As a business traveler who is on the road 100+ days a year, I've found bed and breakfasts be a mixed bag. On the one hand, politically I'm much more inclined to support a small business owner with my money than a large corporation. And many B+Bs come with comforts and amenities not available in most hotels. Yet some B+B owners want to cater to business travelers, but don't have a clear sense of what our needs might be, and what types of things might make us run screaming to the nearest corporate chain hotel.

I'm thrilled to report that Arbor House is a stellar exception. If every B+B were like this one, I'd stay in them all the time. Things to appreciate:

1. Quiet, comfortable room. We stayed in the EcoVista room which was just perfect for our needs.

2. High speed internet access -- wireless in every room

3. Delicious breakfast, with the New York Times for reading material (I've grown so tired of free copies of USA Today)

4. Flexibility. The owner allowed me to check in early, and eat breakfast late after sleeping in. (It wasn't the full breakfast, which was just fine with me -- cereal after I wake up late is perfect, and something hotels generally aren't willing to do). They also accepted and stored two FedEx boxes that I had shipped to myself.

5. Bicycles. The Arbor House has bicycles that are available for guests' use, and a bike path just a block away from their location. They also provided helmets, locks, and area bike maps. This was one of the highlights of the stay. There is also a sauna available for guests' use, although we did not have time to explore it.

6. Environmental awareness. You can read more about this on their website, but I was really impressed with the environmental consciousness that the owners put into designing and running the bed and breakfast.

7. Windows that open for fresh air. It's a crime that so many hotels seal their windows shut, something you won't find in a bed and breakfast. Fortunately, since this B+B is so environmentally aware, the room wasn't filled with the scents of any toxic chemicals used to clean the room. So there was no need to open the windows.

8. Friendly but not overbearing staff. Some B+B owners are so eager to socialize with their guests, they end up being time consuming -- not a good match for business travelers. The staff and owner of this B+B was perfect: friendly and helpful, but also respectful of our space, time constraints, and privacy.

9. Comment card. I suspect one of the secrets to Arbor House's success is that they actually ask for feedback from guests to help them improve. I'm stunned at how many B+Bs don't do this, when they could really benefit from it. Many guests don't want to hurt the owners' feelings by verbally raising a quality concern, but would be willing to write their comments on a card.

10. Snacks throughout the day, including a late night dessert available for nibbling.

If the Arbor House owners ever wanted to start a consulting business for other B+Bs on how to improve, the entire industry would benefit. I hope many can learn form their example. In the meantime, I highly recommend the Arbor House to other guests.

We had a truly enjoyable stay in the Ecovista room at this great environmentally-minded B&B. The atmosphere was laid back and relaxing. Wonderful breakfast made by very friendly hosts. Very convienent for visiting friends in Madison. I would definitely stay here again.