfast, and thus you may have to read between the lines to get an idea of the place. Does 'cozy' mean comfortable or cramped? Does 'friendly' mean gracious or intrusive? Read carefully, and whenever possible, consult visitors' reviews. Many e-mail discussion lists and sites on the web allow guests to share their experiences. After your stay, return the favor and write your own review!
is one of the best!

As an owner of a B&B, what makes us happy is to know when the guests are arriving at my door. It doesn't have to be precise, but more or less accurate. Remember, not every B&B owner can sit and wait for you all day. Call or write and let the owner know when you are arriving. This consideration will save the host/hostess their time and you from arriving at the house without the host/hostess being there.

If you are staying at a bed and breakfast and your stated arrival time changes by more than an hour, please make a call and let your hosts know; i.e. if you need to arrive an hour early or will be arriving an hour late, please call.

Do not assume that the B&B you are going to has in-room TV's or telephones. Ask, and you will not be disappointed either way.
Remember: MANY bed and breakfasts are equipped with shared baths. If this is a problem, request a private bath prior to making reservations.

In planning your stay at a B&B, allow enough time to enjoy what the area offers, with some time for relaxation. Hosts appreciate a stay of more than one night for the opportunity to become acquainted, and provide help in seeing and doing what is of interest to the guest, without imposing on a tight schedule of time. You'll find a 2-night stay is more than twice as pleasant as a 1-night stay, and a 3-night stay more than 3 times better. Check web information for area activities and attractions in planning your time.

Jacqueline & Keith at Bala Place Bed and Breakfast, A Niagara falls Bed and Breakfast in St. Catharines, look forward to making your stay as memorable as possible.