How To Get Your Spouse To Stay At a Bed and Breakfast
Edited Reprint from Elizabeth Arneson - Your Guide to Bed &
Breakfasts
The problem: Your spouse irrationally refuses to stay at a bed and
breakfast. The solution: Diplomacy, deal-making, subterfuge -- whatever
it takes.
Here's How:
It's probably wise to start with traditional methods of convincing --
logic and the like. If that doesn't work, resort to the more complex
(sometimes trickier) options outlined below.
Explain that bed and breakfasts are almost universally recognized as a
more personal alternative to hotels and motels. And that you can make
sure you will have a private bathroom.
Assure your spouse that inns are run by professionals -- and stay at a
larger bed and breakfast (i.e. one with more than 10 rooms) at first if
that helps.
Appeal to other interests: "The best public golf course in the state is
right next to this bed and breakfast."
Cut a deal: "If we stay at a bed and breakfast, I'll buy the present
for your mother's next birthday. And your father..."
Make the trip a secret, but be aware that this could backfire. If your
spouse gets upset when you arrive, the whole trip could be sour.
Be sure to pick a top-notch bed and breakfast. Get recommendations from
other travelers in the About.com Bed and Breakfasts Forum or other
online discussion groups.
Splurge on a nice room. Perhaps your spouse will enjoy the Jacuzzi tub
and king-size bed. Be certain that you have a private bathroom.
Let the innkeepers know what's going on. They're likely to go out of
their way to help ensure a pleasant stay.
Tips:
Be patient. Bed and breakfasts are totally different than chain hotels
and motels, so it might take some time for your spouse to warm up to
the experience.
This is extremely important, so I'm repeating it again: Make sure your
room has a private bathroom, preferably en suite (in the room, as
opposed to next door or down the hall).