How to open a Bed and Breakfast

Permits, locations, costs. Everything you need to know to run this business.

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how to open a B&B

HOW APRIRE UN BED & BREAKFAST

Il world of Bed and Breakfast in Italy it has become a sort of Wild West of paid hospitalityEveryone does everything, and sometimes well beyond what would be permitted not so much by the rules, which are obviously too many and contradictory, but by simple common sense.

Let's start with the numbers. We are around 35mila, and in many cities, especially small and medium-sized ones, there are certainly more bed and breakfasts than hotels. Is this a benefit for everyone? Absolutely. It increases competition, creates income and job opportunities (it's estimated that the sector employs around 40 people), and transforms a property that may have been unused and wasted into a source of income.

Having said that, the problems begin, and we move from the limbo of a sector that has become a key part of the economy to the hellish chaos of bed and breakfasts. For those who frequent them, for those who live near them, and for those who must navigate the jungle of regulations to open one where it's truly needed. Just think: instead of having a single national text, perhaps then with some regional variations based on the different needs of the territories, we have had the usual binge of laws, one for each regionOne on top of the other, or against the other.

A single text could guarantee transparency for managers, safety and quality for consumers. Simple and clear. However, if you proceed in a haphazard manner, everything becomes opaque and complicated. In some regions, opening a B&B requires a SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Business), in others you also need a floor plan of the apartment to be used for this purpose. And in still others, they require various policies and contracts. In Bolzano, you can open up to eight rooms; in Lazio, Emilia Romagna, and Campania, you must limit yourself to three. Each region decides how many days this activity must be suspended. Breakfast is included in the service, and even this is not the same for everyone. In the Marche region, 70 percent of the products must be local, while in other cases, there is an explicit requirement to serve packaged products, industrial brands from large retailers, as these would be more guaranteed in terms of food safety.

TO KNOW MORE: Grocers, shacks, outdoor restaurants, the religion of food is suffocating us

FAR WEST BED & BREAKFAST

And where does this Babel of rules and regulations lead? Chaos. B&Bs are increasing, but their quality is declining. Often, hovels open and no one says a word. In some areas, especially in large cities, and in some neighborhoods, especially in historic centers, there are too many. And this proliferation becomes a waste for the tourism systemAs with Italy, which has been transformed into a country of grocers, which we've denounced, we're sliding into the gray area of ​​a country of bed and breakfasts. This will destroy other businesses in the sector and further degrade the quality of hotels that must compete with B&Bs. border line, capable of unfair competition.

Finally, everyone's opening bed and breakfasts, but no one seems to care if, with the constant coming and going of guests carrying suitcases, a community of residents, tenants, and owners, is forced to give up their peace and quiet, and the very rights that come with owning a home. So many rules, and one solution: the Wild West of B&Bs. On the other hand, there are some common rules and suggestions for open un bed & Breakfast and be successful.

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LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Before opening a B&B, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and all the documents required to start the business. You should also familiarize yourself with regional laws, which may vary.

  • It's important to verify that the property meets the health, safety, and urban planning requirements required for this type of use.
  • You will need to submit the SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) to your municipality of residence, attaching various documents, from the house plan to the contract.
  • You will then need to initiate a series of procedures to classify the property. It is also important to subsequently register and notify the public safety authorities of guests.

LOCATION

How do you choose a location? First of all, you should choose a popular location or one located near tourist attractions, always considering the competition. Another aspect not to be overlooked is the B&B's accessibility: is it easy or complicated to get to?

BREAKFAST AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Breakfast is important in a B&B, especially if it's prepared with high-quality local products. It's the best way to win over guests and earn good reviews.

Don't overlook additional services like bike and scooter rentals, and any agreements with restaurants and tour operators. These are all things that help make your accommodation more attractive.

PROMOTION

How to promote yourself? You can use social media and create a website to publicize your business, but don't rely on DIY; it's better to develop a marketing strategy with professionals who will be able to guide you in the best possible way. Of course, customer feedback is also very important, not to mention word of mouth.

FEES

How much does it cost to open a B&B? It's certainly a significant investment. However, if the business remains occasional and doesn't exceed certain thresholds, it's not necessary to register for VAT.

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