In the United States, bed and breakfasts are an alternative to hotels, but NOT an inexpensive one. In my experience, they cater to couples with disposable income looking for a weekend getaway. The decor is faux Victoriana, and trade magazines that feature B&Bs from across the U.S. show a remarkable amount of homogeneity in decoration: lace curtains, antiques and knick-knacks, wainscotting. Promotional copy touts "elegant simplicity," "a romantic getaway," and "gourmet breakfasts." B&Bs charge just as much as a hotel, if not more. Locations may be more scenic than hotels (they can be in quasi-residential neighborhoods instead of strictly commercial ones). Travellers on a shoestring budget backpacking their way across America would be advised to find a cheap motel, as hostels are few and far between.