Types of Bed and Breakfast establishments

What is a Bed and Breakfast?

This may sound amusing addressing this to bed and breakfast establishment owners at first glance, but is essential in marketing your bed and breakfast both online and offline.

There are defined and very unique differences in the types of bed and breakfast accommodations available to the traveler. These are not rigid standards, but more of a guide to the nationally recognized code. By defining your business and establishment model you can market your services effectively without confusing the expectations of your guests.

Homestay and/or Host Home

These types of establishments are usually occupied by the owner and hosting guests is a secondary concern. Rooms are often rented to provide additional revenue to it's owners. Often these are governed by local zoning restrictions preventing the use public advertising. Depending upon the area these establishments may or may not be inspected by reservation service organizations and normally are required to be licensed or inspected by local authorities.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 1-3
Services: Served or self-served breakfast

Bed and Breakfast or B&B

Most establishments being used as bed and breakfasts (B&B) were used as single family residences. These dwellings are often purchased for their location with converting into a bed and breakfast in mind. They are normally owner occupied with more attention to renting of guest accommodations than the primary residence of it's owners. More often than not these establishments must meet all health, building, and safety codes in their locality. Public advertising is the norm. They may or may not be the owners sole source of income.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 4-5
Services: Served breakfast and extended guest services may be available

Bed and Breakfast Inn

Most establishments being used as bed and breakfasts inns are typically the owners sole source of income. They are normally owner occupied with increased attention to renting of guest accommodations and hosting special events. These establishments must meet all health, building, and safety codes in their locality. Public advertising is the norm.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 4-20
Services: Overnight guests served breakfast, and hosting of meetings, weddings and other events is typically available

Country Inn

This accommodation model offers overnight lodging and are similar to Bed and Breakfast Inns. They often include extended food service operations similar to a restaurant. The guests meals are often included in the accommodation price and is often referred to as the "Modified American Plan". These establishments may offer their dining services to the general public. These establishments normally have paid staff for daily operations.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 4-20
Services: Extended food service and hosting of special events is typically available

Bed and Breakfast - Cottages

These are detached outbuildings or cottages which offer more privacy to guests and often allow family units to share accommodations. Breakfast may be delivered to the room or served in a community dining atmosphere. Owners of these establishments provide cleaning services and offer area/location guidance, but typically have less interaction with the guests. This may or may not provide year round income for the owner and is more popular in some geographic locations and settings.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 1+
Services: Overnight guests served breakfast and cleaning services

Bed and Breakfast - Hotels

Often large historic dwellings offering the atmosphere and services of a typical bed and breakfast. Many of these types of accommodations offer public dining and extended services. These are very large in nature requiring extended staff and services.
Typical Number of Rooms Available: 20+
Services: Extended food service and hosting of special events is typically available