A Bed and Breakfast, often abbreviated to B&B or BB, was considered as a type of boarding house usually operating out of a single family home. A Bed and Breakfast are more often homeowner run operations and can include historical or multi-owner commercial properties with one bedroom to rent. Upwards of twenty or more rooms that more closely resemble the traditional definition of an "Inn." One thing Bed and Breakfasts have in common is an emphasis on customer service and a home-cooked style breakfast.
The guests usually sleep in private bedrooms and their breakfast is served in the morning. This is served either in the bedroom or in a dining room / the host's kitchen. Bathrooms in the larger properties tend to be private, though in some properties they may be shared (with other guests or with the family in smaller B & Bs). En-suite bathrooms can also be the case.
B&Bs may be operated either as a full-time job, or as a secondary income during the peak tourist season. Staff are most often the house's owners and members of their family who live there in the case of one to four bedroom rental operations. Properties with more than 4 or 5 rooms hire management or local chefs to prepare the cuisine.
Staying at a B&B can offer better insight into popular locations "out of the limelight" which may not be convenient for staying in a city center or hotels. B&B properties may often be located closer to locations where other larger lodging competitors cannot place accommodation because of market conditions.
History
The B&B arrangement is very old, prior to the 19th century, this was an informal arrangement through social linking; a doctor might stay with a doctor or pharmacist for example. But later, just before the 20th century, it was quite normal for travelers to spend the evening at a private residency rather than an inn for a price. This custom still takes place all over the world.
The abbreviation of "B&B" on road signs first became about in the British Isles - usually with a detachable "Vacancies" sign underneath.