Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here’s answers to some basic questions to determine if it’s type of accommodation that’ll work for you…

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as personality of an inn. The difference is prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that… expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much piece and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or other guests.

Conveniently located along south Atlantic coast, Hilton Head Island combines breathtaking natural beauty, world-class golf, award-winning dining, and quality shopping on a barrier island just 12 miles long and 5 miles wide.

With over 12 miles of sandy beaches overlooking Atlantic Ocean, water lovers will find that Hilton Head Island is a coastal paradise.

The unique blend of unspoiled natural beauty and environmentally sensitive design is complemented by world-class resorts, amenities and activities. This makes Hilton Head Island, South Carolina a vacation destination like no other. That’s why Hilton Head Island is widely considered to be one of finest resort communities in United States, welcoming millions of visitors from across country and around globe each year.

What if a family is visiting island? What can they do to really enjoy their vacation? The variety of activities and family fun is unique, but browsing through short list of sample activities below will give you an idea about friendliness and family fun you can have in Hilton Head Island:

•Close dolphin encounters, bird watching and ocean ecology awareness

•Family Golf, Miniature Golf & Tennis

•Family Biking - with miles of bike paths available, many of which take you through nature preserves, this is truly an enjoyable way to experience natural splendor of island

•Guided Kayak Tours & Kayak Fishing

•Kayak Birthday Parties – something different

•Discovery Days – activities centered on interpretive beach walks, kayaking through marshes, and plenty of great games and activities

•Eco-Adventures - older children enjoy learning basics of sea kayaking while developing an understanding of our connection to natural world through hands-on study of coastal ecology.

•Adventure Island - teens take a boat ride to a secluded tropical island that they’ll have all to themselves. Here they will kayak in pristine waters, engage in teambuilding activities, explore island for Indian artifacts, and learn about coastal ecology through hands-on exploration.

•Teen Tours – teens are exploring coastal marshlands of Hilton Head Island, where they’ll have fun paddling kayaks, throwing cast nets, or even learning kayak rescue skills.

•Teen Expedition Camping - Camping on a pristine deserted island

•Wave Runners – experience thrill of riding waves within Calibogue Sound.