Rome: bed and breakfast or hotel?

To answer this question you should know exactly what is the meaning of bed and breakfast in Rome, and in general in Italy - since you are supposed to know what to expect from a Hotel.

This type of accommodation is very much different from country to country: if in the United Kingdom (the homeland of bed and breakfasts) this type of accommodation has a long tradition and there are several bed and breakfast associations, a rating system, and a quality control, in Italy things are a bit different. The first bed and breakfast opened in Rome in 1997, so less than 9 years ago, and since then thousands of B&Bs opened all over Italy. At the beginning it was a solution to answer the quest for accommodation of the pilgrims coming for the Jubilee (year 2000).

The state rules concerning the bed and breakfast standards and policies are demanded to the regions, and in each region things work differently. The result is that nowadays we still don't have a general rating system and a quality control. If bed and breakfasts are checked by the official tourist boards at the very beginning (when they open), no other control is done afterwards.

In this situation the control effort is demanded to the private companies which promotes bed and breakfasts, and serious companies check constantly the service quality and the overall standard offered. In good bed and breakfast you find extremely high quality standards at a relatively cheap price. Usually they are very well located and rooms are comparable to 3 stars hotel rooms (sometimes even better!).

Anyway if you are looking for a bed and breakfast in Rome don't think about finding a house or a cottage, but a big apartment well organized with 3 to 6 rooms for guests, many times with en-suite bathrooms (to be sure ask for it!) and a breakfast hall. If you are concerned about breakfast, don't think about the English one: we have strict rules in the Lazio region about the food manipulation. That's why if a bed and breakfast sticks to the rules you won't find hand made cakes, pizza, fresh croissants: everything you are going to get has to be singularly packed.

Explain exactly and clearly your needs and you will surely spend a nice and relaxing holiday!

He is the founder of Italia Lodging, a portal promoting small charming accommodation in Italy.
Website http://www.italialodging.com
He writes about Italy and his articles are good suggetions and tips on how to find a good accommodation in Italy

How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

 by: Tammy Jordan Sikes

So you've decided to shun the neon-flashing motel chains and marble-foyered monsters and venture into the world of cozy, intimate bed and breakfasts? After all, you've heard how much more personal and romantic the b&b experience is, right? Well....usually that's the gospel truth. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself (and prospective innkeepers) before you make your final decision and turn over your credit card number.

The first thing to consider is the area of the country you will be visiting. Many towns across America offer the b&b experience but only have a handful of options for you to consider. On the other hand, if you visit our hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas (population 9,000) there are literally hundreds of b&b's, reportedly the largest number of b&b's per capita in the nation. Unfortunately for the unwary traveller, not all are created equal! When visiting such a popular bed and breakfast town, the research you do beforehand will greatly impact the quality of your stay.

These days it seems almost everyone makes their travel decisions and arrangements through the internet. In fact you are probably one of those individuals or you wouldn't be reading this article. You can always begin your search by typing in your destination city or town and "bed and breakfast" into your search engine to get an idea of the options you'll have. As you begin to view the properties, you should consider whether the b&b has the following amenities (assuming these are important to you): private bath, temperature control, full or continental breakfast, off-street parking, daily housekeeping and the ever-important factor....location.

Let's begin with location. Proximity to the "center of action" is often a plus for many travelers; however, it sometimes comes with a drawback...noise. In our town, many visitors want to be "on Main Street," and to be sure it is a boon at the end of the day when carrying heavy shopping bags back to your room. However, guests are sometimes surprised at the street noise which lasts throughout the night (Main Street is, after all, Highway 290)! Some visitors prefer to be a few blocks off Main with a bit more privacy yet good access to Main Street. Still others prefer a place in the country.

Making this first decision will cut the number of properties you consider by as much as 2/3. A note of caution however; if location is a prime concern of yours be very detailed in your quest. For example, many Fredericksburg bed and breakfasts advertise "Located on Main Street," but what they don't tell you is they are a mile and a half from the shopping district on the west end of town. In our town, the 100-300 blocks of East Main are considered the true shopping district. So if proximity to shopping is your goal, you would be better off with a cottage 3 blocks off of Main but within the 100-300 blocks than at the property a mile and a half from shopping that sounds so convenient. Remember the old addage, "Buyer Beware."

Question number two could be whether to stay at an Inn or an individual cottage. Fredericksburg is unique in offering literally hundreds of one-couple, individual Sunday Houses or cottages in addition to numberous true multi-unit inns. One big distinction here other than the obvious over-all privacy issue is usually breakfast. In a private cottage you almost always receive a continental breakfast, left before you arrive. At a traditional "Inn" or bed and breakfast, you are often served a full gourmet breakfast at a pre-arranged time...along with other guests. So for many guests the choice comes down to continental with privacy or full-breakast served in a dining room. Either option offers lots of possibilities. But with so many different properties, there are no set rules; so check their website or ask!

One more common pitfall is something that sounds so basic but can really impact your experience: decor. Word on the street in b&b circles is that guests are increasingly looking for a "magazine spread" when they walk in the door. Nothing pleases me more than to open our guestbook and read, "When we opened the door the beautiful room just took my breath away!" Few people go to a bed and breakfast looking for the type decor they have at home...or worse, their granny's decor! However, many b&b owners are under the false impression that they can take an empty rent-house and hang out their shingle. They may stumble upon a few unsuspecting guests...but you don't want it to be you. Be sure and check the pictures on the website. I would never book a room that didn't at least show photos of the exterior of the cottage or inn and the bed. Webmasters tell me that these are the two photo's potential guests are most interested in. I would be very wary of a facility that wasn't proud to show its exterior and at least one photo of the inside of each room. Jacuzzi tubs, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, it's all out there for the taking...for those who do their homework. Spend a little extra time asking the right questions and you can have the most wonderful, relaxing getaway experience yet.

Tammy Jordan Sikes is a former trial attorney-turned bed and breakfast owner with several b&b's in Fredericksburg, Texas in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. See www.absolutecharm.com and www.inn-on-the-creek.com tammy@tearosequilts.com

Blackpool Bed and Breakfast Hotels Lancashire UK

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Running a Successful Bed and Breakfast Venture

The only true business that can be run from your 'home' is a Bed and Breakfast Venture.

Taking a decision to run a Bed and Breakfast establishment involves much careful consideration, planning and financial calculations. Not only will it take up a large part of your life - although with careful planning this can be kept under control, but such a venture also holds out the prospect of making a very good income for you.

Location, location, location. This is the prime consideration in any business venture, more so in the Bed and Breakfast industry. A location can vary enormously from being right in the heart of a busy town to being a remote farmhouse. There is a demand for both.

Your location will probably define the type of clientele you will attract and the level of your operation, the amount you may charge per room, the number of bookings you are likely to receive etc.

Planning means - do you already have a house that can be easily adapted to cope with a business of this nature? Perhaps you have an extension, barn, old stables even an ex-granny flat or other buildings that would lend themselves to conversion. Into this consideration will creep financial calculations. The cost of conversion etc. If these are extensive, it may be that during the life of the operation of your business you may well not fully recoup these costs. Do not despair, when you eventually decide to sell and retire on your profits, you will be able to take the cost of conversion, plus the fact that you have a flourishing, going concern for sale, which will inflate the sale price considerably.

If you are in or near to a busy town then you will be more likely to attract business people and workers. Here it is necessary to think carefully - Business people and manual workers to not mix well, requiring different standards of accommodation, working different hours and have greatly differing habits and life-styles.

If your property is in a remote location it has advantages. You can try to attract people who are seeking to 'withdraw' from the rat race for a few days. If you are within striking distance of a local natural attraction, i.e., a well-known walk skiing country etc. then holiday makers are more likely to be your main source of income. One set of guests may be quiet and contemplative whilst the others will probably be enjoying their adventure in the great outdoors.

A remote property it is more likely to be of the farm-house type. Here you can capitalise on this fact. Do not go overboard in modernising your furnishings, people will expect to see the rural effect, but not worn out and dejected! However quaint the farmhouse effect may be, guests will still expect the wonders of civilisation to be readily available, i.e., good bathing and toilet facilities. So whether a bucket and chuck it at the end of the garden would be acceptable in the 21st century is a debatable point.

To all of these different types of accommodation and the types of guests you are likely to attract, you can add people who have relatives nearby who cannot accommodate them when they come to visit, wedding guests, people who are house-hunting in the area, etc. Also consider the possibility that you may attract a totally different clientele during the week to that which you attract at the weekend.

You will see from the above four categories that you will need to reflect and consider which course of business you will be operating.

Returning to the subject of careful consideration this means assessing whether you have the right personality to cope with such a venture. It Is essential for you to be of an out-going disposition, that you like people and are prepared to help them when necessary. You will also need to be able to 'stand-up' to the odd awkward customer, and will need the ability to do so in a polite, firm, fair and friendly manner. No fisticuffs at dawn! Remember a smile works wonders - but not a smirk.

For all of these variations on which type of operation you will eventually be operating, you will also need to be a good cook, keep a clean and tidy establishment and not resent people living in 'your' house.

This last point can be overcome if you have an out-building that can be converted into accommodation, and then quite frankly, 50% of your problems should disappear. You will be in your own domain and the guests will have theirs. You will not be constantly at their beck and call and will have more time on your own to relax. You will not constantly have to wear your 'Bed and Breakfast' smile. Your door will be locked and your time is your own.

However, if you do not have this extra building, do not despair. All that is needed is for you to make sure that your own accommodation really is yours. Can you arrange it so that you have your own shower-room, your own sitting room, or at least some part of the house that you can use for your own relaxation?

A full description on 'Running a Successful Bed and Breakfast Venture' can be found at www.bumbles-ebooks.com where you will also find an additional four part course on this subject.

Just like writing. Even from when I was seven years old. Don't think I will ever be able to 'kick the habit'.

Have some days off ? Find a Bed and Breakfast in France.

Have some days off ? Find a Bed and Breakfast in France.

Are you looking for a bed & breakfast for your next holiday? Chambres-hotes-france.org is here to help you find your next holiday home quickly and easily.

Have some days off ? Chambres-hotes-france.org is the French bed&breakfast directory. It will help you find the most charming b&b accomodation in France.

Choosing to take your vacation, a week end or simply a few days in a Bed & Breakfast, gives you the friendliness of staying in someone's home, access to local tourism and the discovery of unspoilt beaches and tourist destinations.

You will benefit from your host's knowledge which will enable you to discover the hidden wonders of an area or department, find the best restaurants and visit the unknown and out of the way places that only local people are able to recommend.

It is also about being able to share the pleasures of a good meal, made with home grown produce and to visit and discover the cultural richness of the area you have chosen.

Whether you choose the seaside, the countryside, the mountains or a large city, there is surely a homely Bed & Breakfast waiting for you on Chambres-hotes-france.org.

http://www.chambres-hotes-france.org/Bed-Breakfast

Are you looking for a bed & breakfast for your next holiday? Chambres-hotes-france.org is here to help you find your next holiday home quickly and easily.

Maine Bed and Breakfast For Sale

Though the tourism business still flourishes in Maine, there are bed and breakfast owners who wish, for various reasons, to sell their establishments. There are bed and breakfast inns available for sale throughout the state of Maine. They include an all season 1790, Greek Revival-style home with five bedrooms on .90 acres for $725,000; an 1850, three bedroom inn on 4 acres for $229,000; a 1972, five bedroom inn on 1.25 acres for $549,000; a 1928, 17 bedroom lodge on 1.77 acres for $1,650,000, and an 1810, sea captain?s home with 9 guest rooms for $995,000. An 18-room inn in a small picturesque mountain village with an annual turnover of $1.3 million is offered for $2.2 million.

The list changes as transactions are concluded and new offers are posted. Most buildings have owner?s quarters either attached to the main building or separate in the same compound.

The properties can be categorized as fully developed facilities with established client bases and marketing arrangements. Most places have potential for further expansion, and were closed for one reason or another. They include residential homes that can be converted into a bed and breakfast inn, and vacant plots where new facilities can be built. Many have surrounding woods, landscaped areas or gardens around them.

Most buyers are people who wish to continue the business or convert the property into an exclusive private residence.

Many factors contribute to the value of a property. Antiquity is an asset, but a buyer should first look at the year the building was renovated and whether large amounts of money have to be spent on repairs. Considerations like location, view, amenities, furniture and fittings and goodwill also have an impact on the price. A facility that has membership of Select Registry ? Distinguished Inns of North America may command a higher price. The value will be definitely higher if the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfasts

If you are looking for a picturesque location to spend your holiday, go to historic Kennebunkport, Maine. This place offers a range of outdoor activities, and the three-mile long beach tucked in between the rocky coastline is beautiful. There are miles of scenic trails and wildlife sanctuaries to explore. You can go on a whale watching cruise, haul in a catch from a lobster boat or try your hand at saltwater fishing. Kayaking is also available.

Cultural activities include theater, music, museums and galleries. Kennebunkport is also a good place to shop for antiques and other unique items.

Consider staying at a bed and breakfast inn. You can find them listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of are old mansions set in lovely surroundings offering genuine New England hospitality and cuisine. Your stay will truly be unforgettable. Some places give you a welcome bottle of champagne, and some have breakfast served in your cottage.

Modern amenities blend with old world charm at some lodgings, where rooms have gas fireplaces, luxurious private baths with heated tiles and Jacuzzis, hair dryers, air-conditioning, televisions, DVD players, in-room coffee makers, etc. Many offer maid services, cribs and child cots and adaptations for the handicapped.

Tariff varies depending on the facilities offered. Usually, there are different rates for season, mid-season and off-season and for weekdays and weekends. Special packages are often available. Some places have minimum stay stipulations. Many of the lodgings allow an extra person to stay in the room for an additional charge and offer a lower rate for children staying with parents. Some are pet friendly but may charge a fee. A 7% lodging tax is either included in the rate or for an extra fee. There may be a service charge as well.

Most of these establishments will give you information on places to see and things to do. Additional information can be obtained from the Visitors Center on Dock Square. Be sure to collect details about parking charges and beach restrictions.

Also, find out the check in and check out times, advance payable, cancellation charge, credit cards accepted and other relevant details.