Bed and Breakfasts are smaller, more personalized versions of hotels or bungalows that are often maintained by individuals or families. The average bed and breakfast hosts less than two dozen guests in about ten or so bedrooms in addition to the private residence of the hosting family. Although the entymology of the word is somewhat hazy, most scholars believe that the term “bed and breakfast” originated in the United Kingdom along with the first residences that met that description. As the name implies, the signature piece of a bed and breakfast, which provides another point of differentiation between bed and breakfasts and hotels, is the personalized breakfast provided by the hosts. Oftentimes, they advertise whatever special dish they pride themselves on – whether pancakes  or muffins – as their primary selling point.

Bed and Breakfasts generally offer housing options spatially similar to hotels, but much more decoratively unique. Bed and breakfasts usually offer guests the choice between private suites, a bedroom and bathroom, or just a bedroom with a shared bathroom. The difference is that bed and breakfasts (also known as B&Bs) are generally themed around a central idea or concept, such as lighthouses or even rock and roll or a tropical island. Although there is not a clear line differentiating between an inn and a bed and breakfast, the general consensus is that if the owners of the establishment maintain and service the facility themselves, then it is a bed and breakfast; if not, then they are an inn or hotel.

There have been a number of professional studies conducted to determine which aspects of a bed and breakfast are most appealing to guests. The organizations that have conducted these studies include not only professional groups but also educational institutions including Michigan State University and travel conglomerates including the Journal of Travel Research and Tourism Queensland. Even Time magazine published an article about Bed and Breakfasts,  which revealed that the residences have grown twenty eight times within the past two decades, now serving more than fifty million individuals every year. The same article continues to explain that the average rates for bed and breakfasts are slightly above one hundred dollars, making them financially comparable to leading hotels.

There are bed and breakfasts throughout the world, which are governed by different rules and regulations depending upon the laws prescribed by the state and country in which they are located. Bed and breakfasts are usually a part of a local, national, or international organization, which serve to maintain certain professional expectations of quality for the sake of consumers. There are even some groups that rank bed and breakfasts in the world and nation, perhaps most notably bedandbreakfast.com. A majority of the establishments on this list are found in the United States, although there is one bed and breakfast in Austria also mentioned. There are also rankings based on hospitality, value, family-friendliness, romance, and special features. Regional rankings are the final manner of bed and breakfast comparison, and exist both for different parts of the United States and the world.