What's What

Unchained lodging comes in many varieties. From B&B’s to campgrounds with “camping cabins,” the options are often mind boggling. Here’s a list of some that we have found and what you might expect from each choice.

Bed & Breakfasts While this used to primarily mean a room in someone’s large house with breakfast served in a communal dining room, today’s B&B choices can include secluded cabins with kitchens stocked for breakfast or even private homes that you occupy alone.
Tips: It’s best to know in advance if bathrooms are shared or private, whether children are allowed, and whether the facility is hosted or not.

Inns This is a term that invokes images of quaint country lodging in an old fashioned hotel. That’s probably what you’ll get, but the term is also be used by more modern facilities that more closely resemble chain lodging.
Tips: As with B&B’s, always ask if children are allowed before showing up with your brood. Bathrooms may be shared and meals may or may not be included.

Lodges You are likely to find a large variety of facility types lumped into this category. You may be thinking of a big stone or log building with interior sleeping rooms, but in some parts of the country lodges are anything but that. It can be as simple as a collection of rooms or cabins with one central building that may house the office, gift shop, and/or restaurant. Either way, the implication is somewhat rustic, and that could mean rustic décor or rustic accommodations.
Tips: Look for pictures on the Internet or ask for printed brochures so that you know what to expect on arrival. One thing most lodges have in common is rural locations. Be sure you know just how rural and pack accordingly.

Cabins Seems self explanatory, but in reality this can be the designation for anything from a luxurious three bedroom house at the lake to a simple screen shelter. You will find cabins rented individually, by property management companies, clustered at cabin resorts, and at campgrounds or RV parks.
Tips: The vast majority of accommodations that fall into this category come with some type of kitchen, either full or partial. Many will come supplied with dishes and utensils, but ask to be sure. Linen options are varied so ask about those as well. It’s also wise to ask about heat and a/c. Don’t assume that the casual nature of the accommodations means that you can pack in as many people as you want. It’s rare to find a rental cabin that doesn’t have occupancy restrictions.

Resorts This term has a broad range of uses, particularly among independent lodging options. In general, “resort” refers to a facility that has something to offer besides accommodations. Look for things like pools, playgrounds, golf, mini-golf, sports equipment, gift shops, marinas, and restaurants, in addition to whatever type of accommodations offered. You will find RV resorts, cabin resorts, water park resorts, and more traditional motel type resorts among unchained lodging options.
Tips: Don’t mentally insert the term “luxury” when you are considering a resort. Most small independent resorts fall outside that classification. Think more along the lines of comfortable and fun.