I'll add a sixth - b&b's and small locally owned inns are good for communities. They often keep historic properties in good condition. They are owned by locals, who support local businesses. And they keep towns and cities from looking completely the same.

We're building a guide at http://www.darngooddigs.com to the best b&b's and other independently owned small hotels around the world - and we pay particular attention to the five reasons you stated above. In fact, all the spots on our website have rooms under $150 - that's our cut off. And they were all selected by travelers as one of their all-time favorite places to stay, and then carefully researched by us. Maybe someone will nominate some of the b&b's you mentioned above!

Our only beef with b&b's in the U.S. is that so many of them have a no kids policy, and we have a four year old boy. It's not that way in the rest of the world, but here in the States so many b&b's are catering to romantic couples who don't want kids around.

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