by Jane Leisteiner

If those cookie-cutter hotels aren’t inspiring the best in your employees, book your next corporate event at a bed and breakfast inn. The following innkeepers offer meeting facilities, Internet access, fax service and all the other amenities of the big hotel and motel chains, with all the ambiance and comfort of a bed and breakfast.


Southern Calif. B&B Inns

If your company is searching for a Southern California bed and breakfast, head down the coast a bit to the Blue Lantern Inn. Located just a few miles south of Laguna Beach, the inn rests on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. Conferences, meetings and banquets can be scheduled for up to 40 people. The Library Meeting Room can fit 40 guests for a banquet or theater program and 26 for meetings. The well-appointed room includes a fireplace, and on a break, co-workers can relax in the spacious lobby or stroll outside and look out at the ocean and harbor. There also is a contemporary conference room that holds up to 15 people. The full-day meeting rates include a television with DVD player, flip chart, projector screen and overhead projector, high-speed Internet access, notepads and pens, as well as snacks of homemade muffins and cookies. Refreshments, such as gourmet coffee, tea, soda and bottled water are available throughout the day. Your co-workers or guests also can stay in the Blue Lantern’s beautiful guest rooms, all of which have a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Overnight guests also enjoy a full breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. There are several popular restaurants within walking distance of the inn.

Just Outside San Francisco

Located just 24 miles south of San Francisco, the Seal Cove Inn is a perfect spot for a business retreat. The secluded inn boasts ocean views and individually decorated guest rooms with king beds and fireplaces. For those planning a business meeting, the bed and breakfast can accommodate up to 14 people. The rates include high-speed Internet access, notepads, pens and coffee, tea, sodas, water, muffins and cookies.

Washington Coast Bed and Breakfasts

Just a scenic drive and ferry ride away from Seattle, the Saratoga Inn on Whidbey Island is a unique spot for your next business event. The bed and breakfast has 15 guest rooms, each with a fireplace and many with stunning views. The meeting room offers views of the Saratoga Passage and can hold up to 12 people comfortably. Audio-visual equipment is available for rental, and the meeting rate includes morning and afternoon refreshments.

Book your next Seattle business event at the Inn at Harbor Steps, a boutique hotel just minutes from galleries, shops and famous Pike Place Market. The full-day meeting rates include high-speed Internet access and refreshments served in the morning and afternoon. Audio-visual equipment can be rented, as well. The meeting room can accommodate up to 12 people. For your overnight business guests, the posh guest rooms are spacious, and many have a fireplace.

About the Author:

Jane Leisteiner is an avid inngoer and loves B&Bs. To find more information about these Southern California bed and breakfasts or bed and breakfasts in California, visit the Four Sisters or iLoveInns sites.