Picking a Bed & Breakfast in the Texas Hill Country

by Donna Mittel

Bed and Breakfasts have become one of the most popular forms of lodging in the Texas Hill Country, with the majority of them (300+) in the Fredericksburg area. Have you ever wondered how this business began? It all started in 1975 when Kenn Knopp, his mother and brother traveled to Germany, and stayed in a home stay bed and breakfast. Although Kenn was completely against this type of lodging, he eventually gave in and stayed the full length of their Germany trip in the bed and breakfast. Needless to say, he enjoyed this experience so much that he came back to Fredericksburg and talked a few ladies into “trying” bed and breakfast to see if they would enjoy having an occasional visitor and in turn receive a bit of “extra money”. It was an opportunity to meet and make new friends and each one of the ladies, including Kenn’s mother loved their new business.

The first bed and breakfast charged $30 for a single room and $45 for a double bed, continental breakfast included. Soon the word was out and others asked how they might go about joining in the fun….and profit. Kenn then organized the first reservation service in the Hill Country. His idea was to have a central reservation service and membership organization to keep a check on standards and maintain consistent and fair prices. This was the beginning of a business that has expanded greatly throughout the state of Texas.

Although there are many bed and breakfasts, home stays are really a thing of the past. Bed and Breakfasts typically have a private bath and some even have the breakfast delivered to the guest directly to enjoy in the privacy of their own room – in their pajamas if they like. Most of the properties in the Hill Country are guesthouses, but there are many traditional bed and breakfasts that enjoy meeting, greeting and spoiling their guests.

“Bed and Breakfast” and “Guest House” stays are definitely an adventure. It is wise to educate yourself about terminology before making a reservation. The business has changed dramatically over the past 29 years and each home is independently owned creating a different personality in each property. First let me say that you must know which “type” of property you would like to stay in:

TRADITIONAL BED AND BREAKFAST – Hosts open a room or rooms in their home and offer their guests a delicious breakfast, family style. Of course, you also have the advantage of getting first hand information on
the area and the opportunity to make friends with the hosts as well as other guests. Traditional Bed and Breakfasts typically offer private baths. There are some traditional bed and breakfasts that are private cottages and have a full breakfast delivered to them at a specified time each morning.

GUESTHOUSE/GÄSTHAUS (in German pronounced guest-a-house). This lodging has become the most available and the most in demand. In a guesthouse/Gästhaus, you or your party are the only guests in the home. There is no host in the house. You have the whole house to yourselves! Some of these properties have hosts living next door or nearby. A variety of breakfasts could be offered (many times there is just coffee and tea), and a variety of locations are available.

Not only have the types of homes changed, but also the amenities and décor have become more elegant and refined. Our guests have become more knowledgeable about our business, and we have had to rise to the occasion. What is important to guests? The things we have found that are important are:

1) Privacy – whether you are in a traditional bed and breakfast or guesthouse,
guests ask for privacy.

2) Large beds – king beds seem to be the preference, but queen beds are also very popular.

3) Fireplaces – our cold winter nights bring a demand for fireplaces, and there are all kinds available – wood burning, gas log, electric-log and the freestanding stoves.

4) Large whirlpool tubs are very popular for that special occasion.

5) Hot tubs are great for those that prefer being outside.

6) Décor – the majority of the homes offer a theme – European décor, Country Elegant, Texan, Southwestern, Country Antique, etc.

7) Historical homes are still and always will be an important part of our business. It seems we are all reaching into our past and back to the important things in life.

8) Large homes have become increasing important in our business. Many of our guests want to share their experience with their friends and family for reunions, events and the holidays.

Don't assume that each property has everything you are looking for. If a hairdryer, iron, or television is important to you, ask if these things are available in the house you are renting. Many country homes do not have television reception, but may have a VCR or DVD player. Some homes in town do not offer televisions for a variety of reasons ranging from “romance” to “getting back to basics”. Whatever the reason it might be a good idea to pack a game, book or an opportunity to brush up on “getting to know each other”.

When making a reservation it is a good idea to ask questions:

1) What price range are you comfortable with? Bed and breakfasts/guesthouses range from $65.00 - $250.00 a night.

2) Do you prefer a Traditional Bed and Breakfast or guest house?

3) Is your preference the country setting or in town?

4) What amenities are important to you?

5) Are there any children in your group? Although there are many properties that do welcome children, there are some homes that just sleep two or are not built and decorated children friendly?

6) Are you a smoker? Many properties do allow smoking outside.

7) Pets – if your pet is important, ask for a pet friendly property. There is usually a small fee added to the rate.

8) Telephones and Internet access. Many homeowners do not have phones on the property since most guests carry their cell phones with them. We are seeing more and more properties offering Internet access, which I think will be a big request in the future.

9) Private baths – although the majority of the bed and breakfasts do have private baths, it is important that you know up front that the property you are renting does offer a private bath.

10) Any special needs – handicap or dietary restrictions?

11) Cancellation Policy – As with many lodging types these days, bed and breakfasts usually have a cancellation policy. This should be told to you up front and followed up with a confirmation.

Internet makes shopping for that special property a lot easier. You can go on-line and look at the photos and amenities – then many times you can make your reservation right on that Internet site.

There is a property for everyone – and despite what most people think the prices are very reasonable. I encourage you to stay in a Bed and Breakfast or Guesthouse – our guests tell us that once they have tried it they find that the bed and breakfast/guesthouse properties are more comfortable, have more privacy and have a feeling of being at home. Guests vow never to stay in a hotel or motel again.

Donna Mittel is the owner of Gästehaus Schmidt Reservation Service, 231 West Main, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 - 866-427-8374.