Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Curious? Find the answers to our most asked questions here.
Q:What is a Bed & Breakfast?
A: First and foremost, we are NOT an AirBnB or a VRBO.Ā A Bed & Breakfast is traditionally defined as a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast. B&Bās are typically small family homes and typically have between four to eleven rooms. In addition, the hosts usually live on the premises.
Q: What are some differences between hotels/motels and a traditional B&B?
A Bed &Breakfasts differs from hotels and motels because B&Bās typically have rooms that are different in size, dĆ©cor, and style; whereas, hotels & motels typically design their rooms using a āone size fits allā mentality. Another big difference is that when experiencing a B&B, the guests are encouraged to interact with other guests & the hosts/innkeepers.
- Here is a great article about this question: “If You’ve Never Stayed At A Bed And Breakfast, Here’s What You’re Missing Out On“
Q: Is The Kenwood Gables Boutique Bed & Breakfast an AirBnB / VRBO?
No. Our Boutique B&B is not an AirBnB or a VRBO – We are a traditional B&B. We live and work on the premises and this is our primary occupation and not supplemental income like AirBnB and VRBO platforms. If you are looking for an AirBnB or VRBO, then that is a completely different experience.
Q: How far are you from Tampa International Airport? From St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport?
A: We are approximately 25-30 minutes from Tampa International Airport with little to no traffic. From the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, we are about 15-20 minutes with light traffic. We suggest double checking travel times with your vehicle’s navigation system or apps like WAZE, Google Maps, etc…,
Q: Do you provide shuttle services for guests to and from the airports?
A: No, we do not provide shuttle services. We suggest a car rental reservation or a taxi app like Uber or Lyft to get to and from the airport.
Q: Do you need a car staying in St. Petersburg? Is the area walkable?
A: Yes, guests will need a vehicle while visiting St. Petersburg. The closest shopping area is The Grand Central District, which is about 10 minute walk from us located on Central Avenue. For more info go to our “Explore” tab and go to “Getting Around”.
Q: How far are the Gulf Beaches from B&B?
A: We are lucky to be close to many award winning beaches. Travel times below are with little to no traffic.
- St. Pete Beach & Treasure Island Beach – 20 minutes
- Pass-A-Grille & Madeira Beaches – 25 minutes
- Clearwater Beach – 30 to 35 minutes
- Fort DeSoto North Beach – 30 to 35 minutes
- Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island Beaches – 50 to 60 minutes
- Siesta Key Beach & Lido Key Beach – 60 minutes
- Anna Maria Island – 70 to 75 minutes.
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: English is the primary language, but Spanish is also spoken along with Tagalog.
Q: What time is check-in & check-out?
A: Check-in is from 4:00PM to 7:00PM (1600-1900hrs) daily. Check-out is at 11:00AM.
Early check-ins are subject to availability and timing. Guests are always welcome to drop luggage off early if rooms are not ready for check-in.
For late guest arrivals after 7pm (1900hrs) there will be an additional $25.00 “After Hours Check-in Fee” added to the reservation. Please make sure to contact us or notate your reservation if you are planning on arriving outside of our official check-in window. For more information, please go to our Policies page.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: See our Cancellation Policy listed on our Policies page.Ā There are different cancellation policies for standard reservations versus whole house rental or events.
Q: Do you host events & parties at your B&B?
A: For Whole House Rentals, Events, &/or Whole House Rentals+EventsĀ please call or email us directly. At this time we do not hold weddings at our B&B.
Q: Is it possible to rent the entire home?
A: Absolutely.Ā Please call or email us directly for more information. We have had entire house rentals for wedding parties, family or friends reunion, and also family vacations.
Q: Do you have House Rules?
A: Yes we do. Please see our House Rules under the āAbout Usā tab. You will not be able to proceed in booking a reservation with us until you have clicked the box that states that you have read and understand our Policies, FAQās, and House Rules.
Q: Do you allow visitors (friends,family, & acquaintances) of guests into the B&B?
A: Our home & B&B (including rooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces) are for use of registered guests only. All visitors must be cleared with the host or innkeepers. This is to ensure the comfort and privacy of our guests and we reserve the right to reject or approve requests. Should your visitor want to stay the day with us, day passes as well as pool passes are available. Please let us know.
Q: Do you allow smoking/ vaping on the property?
A: No. We are a completely smoke / vaping free establishment. Furthermore, any in-room smoking violations will result in possible penalty fee. Please see our Policies page for more information.
Q: What is your policy on children?
A: We have designed our home and B&B environment for adults seeking a relaxing vacation. We will consider all situations, but please contact us in advance if your plans include children so that we can discuss if our B&B is a right fit for your vacation plans.
Q: What is the age requirement to reserve a room?
A: 21 with valid ID and credit card.
Q: What is your pet policy?
A: No pets are allowed at our Bed & Breakfast – besides our own pets. If you would like pet boarding options please let us know and we can help give you suggestions.
Q: What time is breakfast served?
A: Our breakfast is served from 8:00AM to 10:00AM Monday to Friday. We have seatings at 8:00AM, 8:30AM, and another seating at 9:00AM. On weekends & holidays our breakfast is served from 9:00AM to 11:00AM – with seatings at 9:00AM, 9:30AM, and the last seating at 10:00AM.
Q: What do you serve for breakfast?
A: We serve a lovely homemade breakfast that consists of granola or muesli, yogurt, and a wide selection of fresh fruits. For beverages we offer water, regular coffee, assorted teas, milk, almond milk, and organic orange juice. We bake all our pastries & croissants fresh every morning. We also make eggs; from boiled to fried and we have two egg specials a day that guests can choose to have scrambled or as an omelette.
Q: Can you accommodate special diets?
A: Our current menu does not account for special diets such as dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan. When making a reservation, please let us know if there are any dietary restrictions. For an additional “Special Diet” fee, we can adjust our menu to accommodate these diets as best as we can manage for the duration of your stay.Ā This “Special Diet Fee” will be for the duration of the stay and NOT a daily fee.
Q: Can guests order food for delivery?
A: Yes. Food delivery is allowed as long as it is not past 8:00PM which can disturb other guests. We also ask that guests enjoy their meals in our 2nd dining room to avoid eating in their guest rooms. Guests are also welcome to enjoy their meal outside in our garden and deck areas.Ā All food ordered cannot be charged to the room.
Q: Do you allow cooking &/or grilling?
A: No we do not. Guests are forbidden to cook in our kitchen or outdoor areas.
Q: Is there parking on premises?
A: Yes, one parking space is allotted for each room. Street side parking is also allowed, but please respect our neighbors and DO NOT park directly in front of their homes. Please ask us for help. There is also additional parking along our back-alley that is specifically designated to our B&B.
Q: Do you have a pool?
A: Yes we do. Our pool is 28 feet in length. Our pool depth is 4 1/2 feet at the deep end and gradually goes to 3 1/2 feet before stopping at our pool’s sunshelf which is approximately 1 foot. In addition, our pool is also heated in the “winter” months if needed.
Q: What are your pool hours?
A: Our pool hours are 8:00 am to sunset daily.
Q: Do you provide towels?
A: We provide only room and pool towels. We do not provide beach towels.
Q: Do you have “Quiet Time”?
A: Yes we do. We have a mandatory Quiet Time which starts at 9:00PM until 8:00AM the following morning. Please respect your fellow guests by minding your noise levels during this time period. Quiet Time means no loud or excessive noises, disturbances, behavior, music, games, television, and conversations.
Q: Do you make up the guest rooms every day?
A: Currently, we only refresh and enter the rooms as per the guests’ request and DO NOT enter the for daily refreshing or cleaning. Also, we try to be as eco-conscious as possible by conserving water and detergent. If you do not need your linens and towels changed, please kindly follow these simple directions: Towels on the rack means that you would like to reuse the towels; while towels on the floor will be replaced. If you would like your sheets changed, please place the water conservation easel on the bed before leaving the room.
Q: Does The Kenwood Gables B&B recycle?
A: Yes. We try to be as eco-conscious as much as possible. Please help us recycle any items by depositing them in the proper receptacles. If you are unsure of what can be recycled in our area, please ask. We’d be happy to help you – every bit helps.
Q: When is Florida’s hurricane season?
A: The Atlantic hurricane season is typically from June 1st to November 30th. During hurricane season, a majority of the storms form nearer the end of the season, with September usually producing the most storms.