How to Save Money: Stay at a Bed & Breakfast!                          

A recent article published by About.com noted: "Checking out of some hotel rooms can give a you a serious case of sticker shock. With taxes, room service, phone charges and other "hidden" fees, that $199 deal you booked online can turn into a $379 bill, literally overnight."

It's worth comparing the difference between hotels and B&Bs in what's typically included in the cost of an overnight stay. At Casa de San Pedro B&B, we mean to be different, providing excellent accommodations, service, and a wholesome environment.  Most of the extra charges you'd encounter at a hotel are included free at Casa de San Pedro..

Telephone Charges

Hotel: Many hotels charge 50 or 75 cents or more for a local or toll-free call; long-distance rates are astronomical.
CdSP: Local and toll-free calls are free at Casa de San Pedro B&B; guests are usually asked to use a calling card for long-distance calls so you save with every call.. We offer telephone ports in every room.  Just ask for a phone to be placed in your room or use the shared phone on the desk in the Foyer - and save a bundle.  We also sell telephone cards for the same rate you could purchase them at Costco or Walmart - we don't have to make our living by adding enormous surcharges to your telephone calls.

Breakfast

Hotel: At a luxury hotel, breakfast costs $7-30 dollars per person; moderately priced motels often offer a free self-serve breakfast with disposable plates & cutlery.  Why pay a lot and put up with poor service and second rate foods?
BCdSP: At Casa de San Pedro we serve a free full breakfast, usually including fresh fruit and juice, an outstanding main dish with breakfast meats, plus home-baked muffins, scones, or biscuits.  Our meals are served to our guests in a well appointed Southwestern dining room.  You also get to visit with other guests and your hosts, starting your day off on a happy note.  No charge for the sincere smiles and warm conversation with new friends.  You just cant find that at any price in the "hotels".

Room Service

Hotel: Room service meals (with added service & delivery charges) are usually double or triple the cost of eating in a local coffee shop or restaurant.
CdSP:: Save a lot by purchasing your own foods to prepare at the Casa.  Although we don't offer room service per se, we offer cooking facilities in our Guest Services area, and there are gas grills at the ramada in the back yard.  Fix your own barbeque and save a bundle!  You can also have a meal delivered, to be enjoyed in the inn's common area, or in your room.   We can also shop for you prior to your arrival to have your favorite items on hand for you to prepare in our Guest Services area or to toss on the BBQ.   Just let us know what you want us to purchase for you and it will be waiting when you arrive. 

We also prepare sack lunches or other snacks for our guests to take with them on hikes/tours.  The cost of a Casa lunch is much less than restaurant food or "room service" in a hotel.  And don't forget, we include soft drinks and bottled water for our guests at no additional charge.

Free Afternoon Snacks and Beverages

Hotel: Mini-bars are stocked with tempting treats, from candies to potato chips to soda to little packets of aspirin. While convenient, prices are usually double or triple their costs in a nearby convenience store.
CdSP :  We stock soft drinks, coffee and tea makings, and offer fresh home baked pies, cobblers, cookies, and fresh fruit in the dining room every afternoon.  Guests praise our hospitality over fresh pies, and great coffee and tea.  Just the ticket for an afternoon snack after a long hike - or for a better quality desert after eating out at one of the local restaurants.  And it is free.

Concierge

Hotel: Concierge services are usually available only at luxury hotels; tips are appropriate and encouraged.
CdSP:   We are pleased to provide concierge services, i.e. restaurant & theater reservations, advice on the best locations for birding, shopping, antiquing, hiking, and so on, plus assistance in renting bicycles,  etc. Tips are unnecessary.

Amenities

Hotel: Extras like movies and faxes can quickly add $10-20 to your bill. Many hotels now offer, but charge a daily fee of up to $15 for internet access.
B&B: We offer a wonderful library and birding magazines to read in those quiet moments.  Or rent a video/DVD at the local outlet that you can watch on the TV in the great room.  Also offered are satellite cable TV for a wide range of entertainment options.  We will send or receive a 2-3 page fax for you for free, or at a modest cost. The Casa now has an internet access port available in the Great Room. - bring your laptop and link into your email or research something on the Internet - for free.

Bellman

Hotel: Although travelers are often forced to lug their luggage from bus to airport to bus to car unassisted, hotel bellmen are apparently instructed assume that travelers are incapable of carrying their bags a short distance from the curb to the reception desk to their room. While the assistance may be welcome, the constant tipping can be onerous.
CdSP: The "bellman" at the Casa is your jack-of-all-trades innkeeper, so no tipping is required. We are are happy to assist you with luggage, but typically expect guests to lend a hand with the bags. If you can't carry heavy things, don't be shy about asking for help -- but remember to pack light, as well.

Parking

Hotel: Many hotels charge $15-20 (or more) a day for valet parking; the free or reduced rate parking may be a good walk from the lobby.
CdSP: Parking is free at the Casa. Our newly paved parking lot makes it easy to roll your suitcase and stay dust/mud free when you to to and from your car.

In conclusion, a luxury B&B is not cheap, but we are  a far better value than a hotel with even a lower  room rate. If you place a value on all the "free" benefits included in the cost of your stay at a bed & breakfast inn, you'll be surprised how much you're really getting.  And, as owner operators we are always looking for ways to improve your experience when you stay with us.  Guests love the warm hospitality and comfortable, quiet ambiance of the Casa.  We mean to provide a good value for you and welcome your visits with us.