Friday, October 10, 2008

Surprise Your Loved Ones With Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates

By Jane Leisteiner

People want to get away, but with an unstable economy and rising fuel and airline costs, it isn't always feasible. This is why many travelers are sticking closer to home, and you can treat your favorite traveler to a stay at a bed and breakfast. Purchase a bed and breakfast gift certificate at iloveinns.com and you'll be giving the gift of a unique experience.

These gift certificates, which can be used at more than 1,000 inns throughout the United States, are not only thoughtful, they are fast and easy. All you have to do is go to iloveinns.com, select the amount you want to spend, purchase the certificate and print it out. You don't even have to choose the inn when you purchase the certificate; it's valid at all of iLoveInns.com's participating bed and breakfasts and inns.

"Our gift certificates are popular not only because of the convenience of being able to instantly print the certificate," explains Deborah Sakach, president of iLoveInns. "But the recipient can choose from hundreds of different bed and breakfasts experiences."

Many of the participating bed and breakfasts and inns are historic, and all are unique offering great locations and top-notch hospitality. Here's a small sample of the bed and breakfasts you can select.

If you are heading to the Jersey Shore, the picturesque village of Cape May is home to dozens of excellent bed and breakfasts. Several of the many historic Victorian inns participate in the gift certificate program, including the stunning Queen Victoria Bed and Breakfast. The meticulously restored Cape May inn is just one block from the beach and offers romantic guest rooms, gourmet breakfasts and afternoon tea.

History buffs adore Williamsburg, Virginia, and will equally love the Williamsburg Sampler. Although this Williamsburg inn dates only to the bicentennial, it was built in Colonial style, decorated with fine antiques. The Rooster's Den resembles an authentic 18th-century tavern, and it is in this room where guests enjoy a lavish "Skip-Lunch," Breakfast. Four-poster beds, fireplaces and wing-back chairs create warmth and romance in the guest rooms. The suites include access to the roof-top garden.

After a day exploring Napa, the Beazley House Bed and Breakfast is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Several Napa inns accept the gift certificate, including this gem, which was the town's first bed and breakfast. The historic home rests on a half-acre of gardens in Old Town Napa. There are 10 guest rooms, five of which are in the main house which boasts original stained glass windows and rooms decorated with antiques. The five Carriage House rooms include a fireplace and whirlpool tub. - 15359

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