What are guest houses and how do they work?

With the development of tourist accommodation, there is an increasingly greater variety of offers adapted to the diverse needs of guests.
Among the different existing options, guest houses are gaining more and more weight , which combine the characteristics of hotel accommodation with those of homestay accommodation , but, although they share similarities with the previous types of accommodation, they maintain differences that make them unique. .
Next, we are going to contrast the existing differences with other types of tourist accommodation , as well as their operation and individual characteristics.

What is a guest house?

A guest house is a smaller and generally cheaper type of accommodation than a hotel , where the owners of the house offer rooms for short-term rental to travelers or visitors. In this type of establishment, guests usually have a more personalized and familiar experience, since the hosts usually live on the same property or are closely involved in the management.
Some common features of a guest house include:

• Cozy atmosphere : It is usually a more intimate and familiar place than a traditional hotel.
• Private or shared rooms : They can offer single or shared rooms, some with a private bathroom and others with a shared bathroom.
• Basic services : These typically include services such as breakfast (sometimes cooked by the hosts), housekeeping, and Wi-Fi.
• Social interaction : Being smaller, guests have more opportunities to interact with each other or with the owners.

The services offered by this type of accommodation depend largely on the host, but, in general, basic services are usually provided such as cleaning, change of bed linen and towels, breakfast, and sometimes they also offer homemade meals.
This type of accommodation is unique, and you can find everything from normal houses to special accommodations such as mansions or even fortresses.

Operation of a guest house

The operation of a guest house varies depending on its size, location and style, but generally follows a simple scheme .

Reservations

They can be done online, over the phone, or in person. In some cases, guesthouses are available on vacation rental platforms .

Check-in and check-out

Hours are often more flexible than in hotels , and in many guesthouses, owners adjust arrival and departure times based on guests' needs. Payment is usually made in cash or credit card at check-in or check-out, depending on house policies.

Cleaning service

The cleaning service can be daily or as agreed . In smaller homes, guests may have to take care of keeping their space clean, especially if they have access to shared kitchens or bathrooms.

Size and atmosphere

Guest houses are usually smaller than hotels, which creates a more familiar and welcoming atmosphere . The number of rooms may vary, but generally does not exceed 10 or 15.

Owners or staff

Often, the owners live in the same house or in a nearby property, which allows them to have a direct relationship with the guests , thus offering a more personalized and close treatment.

Services

The level of services can vary. Some only offer accommodation, while others include breakfast or even meals. Services tend to be simpler than those of a hotel (for instance, fewer luxury amenities or the absence of a gym or pool), although there are also guesthouses that are more fully equipped.

Costs

Guesthouses are generally cheaper than hotels , making them an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget.
Rates may include breakfast, but other meals are often extra or unavailable.

Regulation

Each guesthouse has its own rules , which may include check-in and check-out times, restrictions on the use of common areas, and rules about coexistence.
Some guesthouses are more flexible, while others may be stricter in their policies.

Social environment

Due to the small size and the proximity between guests and owners, a more social and community atmosphere can be generated .
Guests often have access to common areas such as living rooms, gardens or shared kitchens, where they can interact with each other.

Differences between a guest house and a hotel

The main differences between a guesthouse and a hotel include several factors related to service, atmosphere and guest expectations:

1. Personality of the traveler : The guest houses are ideal for travelers looking for a more authentic experience, with a local touch and more contact with the customs of the area, however, the hotels are more suitable for travelers looking for greater comfort and privacy during your stay.
2. Atmosphere : Guest houses typically offer a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere than hotels, as the homeowners often live on the property, so there is closer interaction.
3. Offer of services : In guest houses or guest houses, they can offer basic services such as cleaning, breakfast or even meals, but it must be taken into account that the services are limited and cannot be compared with the service catalog of a hotel. hotel.
4. Price : Overnight stays in guest houses are usually much cheaper than in hotels, since the range of services is also usually less. Hotels generally tend to be more expensive due to the number of additional services they offer.
5. Privacy : Hotels offer greater privacy than guest houses. Normally, the experience in guest houses is usually shared.
6. Legislation : Guest houses may have fewer regulations in terms of standards and official classification, since hotels are governed by strict regulations on safety, hygiene and service.
7. Personality of the traveler : The guest houses are ideal for travelers looking for a more authentic experience, with a local touch and more contact with the customs of the area, however, the hotels are more suitable for travelers looking for greater comfort and privacy during your stay.