Voice of BC's Professional Bed & Breakfast Industry

.BC Bed & Breakfast Association – BCBBA – recognizes that Bed and Breakfasts are unique within the STR sector as also recognized by BC Assessment.


“Bed and Breakfast properties, or B&Bs, are single family dwellings occupied by the owner, or a manager as their principal residence, where rooms are rented, or offered for rent as short-term overnight accommodation” – BC Assessment

BC Bed & Breakfast Association defines a B&B as a property that meets all of the following requirements:

  • is the principal residence of the owner / Innkeeper who provides a personalized hospitality experience
  • serves a full hot, or continental breakfast outside of the room, and is FoodSafe certified
  • is situated on residentially, or agriculturally zoned land and is also residential, or agricultural in character
  • is licensed as a Bed & Breakfast by the appropriate licensing authority in the community/region
  • carries insurance for the express purpose of operating a bed and breakfast
  • complies with provincial STR legislation
  • Is NOT an AirBnB
  • If a B&B complies with provincial STR legislation but is deficient in meeting another criteria element it might be permitted in our membership as grandfathered in having been in business as a B&B for a significant time prior to these rules.

 

The lodging terms Bed & Breakfast, B&B, B&B and Guesthouse are interchangeable at the discretion of the Innkeeper.

BREAKFAST

As the term “Bed & Breakfast” indicates, breakfast is one of the highlights of this accommodation experience. Our members always offer breakfast, usually described in one of two ways:

  • a Full Breakfast – includes a choice of beverages, usually a fruit course, breads and baked goods, and a hot entrée.
  • a Continental Breakfast – includes a choice of beverages, may include a fruit course, and a selection of baked goods.

Each Innkeeper may choose to be creative within these descriptions, so you may experience a wide range in the type of items and the style of breakfast served. Settings also vary, and you may be served at a private, or at a communal table, in the kitchen or in the dining room, outdoors on the patio or deck, or buffet style.  Special dietary requirements should be brought to the attention of the innkeeper when making your lodging reservation. To be sure the establishment you have selected for your stay offers the type of breakfast you are looking for, always ask when making your reservation at a B&B.

RATES

Unless otherwise noted B&B rates are quoted for a double room, double occupancy, based on the most recent information supplied by the Innkeepers. All rates are subject to change, and seasonal variations. Some B&Bs also offer discounted Last Minute Booking rates.

Depending upon location and size of the property, you may be required to pay the following taxes on top of the quoted rates:

  • GST (Goods & Services Tax) : A federally applied tax of 5%
  • All B&Bs must now charge a Provincial  Accommodation tax of 8% when you book with them
  • Numerous cities/regions such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna, also have a Destination Marketing fee of up to 3% which has to be charged by B&Bs in those communities

Please be sure to confirm rates and taxes when you make your reservation.

PAYMENT

Most Bed & Breakfasts accept credit cards, and will ask for a credit card number to guarantee your reservation. Some smaller establishments, or those open seasonally, may not accept credit cards, but may accept e-transfers. The most common credit cards accepted are VISA and Mastercard. Some properties will also accept American Express. Diners Club and Discover Card are not common in Canada. Always check on the method of payment when you make your reservation.

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are essential, particularly during the busy season. Reserve to avoid disappointment. When you book, be sure to discuss your accommodation requirements and confirm prices, services and other details. B&Bkeepers tend to be delightfully helpful. If you need to arrive earlier than the stated check-in time, please discuss this with the innkeeper to make arrangements. If you are going to arrive later than you have previously indicated, as a courtesy, please call the innkeeper to let them know. Remember that a Bed & Breakfast or a self-catering property is not a hotel with staff on hand 24 hours a day, and errands and grocery shopping may need to be done at some time during the day.

Most Innkeepers will require a credit card guarantee, or a deposit to hold your room, or sometimes an advance payment. All inns have a written cancellation policy, which may range from 24 hours to 30 days. B&Bs or self-catering lodgings are generally smaller establishments with a limited number of unique rooms, so cancellation policies tend to be for longer periods than hotels, and may involve an administration fee.

CHILDREN, PETS and SMOKING

Children, pets, and smoking present special considerations for B&Bs in private homes. Almost all  are non-smoking indoors. Whether children and/or pets can be accommodated is generally noted. Properties that are “adult-oriented” are often not suitable for children. Many properties with limited facilities for children and pets may have specific rooms set aside for families and guests traveling with pets. Be sure to inquire when you book your room.

BATHROOMS

Different terminology may be used by individual innkeepers, but generally the following applies. Make sure you clarify when making your reservation.

  • Ensuite: In Canada, the term “ensuite” refers to a bathroom that is private, inside and attached to the sleeping unit.
  • Private: A bathroom that is for the sole use of a sleeping unit but may be outside of the room.
  • Shared: Bathrooms that are used in common by not more than two sleeping units. Each room is supplied with its own towels.

INTERNET ACCESS

All Bed & Breakfasts offer internet access to their guests. High speed or wireless access for your laptop is likely available, although in more isolated rural areas this may not be the case. If you need this service please check what is available when you book your room.

PARKING

Parking is generally provided free at Bed & Breakfast properties and is usually off street parking, although you may find that sometimes in urban areas you may need to park on the street. Some B&Bs offer EV charging and dedicated parking spots.