B&Bs and Guesthouses

How It Works

In principle, a B&B ("Bed and Breakfast") or a guest room corresponds to one or more furnished rooms in a private home intended to accommodate passing visitors.

By extension, this category can also include gîtes, which are residential buildings more or less close to the owners' home, generally intended for stays of several nights. The same goes for guesthouses, which originally were small accommodations with a few rooms managed at the family level.

Note that in Quebec, a "chambre d'hôtes" is called a "gîte"... and what the French call a "gîte" is known as a "tourist residence."

B&Bs and Guest Rooms

Of Anglo-Saxon origin, the Bed and Breakfast (generally called a "guest room" or "guesthouse" in France) has become the most developed form of accommodation offered by a private individual. There are even different labels corresponding to specific standards and regulations.

A B&B consists of providing a room along with breakfast, often in a "friendly and characterful" setting. In some cases, it is also possible to have meals with the host family; this is referred to as a "host table."

Generally, this type of accommodation is most common in Europe and Western countries. In France alone, there are around 40,000 guest rooms spread across the entire country.

That said, unlike other forms of private accommodation, B&Bs in many countries are increasingly becoming "structured" like hotels. This means they are open year-round, designed for a large number of visitors, and managed full-time by owners whom you may not always have the chance to meet. In short, a formula that is increasingly resembling a hotel, though theoretically in a specific setting and context. Moreover, in the United States, a Bed and Breakfast often simply refers to an establishment run by an individual rather than a company or chain.

In terms of price, this "private" formula is the most expensive, with rates close to—or even higher than—those of hotels.

The Airbnb Phenomenon

Launched in 2008, Airbnb allows private individuals to rent all or part of their own home to passing visitors via an online platform that now features millions of listings in thousands of cities across almost every country in the world.

Gîtes (Rural)

Unlike a guest room, a gîte consists of a fully equipped independent dwelling designed to accommodate several people (sometimes more than a dozen) for often a minimum of one week. Another difference is that visitors are entirely self-sufficient for meals and breakfasts and generally only interact with the owners upon arrival and departure.

While the vast majority of gîtes are located in the countryside, in the mountains, or near the sea, there are also urban gîtes. These are often renovated buildings or houses with a certain charm. As with B&Bs, there are different labels corresponding to specific standards and regulations.

The gîte formula is particularly appealing for groups, families, or friends when planning to explore a region over several days from a single base. In terms of pricing, rates can be very attractive if you are traveling with a larger group.

Note that in addition to rural gîtes, France also has what are called "gîtes d'étapes," which originally allowed travelers to spend a night, for example, along a hiking trail. While this formula still exists, many gîtes d'étapes have now become accommodations for longer stays.

Guesthouses

Originally, a guesthouse was a small accommodation with a few rooms managed at the family level, though the term now also refers in many countries to a cheap small hotel for backpackers. However, the family-run formula still exists in many countries, particularly in Asia and South America.

Generally very affordable, these guesthouses offer highly variable comfort levels. In all cases, check the condition of the room, the bedding, the sanitary facilities, and always ask for the price before settling in. Avoid street-side rooms, opt for quiet neighborhoods, and in hot countries, check the condition of the fan or air conditioning. In short, take the same basic precautions as you would in a hotel.

While some guesthouses are listed in guidebooks, not all are. As a result, in addition to word of mouth, another good way for families to find new customers is to approach travelers directly. Thus, outside Western countries, it is still somewhat common to be approached upon getting off a train or bus, or even just walking down the street with a backpack, and be offered accommodation in a private home. This is especially true in areas with limited hotel capacity or high tourist traffic, where families step in to accommodate travelers for a fee. On this point, it is advisable to already have an idea of accommodation prices in the region to avoid any "misunderstandings," while keeping in mind that, in principle, staying with a local is more economical than a hotel of equal "quality." And of course, pay for your nights directly to the people who live in the house, not to any tout or intermediary who, if not part of the family, will take their commission, just like with hotels.

However, be cautious, as you might end up in either pleasant homes with lovely families or squalid places with lice or other unwanted companions. Therefore, it can be useful to trust your instincts and avoid the experience if "it doesn’t feel right."