Managing a bed and breakfast as well as offering quality services to attract and retain guests, running a bed and breakfast business also requires a clear legal and tax framework to ensure a stable income. This article explores the essential and optional services you need to offer to ensure a memorable experience for your guests, while addressing the legal and tax aspects of running a bed and breakfast business, particularly in France.
The basis of all bed and breakfast is the provision of an overnight stay and breakfast. Under French regulations, a chambre d'hôte must include :
These elements are compulsory in order to use the "chambre d'hôte" designation. This allows the owner, who is often also the operator, to comply with the legal rules in force. The room must be located in the owner's main residence, and the business must be registered with the local authorities. The owner is subject to a specific tax regime, and income from this activity may be subject to income tax.
Welcoming guests is a distinctive feature of B&Bs. It is essential to create a warm and friendly atmosphere as soon as guests arrive, by meeting their expectations and providing all the information they need about their stay. The host should be on hand to welcome guests, settle them in and provide them with all the information they need about the stay, the site and the region, thereby fostering an enriching experience of local life. A personalised welcome can also include advice on local activities and suggestions for exploring the surrounding area.
Rooms must comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Each room must have access to a shower room and toilet. The number of rooms is limited to five, and the maximum capacity is 15 people, in line with tourist regulations. It is also essential to register the activity with the town hall in the commune where the bed and breakfast is located, in order to comply with legal obligations. This ensures that the project complies with the legal framework, including payment of tourist tax and CFE (cotisation foncière des entreprises) if turnover exceeds a certain threshold.
Offering meals to your guests can be an asset, especially if your establishment is located in an isolated area. A table d'hôtes is a unique meal, often made up of local dishes, and should be eaten in the company of the local people.
This reinforces the convivial and authentic experience, while offering an opportunity to discover local products. However, the sale of alcoholic beverages requires a special licence, and the rules governing catering must be respected. Offering local wine can enhance this offer, but it is important to comply with the legislation in force.
To enhance the comfort of your guests, you can offer additional services such as :
These additional options, although not compulsory, can make the stay more pleasant and meet the specific expectations of certain customers, while allowing the host to diversify his offer. In addition, offering a space dedicated to leisure activities, such as a garden or terrace, can increase guest satisfaction.
Offering activities can enrich your guests' stay. These can include walks, guided tours, local cookery workshops, or wellness sessions such as massages. These activities can be a great way of attracting a wider clientele, while at the same time showcasing the region and its local assets. In fact, discovering local activities can be an integral part of a customer's trip. These services can be offered directly by the host or through partnerships with local businesses.
To attract a more discerning clientele, it is possible to offer superior-quality rooms with additional amenities such as air conditioning, television, Wi-Fi access, a private bathroom with a bathtub, or meticulous, personalised decoration. These services make it possible to stand out in a competitive market, and to raise prices accordingly.
A bed and breakfast that stands out for its quality and premium services can justify higher rates.
A concierge service can also be offered to meet specific customer needs, such as booking restaurants, organising tours or hiring vehicles. This type of service is often expected by customers used to top-of-the-range services, and can be an interesting alternative to complement the offer proposed by the operator. It also contributes to an optimal customer experience.
Offering a bed and breakfast involves much more than simply providing accommodation. It's about creating a unique and memorable experience for your guests by offering quality services, both essential and optional. By investing in additional services and providing a warm welcome, you can build customer loyalty and stand out in a competitive market. Affiliation with tourism networks or a presence on online booking platforms can also provide greater visibility to attract international customers. Compliance with the tourist code and tax regulations, including the declaration of rental income and payment of associated taxes, is essential if you are to manage your bed and breakfast business properly and successfully.
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. Bed and breakfast labels
11. Operating guest rooms as a company
12. Furnishing and decorating a guest room
13. Classification of guest rooms
14. What is the ideal number of rooms for a bed and breakfast business?
15. Is it profitable to offer table d'hôte as well as chambres d'hôtes?
16. How do you communicate effectively for a bed and breakfast?
