Why they get MI B&B gift certificates

This Christmas cactus is still in bud, but Denise K. and her husband of Macomb County already know what they’re getting for Christmas from her mother: a Michigan B&B gift certificate.

Although it’s not a surprise, it’s a gift they’ll welcome. A new Michigan B&B gift certificate means that another Michigan B&B adventure awaits them. The couple can start planning and anticipating as soon as they open the envelope.

At least 10 years ago, maybe more — Denise can’t recall — she and husband Rick stayed at a bed and breakfast for the first time and loved it. Probably they loved the same things other B&B fans appreciate: the rooms, the breakfasts, and the warm and customized hospitality.

The following year she suggested to her mother, Barbara C., also of Macomb, that a Michigan B&B gift certificate would be a welcome gift.

“Mom liked the concept and hasn’t missed a year since.”

This year, Barbara called the MBBA office Oct. 6 to place her order. “I often tell people about it,” Barbara says. “It’s a great gift. People always say, ‘that’s a great idea.’”

(So easy to order online, too. Get an MBBA Gift Certificate Here. . Or you can call, as Barbara always does. Scroll down for more info.)

Cruising happens to be Barbara’s favorite mode of travel. She’s been on 62 cruises, most on Royal Caribbean. Her best cruising memories are of Egypt, Turkey and Greece.

Alas, with the coronavirus pandemic, Barbara has been on shore leave. “I’m so bored it isn’t funny,” she said. Her last cruise was in January in the southern Caribbean, but two others planned for 2020 were canceled.

She said she’s looking at a possible cruise in September 2021, but whether she goes depends on getting satisfactory answers about how the cruise line will keep passengers safe.

Michigan B&B gift certificate: A good stay-safe option

Although Barbara is staying put for the time being, Michigan B&B innkeepers report they have seen an increase in the number of travelers who have scrapped other plans and instead choose to #staysmallstaysafe at a B&B.  Read what first-time B&B guests have to say.

Many, if not most, quality-assured REAL B&Bs — as opposed to vacation rentals marketing themselves as B&Bs — are owner-occupied. When it comes to cleaning and safety protocols, they naturally have a self-interest in keeping their family healthy as well as their guests.

Whether you’re the purchaser, the receiver or the user of a Michigan bed and breakfast gift certificate, it is the smart stay-safe option right now.

Where they used their gift certificates

Daughter Denise can’t remember the names of all the Michigan B&Bs she and her husband have enjoyed. They stayed three or four times at Inn at Breezy Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast in Bellaire. On a memorable exploration of the Upper Peninsula, they stayed at two “spectacular” B&Bs overlooking Lake Superior: Big Bay Point Lighthouse, about 45 minutes west of Marquette, and Dapple-Gray B&B, near Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw  Peninsula.

The only thing she and her husband would do differently is to stay two nights more often. “By the time you check in and go out to dinner, a one-night stay doesn’t give you enough time to enjoy everything” the location has to offer.

Some Michigan B&B gift certificates say “thank you”

Most Michigan B&B gift certificates are given as gifts to mark special occasions such as holidays, birthdays or weddings, but they also make a thoughtful and easy gift when you want to say thank you to someone.

The Rev. Curry Pikkaart of South Haven received one after serving as interim leader of The Classis of Southwest Michigan – Reformed Church in America.

Rev. Pikkaart and his wife Barb used it for a stay at Grand Victorian B&B Inn in Bellaire. “It was in the basic area where we were spending a few days celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.” he said.

This is what they wrote in the guest book at Grand Victorian, a nicety that will make a nice memory for innkeepers Yuning and Jason Wang:

Next time you want to give someone the gift of a Michigan getaway, it’s so easy to arrange and to personalize a Michigan B&B gift certificate. Our gift certificates spend like cash at any member bed and breakfast. In Michigan, by law, a purchased gift certificate will not expire for five years. And in the off chance someone cannot use his or her gift certificate, it can be transferred to someone else.