7 Widely Accepted B&B Myths

With the rise of traveling as a bucket-list item and, for many, a right of passage (college graduation party in Berlin, anyone?), Bed & Breakfasts have become popular accommodation solutions.

This being said B&Bs have been around for decades and have developed a number of associated myths that can make them seem unappealing. Here are a few of the most widely known myths and the truth (or lack thereof) behind them.

1. B&B’s are for the elderly.

While it’s true that in the movies elderly couples tend to flock to B&Bs, real life establishments are diverse in who stays. Most B&B’s do limit their guest lists to adults, however, in order to maintain a quiet, stress-free place for relaxing.

Otherwise, you’ll find guests of all ages and from all walks of life, with the elderly enjoying the peace and quiet and millennial’s getting fantastic, Instagram worthy photos.

2. B&Bs exclusively serve fatty, unhealthy food.

Breakfast is a highly anticipated occasion and B&Bs. This being said,  it had a reputation for being jam packed with fatty, unhealthy foods that have been fried or otherwise processed and “enhanced”.

To battle this myth, many establishments offer small portions and have added wholesome dishes such as oatmeal and fruit into their breakfast spreads

3. B&Bs only serve breakfast.

As we said, breakfast is a popular time of day. However, it isn’t the only occasion where food is served at a B&B. Many also serve lunch and dinner that rival breakfast in terms of taste and variety, as well as health.

Some B&Bs may offer snacks during the day, as well.

 4. B&Bs have shared bathrooms.

One of the longest running B&B myths is that they require guests to share bathrooms. This, however, isn’t true at all.

In fact, 95% of B&Bs offer private bathrooms, with some even offering Jacuzzi for guest use. This statistic includes small, local establishments.

5. B&Bs don’t offer discounts.

Everyone wants a great price on their accommodation. Luckily, despite popular belief, B&Bs do offer this. In many cases, establishments will offer discounts for extended stays or for booking ahead of time, much like traditional hotels.

6. B&Bs don’t boast have extra services.

B&Bs are said to be boring and lack on-site luxuries and services. However, most B&B’s -even small scale establishments- actually do offer a variety of luxuries.

These can include spa services, a pool and/or gym, a salon, and room service. If you’re looking for a B&B with extra services, inquire before booking.

7. B&Bs are dingy and unappealing.

Since B&B’s are generally smaller than their franchised counterparts, hotels, they have gained the reputation of being dingy and second-rate.

Thankfully, they are just as cozy -if not more so- than large hotel chains. This is because they offer fewer rooms and can afford to splurge on unique decor and luxury items.

Can Bioenergy Reduce Your Stress Levels?

According to research studies, constant exposure to stress can be considered as a key factor in many diseases. From simple health conditions such as headaches, body pain, and digestive issues, down to more serious health problems such as depression, cardiovascular problems, and panic attacks, high levels of stress can be a major contributor.

Symptoms of Stress

Constant exposure to stress can affect your well-being and quality of life. Below are some of the common symptoms of stress:

  • Your heart is racing.
  • You feel a knot in your stomach.
  • You feel a lump in your throat
  • You experience pains in some parts of your body.
  • Your hands and feet are cold.
  • You always feel exhausted.
  • You find yourself feeling agitated and anxious.
  • You feel like something’s not right.
  • You mind never stops thinking in circles.
  • You don’t get a good sleep or rest.
  • You can’t stop worrying.
  • You feel like there is a dark cloud over you and you dread each day.

What Happens When You Get Stressed

So how does your body react to discomfort or pain? Your body squeezes down or contract particularly in the areas around the site of the pain. In other words, the muscles and tissues that surround your organs tighten.

Similarly, when you get anxious or stressed out, your body reacts to this emotional stimulus by tightening up. Your blood flow will be restricted and less energy will flow. In the area where there is limited blood flow, free flow movement is also limited. Because the Chi and life force energy becomes restricted, health problems set in. This is the reason stress management is highly important for your overall health and well-being.

Bio Energy Therapy and Stress

Through Bio Energy Therapy, you will be able to restore the balance in your energy field and let the life force energy flow freely and in sync. When this happens, stress will be reduced and your body will stay healthy.

Always keep in mind that diseases and other health problems occur when your cells and organs are not functioning properly due to the imbalance in the energy field possibly brought about by stress. Despite the effectiveness of this form of treatment, it is also important to remember that Bio Energy is not a guaranteed substitute for prescribed medicines or treatment methods by your health care professional. What is recommended though is to complement your prescribed medical treatments with the therapies provided by Bio Energy healing practitioners.

 

Top 6 Reasons to Stay at a Bed and Breakfast

Staying at a bed and breakfast accommodation is the most ideal option if you are looking to have a relaxing vacation and escape from your busy daily life. B&B accommodations are increasingly gaining popularity, and they can even provide better value compared to hotels or other types of accommodations in many cases. From tailored and personalized attention to sumptuous food, there are a lot of reasons to choose a B&B over a hotel. Below are the top six reasons to stay at a bed and breakfast.

1. Greater Value

When you choose to check-in at a hotel, you would most likely get very little bang for what you paid for. You will generally stay at a room that is on the small side, and if you get really lucky with the hotel that you chose, you will probably get free parking or an average continental breakfast. Yet, most of the time, these cost more expensive and you may even have to pay a separate fee for other amenities and snacks.

Meanwhile, by opting for a bed and breakfast type of accommodation, you will surely get a more comfortable room aside from many additional extras. Most of the B&Bs today also offer free wi-fi similar to hotels, and almost all provide free snacks and parking. Aside from these,another advantage of bed and breakfast accommodations is that the included breakfast are typically delicious home-cooked meals.

2. Personalized and unique rooms

Unlike hotels where the rooms look exactly the same, each room in a bed and breakfast accommodation look unique. Each one has character and are individually decorated. So if you are staying as a group in more than one room in the B&B, you can go and check out the rooms of your other companions. You will surely be thrilled at the differences in look and feel. In fact, some bed and breakfasts pride themselves because of the fact that each room looks different and has unique themes. Most of the time, you will be allowed to book the exact room that you prefer instead of the type of room just like in hotels.

3. Indulge in rich culture and history

A lot of bed and breakfasts have interesting histories. You will be amazed by how many of them are actually restored establishments that are sometimes hundreds of years old. For instance, in the Southern United States, you will find bed and breakfasts that were plantation homes before. Meanwhile, there are B&Bs in France that are authentic chateausand riads in Morocco. Many B&Bs boast their rich history and interesting stories, as well as feature the unique culture of the place. So when you stay at a B&B, don’t be shy to ask the innkeeper about this.

4. Personalized attention

There are some hotels where it is extremely difficult to get the attention of the staff for the things you need. This kind of problem doesn’t necessarily happen when you choose to stay at a B&B. In fact, innkeepers or the staff would even make the extra effort just to ensure that you are experiencing a warm welcome and everything’s good during your stay.

Normally, B&Bs are smaller than hotels and there are fewer guests. This allows guests to get more personalized attention and ensures that staff are always available to offer assistance. Don’t be shy to raise any concerns or inquiries regarding your accommodation or perhaps about what activities can be done within the area. B&B staff are almost always great local experts who can provide you recommendations to make the most out of your trip.

5. Little extras

Another great thing about staying at B&Bs is the fact that they provide a lot of little extras to make your stay more comfortable and offer greater value. For instance, some B&Bs have freshly baked cookies for their guests, while others give free wine in the evening. The little extras that each B&B provide varies, but all aim to make you feel welcome.

6. Offer privacy and more space

At hotels, you normally have access to a small room with a desk and a chair or two. However, at a bed and breakfast, you will have access to a cozy privateroom and other common areas such as the dining room, living room, and snack bar. In fact, some bed and breakfasts even have yards, gazebos, gardens, and other outdoor features that guests can enjoy during their stay. So instead of choosing a claustrophobic space such as what hotels typically offer, it is better if you spend your vacation at a place that will offer you a greater level of privacy and more space to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Every bed and breakfast provides different amenities, features, and experience. With this, it is important to check out a number of available accommodations and choose one that perfectly suits your lifestyle and personality.

6 Tips When Choosing a Bed and Breakfast

Selecting a bed and breakfast means you are going to be provided with awesome amenities at reasonable rates. The owner of the B&B accommodation may live within the property or offer the whole property to the guests. Normally, the owners of B&Bs are those who enjoy meeting new people from different places.

There are different types of B&Bs, with some catering to travelers looking for a luxurious getaway, while others are for people who are short on budget and are looking for cheaper accommodations. Regardless of what type of traveler you are, below are some tips that can help you find the ideal bed and breakfast for you.

1. Don’t forget to ask if pets are allowed if you are planning to bring your pets or you have allergies.

If you are planning to bring your pets with you on your travels, contact the B&B staff and ask if you can bring your pet before booking because some don’t allow pets in their property. Meanwhile, others place extra charges that will be used to cover cleaning costs to maintain a healthy living environment and prevent allergies. If you are allergic, a B&B accommodation that allows pets may not be the perfect option for you.

2. Find out if children are allowed.

Compared to hotels, B&Bs offer living accommodations that are at a much closer proximity with each other. Hence, to avoid disturbing other guests, some do not allow children who are below 12 years oldespecially if the B&B is intended to provide a romantic getaway.So if you are travelling with your kids, it is important to inquire if the B&B imposes such restrictions.

3. Inquire about the modern amenities that they provide.

Unlike hotels where a wi-fi access is almost a requirement, not all B&Bs have internet or other modern amenities. If you are dependent on these, it is recommended to check with the owner or innkeeper to ensure your personal comfort.

4. Know about the check-in times.

Some B&Bs offer flexible check-in times, while others don’t. So check with the innkeeper how early or late are you allowed to check-in or if they only accept check-ins during specific times of day. Furthermore, it is important to know when you can leave or go back throughout the day.

5. Learn about what is included in the rate.

Not all B&Bs include breakfast in their costs, so it is important to know if there is an additional charge for that. Aside from breakfast, it is important to know the complete package inclusions so you will know what to expect.

6. Know if the bathrooms are shared.

A B&B is just a single property that is divided into different rooms. Some B&Bs require guests to share bathrooms with others, so if this is not comfortable for you, you should know early on.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the tips and considerations that you should keep in mind before booking your stay. Always remember that bed and breakfast accommodations are not for everyone,so it is important to know these things in order for you to decide if it is for you.

Is a Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Right for You?

Choosing a bed and breakfast as your type of accommodation is a cool way to personalize your stay, get to know the locals much better, and find a warm and welcoming home at a comparable rate as a major hotel chain.

There are also different kinds of B&B’s which makes choosing the most ideal one an overwhelming task. However, before you search for a bed and breakfast online or offline, make sure that this type of accommodation is suitable for you.

Is a Bed and Breakfast Right for You?

Many travellers choose this form of accommodation, but bed and breakfasts are not right for everyone. Consider booking a B&B if:

  • You prefer a small and more intimate type of accommodation compared to a huge hotel.
  • You prefer a room that is individually decorated with antiques or a certain theme.
  • You love getting to know fellow travellers over a sumptuous communal breakfast.
  • You prefer a charming accommodation over high-end amenities. (Many B&B’s are now adding modern amenities, so ask the innkeeper for more information.)
  • You prefer staying in a residential area or a peaceful rural neighborhood.
  • You are looking for an accommodation with no kids. (A lot of bed and breakfasts do not allow children.)
  • You would love to have a “home away from home.”
  • You enjoy having the personal attention of your innkeeper when you need/ want it.
  • You would want to experience transparent pricing because some hotels have extra hidden charges.

Final Thoughts

Even if you have decided that bed and breakfasts are suitable for your preferences, it is recommended to call the innkeeper before booking online or going to the B&B in order to clarify what was included in the nightly rate and the policies.

While some bed and breakfasts are very simple and cozy, others are more sophisticated and have the same rate as major hotels. Ultimately, evaluating if a B&B is right for you largely depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, personality, and budget.

Why open a bed and breakfast?

What appeals to travelers who choose the bed and breakfast formula is the familiarity of hospitality, the feeling at home  and immersed in the territory that you decide to visit. Obviously on the other hand, those who open a bed and breakfast should be brought to conviviality and hospitality.

This is not an accommodation service like a hotel that is more structured. The bed and breakfast forces you to open the doors of your home and if you do not do it with heart and passion or just for economic purpose, you really risk not living a good experience (as well as having invested bad time and money).

How to open a bed and breakfast?

The bed and breakfast, according to current regulations,  is an activity managed by private , family-run, which provide guests with their homes and their own rooms in limited numbers.

To understand well what you are talking about, I suggest you deepen the theme immediately reading your regional law of reference (attention that each region has its own regulations !!). This law refers to the main one: Law March 29, 2001, n. 135 –  “Reform of national tourism legislation” , published in the Official Gazette no. 92 of 20 April 2001.

To date, the  B & B activity can also be carried out without any VAT and without registration with the Chamber of Commerce.

When you open a bed and breakfast without VAT, the proceeds will be shown in the tax return and taxed as different income, once deducted the expenses considered related to the activity (utilities, cleaning, food offered to guests, etc.).

The TAR of Lazio in 2016 (sentence No. 6755 of 13 June 2016) removed some rules that limited the occasional activity of bed and breakfast holders. Before the ruling that deregulated the activity, the regional rules required that the bed and breakfasts opened by owners without VAT were closed for a period between 90 and 120 days per year and that precise limits were respected in the minimum size of the home . The administrative court has declared these requests illegitimate, since they limit free competition.

If you want rent management to become your main job, then you will open your position as a landlord, with the consequent opening of the VAT number and registration with the Chamber of Commerce.

Whether you choose to do business in an entrepreneurial or occasional way, you will need to submit a series of documents. First of all, you will have to go to the  SUAP (Single Office for Productive Activities) desk  in your Municipality where you can collect the forms to be filled in for the  Declaration of Begin Activities. 

Once you communicate the  SCIA (Certified Activity Report)  the opening of your bed and breakfast is immediate. The documents that can be requested are different and always different from Region to Region, among these certainly will not lack the plan and the insurance policy to guarantee guests.

At this point you should apply to  FFICES tour of competence  which officially define the classification of your business giving guidance on how to monitor guests to the public security authorities.

Each Region or Municipality, I repeat it again, has its own procedures. Keep in mind that, to date, the City can impose a fee for the investigation of the practice that varies as a cost between 30 and 160 euros.

Open a bed and breakfast: what requirements must the accommodation have?

You assume that you will host people and then you will have to submit to  urban planning rules – building to ensure their safety. It must certainly be understood that your home must be in order with the connections of light, gas, etc.

Obviously not to be underestimated  hygienic-sanitary norms , but synthetically the requisite requisites, even  varying from region to region , are:

  • 14 square meters for the double room, 8 square meters for the single;
  • normally the owner of the bed and breakfast must have the residence (or the domicile during the period of opening of the bed and breakfast) in the structure. Exceptionally some Regions grant to live alongside, but with obligation of availability;
  • minimum surface area of ​​the house compared to the beds;
  • limit of rooms: from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6, for a total of beds between 3 and 20, with large differences between region and region;
  • minimum requirements for furnishing rooms: in some regions the rules require that in the rooms there are closets, bedside tables, lamps, chairs, baskets, etc .;
  • autonomy by guests in being able to access the room or the toilet (which are not those used by family members);
  • request for basic furnishing elements that are also necessary in bathrooms;
  • the obligation of daily cleaning or indication of the cadence of the change of sheets;

How to open a B & B – The laws on the Bed and Breakfast

THE B & B IN ITALY

The B & B grows and we receive several requests for information about the opening of a B & B in Italy . Not only that, the B & B is also constantly growing in the preferences of travelers thanks to the diversification of the type of offer that has occurred in recent years and thanks to the widespread distribution throughout the country.

Our managers have been asked to make a rating of satisfaction on what best meets the needs and desires of customers. The reception , with 24.29%, is the voice that has garnered more support (the 2007 report indicated instead accommodation in the first place among the preferences). The appreciation of hospitality in B & B meets the philosophy of the formula of family accommodation where the added value is given by the 360 ​​° discovery of the territory including contact with the people who live in them. However, the quality / price ratio continues to play an important role for the choice of a B & B compared to other accommodation and reception formulas. ( REPORT B ​​& B ITALIA 2011 ).

The bed and breakfast has allowed and allows even those who have reduced economic means to travel or travel longer. Moreover, more and more people feel the need to undertake genuine human relationships and to get in touch with the lifestyle of the land that hosts them during the trip. Staying in Bed and Breakfast allows anyone to experience the unique experience of sharing the lifestyle of the place and the people who live there. Opening a B & B means being able to benefit from an additional family “entry” and to open up to the outside world with the desire to share experiences by transmitting the love for their territory.

HOW TO OPEN A BED AND BREAKFAST ACTIVITY [LA SCIA]

According to the Regional Standards in force are family-run accommodation, Bed and Breakfast , accommodation facilities run by private individuals who, using their family organization, use part of their home, with annual or seasonal opening periods and with a number of rooms and limited beds, based on regional sector laws or specific municipal regulations.

The first thing to do to open a B & B is to consult the specific REGIONAL LAW on the subject (see list at the bottom of the page). The Regional Laws refer to the Main Law : Law of 29 March 2001, n. 135 – “Reform of national tourism legislation”, published in the Official Gazette no. 92 of 20 April 2001 .

Subsequently you need to access via the Internet or go to the SUAP counter of the relevant Municipality to collect the forms necessary for the Declaration of Commencement of Activities. The SCIA (Certified Initiation Report) , is the new procedure that replaces the DIA (Statement of Start Activities) . The advantage offered by this new tool is that with the presentation of the SCIA the opening of the accommodation is immediate .

The documents necessary for the complete definition of the practice must be attached to SCIA , by means of paper or electronic means. The annexes vary from region to region and you can move from the layout of the house to the property or rental contract, to get to the copy of the liability insurance policy in favor of the customers.

The next steps concern the start of the practices, managed by the local AAPIT or by the Tourist Offices, for the classification of the structure and for the monitoring and communication of the guests to the Public Safety Authorities. Regarding these procedures, the competent offices should be consulted as there could be differences between the region and the region .