What is a guesthouse, and how does it work

28 July 2023

Roberta Magro Malosso

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Vacation Rental | Vacation Rental Management

If you have ended up here, you are probably wondering what a guest house is and what the difference is between a guest house and a B&B. In this article from Octorate’s blog, we will shed some light and explain everything you need to know about guest houses and the advantages of this form of accommodation.

Meaning and translation
Difference between a hotel and a guest house
Difference between a B&B and a guest house
Why should you stay in a guest house
Tips for running a guest house
Frequently asked questions

Meaning and translation
Difference between a hotel and a guest house
Difference between a B&B and a guest house
Why should you stay in a guest house
Tips for running a guest house
Frequently asked questions

Guest House: meaning and etymology

The literal translation of the word guest house is “house for the guests”

They are rooms in a private home that were converted into accommodation for tourists and, therefore, for accommodation purposes.

What kind of facilities are provided?

The facilities offered in a guest house may vary from accommodation to accommodation.

Guesthouses have few facilities, which is generally reflected in the price, which is usually relatively low compared to other accommodations such as a hotel.
For example, they do not offer breakfast and no daily room cleaning service. In this form of accommodation, however, the owner provides the use of the kitchen and the lounge for his guests.However, some guest houses have additional services, such as:

the laundry service
the concierge service
the garden
the swimming pool.

Types of guest houses

When it comes to guesthouses, the choice is extensive. Different categories and styles suit all tastes and possible needs: rural, urban, budget, luxury, boutique, historical/cultural, mountain, and eco-friendly.

As you may have guessed, this accommodation is unsuitable for families or group travel. For this kind of trip, we recommend you choose your ideal vacation rental through Airbnhttps://octorate.com/it/siti-come-airbnb/b or one of the other sites for renting vacation rentals we have already suggested.

What is the difference between a hotel and a guest house?

The difference between a hotel and a guest house is simple and intuitive. A hotel is a company that provides short-term accommodation and can offer many facilities such as breakfast, a swimming pool, room service, 24-hour reception, and much more. A guest-house is a house that offers accommodation to travellers at a much lower price and has no employees since the owner and his family run it.

What is the difference between a B&B and a Guest House?

The difference between a bed and breakfast and a guest house is not always clear-cut. The main difference is that a bed and breakfast is an accommodation that offers breakfast and provides daily room cleaning. In contrast, a guest-house does not provide these services to its guests, being a family-run and more fundamental kind of accommodation.

Why should you stay in a guest house?

There are several reasons why you should consider staying in a guesthouse on your next trip or even opening one.

Guest houses are an excellent alternative to hotels and bed and breakfasts, especially for those seeking less expensive and often more charming accommodation.

Guest houses are the best option for those looking for an authentic experience and a cosy, family atmosphere. A typical feature of this accommodation type is the contact with the locals, allowing you to get to know and discover their culture and traditions.
As the owner and his family live in the house, you will be able to discover how the locals live, giving you an authentic experience of di slow tourism!

Choosing this form of lodging is the best and cheapest way to travel to places like Asia and South-East Asia (especially the Maldives).

How much does it cost to stay in a guest house and where can I book it?

Guest-house prices may vary depending on the destination, location, time of the year, and services offered, but you should expect to pay between $30 and $100 per night for a room.

Where to book or rent a guest house

There are several sites where you can choose from different options and book the guesthouse that best suits your taste, and if you are thinking of opening one, there are just as many sites where you can rent, such as:

1. Airbnb
2. Booking.com
3. Expedia

Tips for running a guest house

Let’s look at some simple tips for running a guest house.

As we said, the number of guest houses available is constantly increasing, so if you want your guest house to stand out from the rest, you will have to make your accommodation unique. To help you, we have compiled a downloadable guide on how to furnish a guest house in the best possible way, and a Bed and Breakfast business plan that can significantly contribute to the success of your guest house by ensuring you have clear goals and strategies in place.

What motivates travellers to choose to stay at a guest house is the authenticity mentioned earlier. And it is precisely on this point that you should focus your attention. Make your guests’ stay at your home as authentic and pleasant as possible. Try always to make them feel welcome.

Give your guests tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to get around to the main attractions. Make this list as less touristy as possible so that you can show them what locals do and where they go.

After a day spent out and about, we suggest you always provide fresh water for your guests. Finally, to add a personal touch and make your guests feel welcome when they arrive, we recommend welcoming them with a welcome letter.

Managing a guest house with Octorate

Helping you manage your accommodation as efficiently as possible so that you save time, increase profits and avoid the risk of overbooking is Octorate’s mission.
Here are three reasons why you should choose our All-in-One management software:

1. With our Guest House Channel Manager you can make your guest house visible on more than 130 online platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, and many others), increasing the number of bookings and turnover.
2. Thanks to our Booking Engine you can receive direct, commission-free bookings on your website.
3. In addition, with Octosite you can create a modern, attractively designed website for your guesthouse in just a few minutes.

Increasing bookings and direct conversions while saving on commissions has never been that easy. Book a free demo to talk to one of our professionals and discover all our products.

Frequently asked questions

🏡 What is a guest house?

The guest-house is a distinctive form of accommodation. These are dwellings or parts made available to guests for short or medium periods. What characterises a guest house is that the owner lives within the structure.
They are rooms in a private home that were converted into accommodation for tourists and, therefore, for accommodation purposes.

🛋 What kind of facilities are provided in a guest house?

The facilities offered in a guest house may vary from accommodation to accommodation.

Guesthouses have few facilities, which is generally reflected in the price, which is usually relatively low compared to other accommodations such as a hotel.

❓What is the difference between a B&B and a Guest House?

The main difference is that a bed and breakfast is an establishment that offers breakfast and provides daily room cleaning. The guest house does not provide these services to its guests.