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. Although every B&B is different, most of the extra charges you'd encounter at a hotel are free at a bed and breakfast inn.

Telephone Charges

Hotel: Many hotels charge 50 or 75 cents for a local or toll-free call; long-distance rates are astronomical.
B&B: Local and toll-free calls are free at almost every B&B; guests are usually asked to use a calling card for long-distance calls. Some B&Bs have telephones with data ports in every guest room; be sure to check with the innkeeper if an in-room phone is essential to you.

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
B&B: Most B&Bs provide a free full breakfast, usually including fresh fruit and juice, main dish with breakfast meats, plus home-baked muffins, often served on elegant china and silver.

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.
B&B:: Although B&Bs don't offer room service, some will serve breakfast in your room, usually included in the room rate, or for a small extra charge. A few will serve a special-occasion dinner in your suite. Some will allow you (upon request) to have a meal delivered, to be enjoyed in the inn's common area, or in your room, if an appropriate dining area is available.