When it comes to choosing holiday accommodation, one often comes across terms such as ‘B&B’ and ‘guesthouse’. But what are the differences between these two options? 

In this article, we will explore the main features of both to help you decide which is best for your travel needs. 

Whether you are planning a family holiday or a couple's holiday, finding the right accommodation is essential to make the most of your experience.

Let's delve into the main characteristics of B&Bs and guesthouses below.

What are the characteristics of B&B 

Bed & Breakfast, commonly abbreviated to B&B, is an accommodation formula that includes bed and breakfast. Usually, B&Bs are run by private owners who make some rooms available in their homes. This type of accommodation is characterised by:

1. Cosy atmosphere: being often family-run, B&Bs offer a warm and cosy atmosphere, similar to that of home.
2. Breakfast included: as the name suggests, breakfast is always included in the price of the stay. It often consists of fresh, local products, which add a touch of authenticity to the stay.
3. Interaction with owners: owners generally live in the same property and are available to provide advice and assistance to guests.

What are the features of a guesthouse

Guest houses, also known as ‘rooms to let’, offer a similar service but with some substantial differences. This type of accommodation involves renting rooms within a structure that can be a house, a flat or a dedicated building. 

The main features include:

1. Flexibility in services: unlike B&Bs, room rentals do not necessarily include breakfast. This can be an advantage for those who prefer to have more autonomy during their stay.
2. Variety of accommodation: room rentals can vary considerably in terms of size and services offered, from a simple bed in a private room to more complete solutions with private bathroom and kitchenette.
3. Professional or private management: they can be run by both private individuals and tourism professionals, offering a wide range of experiences and prices

What is the main difference between a B&B and a guesthouse?

The main difference between a B&B and a guesthouse is in the characteristics of the accommodation and the type of management. A B&B is generally family-run, and its owners let rooms in their house. 

Such accommodation provides furnished rooms and breakfast is included in the price, often prepared with local products. Among the services provided are usually room cleaning and sometimes laundry.

In contrast, a guesthouse is often run in a more entrepreneurial way, being a registered business. This type of accommodation may comprise several furnished rooms within a building and offer a wider range of additional services, such as the use of the kitchen or other services not included in the basic price. 

Utilities such as electricity, water and gas are usually included in the cost of the stay.

The organisational and fiscal differences between the two types of accommodation are significant. B&B owners often operate with a simple SCIA (Segnalazione Certificata di Inizio Attività) and do not need a VAT number, unless they exceed certain income limits. 

Roomlords, on the other hand, must register with the Register of Companies at the Chamber of Commerce, have a VAT number and a specific ATECO code for their accommodation activity. In addition, landlords can choose the tax regime of ‘cedolare secca’.

These organisational and tax differences also influence the type of experience offered to guests, making B&Bs a more personal and cosy choice, while room rentals can offer greater flexibility and a wide range of services.

Frequently asked questions about the main difference between a B&B and a guesthouse

What services do a B&B typically offer compared to a landlord?

A B&B typically offers breakfast included in the price, furnished rooms, and daily cleaning services. A landlord may offer a wider range of additional services such as use of the kitchen and sometimes laundry, but does not necessarily include breakfast.

What are the tax differences between a B&B and a landlord?

A B&B does not need a VAT number if it does not exceed certain income limits and operates with a simple SCIA. A landlord must have a VAT number, register with the Register of Companies at the Chamber of Commerce, and have a specific ATECO code. Roomlords can opt for the cedolare secca as a favourable tax regime.

How do you open a B&B or guesthouse?

To open a B&B it is sufficient to submit a SCIA to the municipality of residence. For a landlord, it is necessary to register with the Register of Companies, obtain a VAT number, and submit an SCIA.

What are the organisational differences between a B&B and a landlord?

B&Bs are generally family-run and offer a more personal experience. Room rentals are more entrepreneurial, offer more flexibility in services, and require a more complex organisational structure, including registration with the Chamber of Commerce and management of a VAT number.

7/06/24