Traditional B&Bs vs Airbnbs: Why a Real Bed & Breakfast is Always a Better Bet

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely aware of the boom in short term rental companies like AirBnb and Vrbo in recent years. You’ve probably even stayed in one yourself. 

In this age where digital platforms offer endless vacation rental options, the reasons for booking your stay at a traditional bed and breakfast can sometimes be forgotten. Naturally, we are experts on this subject and wanted to remind you!

Impeccable Cleanliness

At Brass Lantern Inn, cleanliness is a necessity, not a luxury. 

The “check out chore list” that comes with short term rental stays has been rightfully vilified in the press – who wants to clean on vacation? But what doesn’t come up as often is the fact that there are no standards of cleanliness for a short term rental, and you may find yourself playing “spot the mold” in a short term rental.

You can rest easy knowing that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of cleanliness, comfort, your health and the earth. We use natural cleaning products so you don’t have to worry about breathing in chemicals (or sleeping on sheets cleaned with them)! And, this level of cleanliness is validated by our being inducted into the Select Registry, a prestigious group of boutique bed and breakfasts and inns that are held to the highest standards of quality for their guests.

Personalized Hospitality

Welcome home! We work hard to make sure your stay feels like coming home, and from the moment you check in, you’re part of the Brass Lantern family.

Our Innkeepers, Don and Andrew, are always on-site ready to make your stay special. Need a restaurant recommendation or help with the super speedy Wi-Fi? We’re here to help, and you won’t have to go through a series of messages like you would with a short term rental host!

An Authentic Local Experience

Staying with us means you’re not just visiting – you’re part of the community. We can tell you all the best “off the beaten path” attractions, or the best times to go to the more well known places. 

We’re not just your hosts, we’re your personal guides to Stowe and the surrounding area. Every day is an adventure when you have the inside scoop to the best hiking, skiing, and swimming holes around!

Unlike short term rentals that can contribute to the housing crisis, supporting a local bed and breakfast supports the community and helps keep it vibrant.

An Inn with Character

Each of our nine guest rooms is thoughtfully curated and offers its own unique charm, blending historical elegance with modern comforts. 

All of our mattresses are of the highest quality and the sheets are silky and smooth – you won’t be fighting to stay in the good bed like you might be in a short term rental. 

Each room has a private bathroom, and you’ll find that our towels are fluffy, luxurious and fresh. The complimentary toiletries are by Soapbox, a sustainable soap company whose products are cruelty-free and free of parabens, harsh sulfates, and silicones. Many rooms have bathrooms with whirlpool tubs.  

You won’t find any of the common “short term rental decor" here – no signs in the common areas encouraging you to “Live, Laugh, Love”, nothing in the dining room telling you to “Gather”. Instead, the art at the inn rotates with the seasons and features local artists, some of whom visit the inn to paint the view of Stowe Mountain from our windows.

Keeping the “B” in B and B

When you stay with us, you’ll begin each morning with a hearty Vermont breakfast, a signature experience no Airbnb can match. Served at your private table in our breakfast room, you can gaze at Mount Mansfield as you dine on your fresh breakfast, featuring ingredients from local farms and producers. Did someone say Vermont Maple Syrup? 

In the afternoons, stop back by for a complimentary snack! And don’t forget about our drink menu, featuring wine, craft beer, cider, and cocktails. We have very local drinks from Stowe Cider and The Alchemist, as well as a variety of unique offerings from other areas of Vermont. If you have a special request, please let us know ahead of your stay and we’ll work to make it happen for you!

A Stay that Stays with You

Choosing a traditional bed and breakfast over an Airbnb offers more than just a place to sleep; it offers an experience. From the personal connections you make to our unparalleled service to our inn-wide eco-friendly practices, a stay with us is a choice for quality, community, and memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to having you!