While on their Pacific Northwest road trip, Marisa and Eric wanted something different when it came to honeymoon accommodations. He says that choosing Bed and Breakfasts was reasonably cost-effective and definitely made their stays special. By combining a unique setting with all of the innkeepers’ welcoming personalities it “ensured our honeymoon lodgings were far more memorable than even the most upscale hotel chain,” Eric says.

Here are a few of the places they loved:

Portland’s White House is a historic mansion, owned and run by “the elegant and personable Lanning Blanks,” as Eric puts it. They were honored to share a glass of champagne with Mr. Blanks – and his cute little white Scotty dog, Prescott – to celebrate their honeymoon.

Eric cuts to the chase on what they really loved, “The highlight is undoubtedly the breakfasts: We’re talking gourmet meals here, complete with a full staff, amazingly fresh fruit, hot coffee and fresh juice. From berry pancakes that went so far beyond the norm to the tofu in miso gravy made especially to suit Marisa’s vegan needs, every morning serving was more than a meal – it was an experience!”

Alma Beach Manor, located in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neigborhood, calls itself the city’s “best self-catered accommodation suites.” These two liked the change of pace and having an actual living room and kitchen to themselves. Eric says, “The location was the best asset. We spent not one, but two nights walking the neighborhood full of shops, beaches and restaurants.

Birds of a Feather outside Victoria, BC was their final stay and definitely romantic. Owners Dieter Gerhard and Annette Moen emphasize the natural setting of their inn, located on a lagoon (above) by offering boat rides to guests as well as canoes and kayaks to use.

Maris and Eric’s room was huge and every had access to an outdoor patio. They loved the respect for their privacy the owners had. Eric says, “there is something marvelously quiet and serene about the place.” These two animal lovers also fell for the resident basset hounds, Emily and Montgomery.