Bed-and-breakfasts are about as far from a chain motel as one can get. Usually located in small towns, rural areas, and quiet residential neighborhoods of major cities, bed-and-breakfasts are independent guest houses. The quality of the offering depends entirely on the hosts, and the entire bed-and-breakfast experience often takes on the character and tone of the person in whose home you are sleeping. Good bed-and-breakfast hosts can sense the line between being welcoming and overly chatty, but some seem to struggle with this.

Bed-and-breakfasts offer a number of advantages over the typical motel. Their locations are often superior; the guest rooms have lots of character and charm; and a full and often homemade breakfast is included. Some bed-and-breakfasts are located in historic buildings, and many are furnished with antiques.

Reservations for bed-and-breakfasts are not as flexible as most motels. Many bed-and-breakfasts require a deposit, and many require payment in full before you arrive. Making payments can be a challenge too; while some are equipped with credit card facilities, others accept only checks and cash. Cancellation policies are also more stringent than most motels. All of this can make it hard for travelers who like to be flexible and leave things till the last minute. But if your travel plans are certain and you just can’t bear another night in a bland hotel room, a bed-and-breakfast is the ideal alternative.

Bed-and-breakfast rates vary, but generally range $90–150 per night based on double occupancy.

Bed and Breakfast Inns Online (www.bbonline.com) is a national listing service that includes hundreds of Tennessee bed-and-breakfasts.