When it comes to comparing bed-and-breakfasts with vacation rentals like Airnbnbs, the former include breakfast in the price and often other food-and-beverage perks, such as snacks (though individual vacation-rental hosts often provide freebies like coffee). Prices tend to be all-inclusive, so there is no charge for cleaning. While vacation rental platforms are increasingly adopting all-inclusive pricing, guests may see itemized fees for services like administration and cleaning in the details.
But Airbnb’s extensive online reach has convinced many bed-and-breakfasts to list their rooms on the platform. In a statement, Airbnb confirmed bed-and-breakfasts use it, noting, “We see them as partners, not competitors.”
“The traditional B&B has kind of been absorbed by Airbnb,” said Sandy C. Chen, a professor in the restaurant, hotel and tourism program at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She added that many small operators receive bookings on Airbnb, Booking.com and other digital platforms.
Some traditional inn operators think that the side-by-side comparison online benefits them. After all, a bed-and-breakfast host won’t ask you to wash the dishes and take out the trash before checkout, as many rentals do.
“If you don’t beat ’em, you join ’em,” Ms. Johnson said, noting that she thinks her property — which includes perks like breakfast, complimentary coffee and passes to the local Y.M.C.A. — stacks up favorably on Airbnb. She said she has learned to emphasize “all those extras in order to compete.”