Bed and breakfasts have a long way back in history but the term itself has been forged in the UK after World War II. At that time numerous foreigners needed a place to stay and local people have opened their homes and started serving breakfast to those overnight guests. Hence, a bed and breakfast is accommodation offered in someone's private home. The proprietor may live on premises or nearby.
Breakfast is usually home-made and sumptuous, usually served in the dining room, the bedroom or at a patio in the private garden of the house. The majority of B&BS offer a private or en-suite (in the room) bathroom. Privacy and sociability are equally available depending on the preferences of the
guest.
It is important to know that bed and breakfasts match other types of lodging in terms of cleanliness and comfort, most go even beyond average standards. At the same time the home-like atmosphere, warm atmosphere, and personal pampering are compared to none. Moreover, the B&B hosts are always a good source for detailed local knowledge and great help for planning a trip. Guests generally communicate directly with the owner which allows them to make prior arrangements for special requirements.
It is very difficult to put a strict label to bed and breakfasts and they do not come different only in the basics. Location, architecture, interior decoration, facilities and services - all these features of a B&B vary in large amounts depending on location, standards, and people running the place. Bed and breakfasts are to be found in townhouses, country houses, farms, cottages, villas, lodges, country inns, historic homes, castles, cabins, carriage houses, boats, mansions, ranches, apartments, everyday homes. The list can go on endlessly. But it is the variety that makes staying in B&B so exciting, romantic, and thrilling.
Bed and breakfasts in South Africa meet the classic definition for them. These are charming establishments offering full English or continental breakfast that is included in the room rate. What is more - additional meals during the day are very often available. Staying in a B&B in anywhere in the country will give you an idea of the genuine South African hospitality. Bed and breakfasts in the country offer almost the same comforts and facilities as a hotel but the rates are lower. Very often B&B have better locations than hotels and guests are more flexible in terms of transport and convenient connections. Additionally B&B owners are often ready to react fast if the guests need something that is not preliminary arranged. As locals they also have profound knowledge of the area and can advise on routes, attractions, transport, restaurants, bars, venues, and interesting places to visit. In South Africa B&B are sometimes called bed en ontbyt.
South Africa is located on the southernmost part of the African continent bordering with the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans. It attracts thousands of tourists with its pristine beaches, excellent conditions for adventures and activities, local wildlife and outstanding nature. After many years of political disorders the country is now restored and the willingness to progress can be felt in the air. The diverse nature and the numerous natural parks of South Africa are a real treat for nature historians and lovers.
Historic sites are not a rare thing in this country with dark and dramatic past. A number of them are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once you come to South Africa you will be enchanted by the beaches, the flora and fauna, the vibrant big cities, the large open spaces. Your heart will be captured and there will be always a part of it following the beat of the South African drum.
