Salem Mass- Henry Derby House

I think a lot of people aren't aware of just how easy and affordable staying at a bed and breakfast can be when they travel. Staying at a B&B can be a great way to get a better feel of an area, and there are many benefits over a hotel.

We stayed at the Henry Derby House on our recent trip to Salem. As travelers on a budget and on a strict schedule, we really needed to make the most of our time and expenses. Staying at this cozy B&B was a good idea on many levels.

The price to stay here was similar to many hotels in the area. There was also the added benefit having a place to stay very close to all of the attractions. Many traditional hotels are a little out of town. With the Henry Derby House, we were right in the middle of everything. There was the added bonus of parking our car when we arrived in Salem, and not worrying about it again until leaving town.

Not having to worry about your car (paying to park, remembering to feed the meter, etc.) is nice. Also, being right in the middle of all of the sites and shops was very convenient. After visiting a museum we were tired, but still had a little over an hour until our next tour. Well, we were able to go to our room at the Derby House and relax.

One of the many benefits to staying at a bed and breakfast that I love the most is the local feel you get to experience. You can go to sleep with the windows open and listen to the sounds of the area. You can take a walk around the block in the morning. You can mingle with the locals. You really are a part of that area while you are there. When staying at a hotel, you mingle with other travelers from wherever. You wake up in a generic room in a generic bed, just like the one you were in the night before, and the night before that. Sometimes that generic room is all that you need. But, if you are going to hang around a historic or interesting town for a few days, a bed and breakfast is perfect.

We had a very nice time at the Henry Derby House on this trip. The rates were comparable to some chain hotels a little bit out of the area (which again would have required more travel time and car hassle).

Peg at the Derby House seemed excited about having us and appreciative of our business. When we arrived, she was great about making sure our room was ready (even though we were significantly early). She took the time to draw out a map for us, to make suggestions, and to let us know about some other areas of interest in town. She encouraged us to call her while we were out and about if we needed anything.We did leave early in the morning, and we weren't able to take advantage of the breakfast (which would have been nicer than a continental breakfast at a chain hotel I am sure) but that was OK. I have a feeling we will be back to see Peg at the Derby House again.
http://www.henryderby.com/