A.  This is generally the discretion of the innkeeper. Most B&Bs will want some form of security at the time the reservation is made to basically engage in what is an agreement between two parties, one party requests delivery of a service and the other agrees to provide it in a timely and acceptable manner at a preagreed price.

If an innkeeper offers credit card service (most B&Bs do accept at least one major credit card) chances are the credit information will be taken and it is appropriate to ask if a deposit or full payment will be taken out. If the establishment does not offer credit card service, many will want a good-faith deposit.

In return for the credit card security or any form of deposit, it is normally acceptable to receive some form of confirmation number, either verbal or written.

A.  Sadly, circumstances in life can cause interruption in plans for leisure. At the time the reservation is made it is extremely important to ask about the establishment's cancellation policies. Typical questions would cover the topics of how many days one cancel prior to the first night of a reservation without being charged. This could range from 24 hours to 30 days - each facility has its own policy and there is great variation here among businesses. The cancellation policy is the discretion of the innkeeper and the discussion below only suggests what innkeepers MAY do and the reader is cautioned that these are only examples of what COULD happen, not what will happen.

Generally, much like any other lodging establishment, cancellations may result in an unfilled room. While this room was reserved by the guest(s), it was removed from public inventory and unavailable for rental. When a reservation is cancelled in the pre-specified (or written in the public domain) cancellation period, merchants are allowed to charge at the very least the first night's charge for each room reserved. Some innkeepers may charge for the entire balance of the reservation, so it pays to clarify what cancellation charges will be at the time the reservation is made.

The major difference between a B&B and larger hotel in regard to cancellation is that if one room is cancelled in a four room B&B, the innkeeper loses 25% of his or her income. In a hotel that would translate to cancellation of 25 per 100 rooms - which is often unlikely in the normal course of business.

Most innkeepers do their best to try to refill the rooms, and it is up to them to waive the charge. They are, however, according to conventions in the industry, not required to fill the room should it be cancelled since by holding the room and keeping it available for the party reserved, the operator fulfilled the terms of a two-party contract.

A mitigating factor in determining cancellation policy is that there is so much travel insurance available at reasonable costs that can lessen the impact of charges made to a traveler for cancellation. So, the rule of "caveat emptor" applies in making the determination if the possible charges due to cancellation. If they would be a large dollar amount, then it pays to buy insurance which protects the consumer from any adverse affect cancellation may cause.

Generally, most innkeepers try to be understanding. Nonetheless, cancellation does cause a disproportionately large amount of economic damage to a B&B type establishment due to the small number of rooms. For protection, the innkeeper has the legal means to recover part of the cost of those damages should s/he desire to.

The complications that cancellation can cause definitely give credence to the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Again,it cannot be emphasized enough that the most important point is the cancellation policy is ultimately the discretion of the innkeeper and cannot be assumed to be the same as another B&B or a hotel. The most important advice here is simply to ask, ask, ask!

A.  Whether or not a B&B takes children is up to the innkeeper. If you have children (of any age) in your party, it is absolutely imperative to disclose that fact. From the experience of both B&B operators and guests, it is wise to NEVER assume the following:

1. That children "eat and sleep for free."
2. That children can be brought along at the last minute without informing the innkeeper.
3. That if the term "children are welcome" does not appear in advertising that children are welcome.
4. That children can just "sleep in the same bed" or "bring a sleeping bag and can sleep on the floor.

A B&B, unlike a hotel or motel, is not an establishment that has unrestricted public access. It is almost always completely or part of someone's home - that's the charm. However, just like most homes certain courtesies are appreciated and each home has its own particular customs.

It cannot be emphasized enough that each B&B is different in its appearance, style, layout and most certainly policies about operation. Unless advertising unequivocally states that children are welcome in unambiguous language, it is strongly recommended that issues regarding children are resolved prior to making a reservation and most definitely by the date of arrival.

Canada attracts many visitors from abroad who have the need to exchange either currency or traveler's cheques. In Niagara Falls the most conveniently located place to exchange money is at the Casino Niagara. Not only is it located in the center of the commercial tourist district, but it is open around the clock (excepting Christmas Day) and offers one of the most competitive exchange rates in the area.

It is possible to make purchases in many locations with US Dollars. However, we would advise caution in doing this. Some places, like the attractions along the Niagara River that are run by the Niagara Parks Commission, offer a very fair rate of exchange. However, be aware that not all places offer a competitive exchange rate and it literally pays to ask what rate they use prior to making any purchases