Bed and breakfast labels

The bed and breakfast have become an increasingly popular accommodation option for travellers looking for authenticity and conviviality. To guarantee the quality of these establishments and reassure customers, numerous labels have emerged. In this article, we'll explore the different B&B labels, their benefits, and how they can influence your choice of accommodation.

Why choose a label for your bed and breakfast?

Advantages of labels

Joining a label for bed and breakfast is not compulsory, but it offers a number of significant advantages:

• Visibility and credibility: Labels bring additional notoriety and credibility, reassuring potential customers.
• Subsidies: Some labels give access to grants from the local council, which can help finance improvements or renovations..
• Additional services: Labels often offer communication and marketing services, and sometimes even training courses for owners.
• Access to networks: Labels enable owners to join networks of professionals, facilitating exchanges and partnerships.

Disadvantages of labels

Cowever, joining a label also has its drawbacks:

• Cost: Membership of a label can be costly, with labelling fees, annual subscriptions and sometimes commission on sales.
• Constraints: Owners have to comply with strict specifications, which can limit their freedom of management.
• Maintenance: Some labels require regular maintenance visits, which can represent an additional constraint.

The main labels for guest rooms

Gîtes de France

Gîtes de France is one of the best-known and oldest labels. It has several sub-labels, such as Charmance for bed and breakfasts and Ecogîtes for eco-friendly accommodation. Rooms are classified from 1 to 5 "épis" according to the comfort and services offered.

Clévacances

Clévacances is another major label, offering a classification of 1 to 5 keys. This label focuses on the quality of accommodation and services, and also offers options for eco-friendly accommodation with the Clévacances Environnement sub-label.

Accueil Paysan

This label is intended for guest rooms located on farms. It promotes authenticity and contact with nature. Accredited accommodation must meet strict criteria in terms of sustainable agriculture and respect for the environment.

Sun Flowers

Fleurs de Soleil is a label that focuses on quality of welcome and conviviality. Bed and breakfasts with the label must offer a warm, personalised service, with particular attention paid to detail and decoration.

European Ecolabel

The European Ecolabel is an environmental label that certifies accommodation that meets strict ecological criteria. It is ideal for B&Bs wishing to highlight their commitment to sustainable development.

How do you choose the right label?

Analysing your needs

Before choosing a label, it's important to clearly define your needs and objectives. Do you want to highlight the ecological aspect of your accommodation? Is the quality of the welcome your priority? These questions will help you to make the right choice.

Compare criteria

Each label has its own criteria and requirements. So it's essential to compare them to find the one that best suits your establishment. Consider the following aspects:

• Cost of membership: Compare the costs of certification, the annual fees and any commissions.
• Specifications: Make sure you can meet the criteria imposed by the label.
• Services offered: Check the additional services offered by the label, such as training, communication tools, etc.

Consult reviews

Don't hesitate to consult the opinions of other owners of approved bed and breakfasts. Their feedback can give you a clearer idea of the advantages and disadvantages of each label.

Summary of the main labels

• Gîtes de France: Well-known and long-established, several sub-labels, classification from 1 to 5 épis.
• Clévacances: Emphasis on quality, classification from 1 to 5 clés, ecological options.
• Accueil Paysan: For farms, sustainable farming criteria.
• Sun Flowers: Quality of welcome and friendliness, attention to detail.
• European Ecolabel: Strict ecological criteria, commitment to sustainable development.

Conclusion

Choosing a label for your bed and breakfast is an important decision that can greatly influence the visibility and credibility of your establishment. Each label has its own specific features, advantages and disadvantages. So it's crucial to analyse your needs carefully and compare the different criteria before making your choice. Ultimately, the right label is the one that best matches your vision and objectives for your B&B.

Find out more :

1. How profitable is a bed and breakfast?
2. Formalities for opening guest rooms
3. How do you set up a guest house?
4. What budget do you need to open a bed and breakfast?
5. Taxation of bed and breakfast establishments
6. What status should guest rooms have?
7. What licence is required for a chambre d'hôte?
8. What services are available for chambres d'hôtes?
9. How do I choose a bed and breakfast platform?
10. Operating guest rooms as a company
11. Furnishing and decorating a guest room
12. Classification of guest rooms
13. What is the ideal number of rooms for a bed and breakfast business?
14. Is it profitable to offer table d'hôte as well as chambres d'hôtes?
15. How do you communicate effectively for a bed and breakfast?