Guest House, B&B - what's the difference??

During the Great Depression, many people opened their homes to travelers to bring in some additional money for the family. The term "boarding house" was used at this time. After the Depression, this type of lodging declined and many people had the idea they were just for low-income travelers or drifters. In the early fifties, people may remember the term "tourist home" being used. This too was essentially a form of bed and breakfast.


Travellers are sometimes confused by the terminology and often book a room in a Guest House or B&B expecting Hotel styled comforts and amenities. The following should assist you when booking your next accommodation.

Bed & Breakfast (B&Bs)
A typical Bed and Breakfast is a private home, which accept guests for the night and breakfast is included in the cost. Bathrooms and other facilities are shared with other guests.  These accommodations can range from between 2-5 room.


Guest House
A guest house is an generally an accommodation where the owners live separate to the guests.  There is also limited staff available and as such have strict check in and check out times.


As with main stream hotels, no two B&B or Guest Houses are alike.  Dependent on culture, location and personal tastes of the owners these establishments can range from no-frills to full amenities similar to hotels.