Dear WuBookers, the tourism market is characterized, among other things, by high competition: alongside traditional hotels, there are more informal solutions such as B&Bs, vacation rentals, agritourisms, etc. These alternatives differ in type and services offered, catering to various travel styles. Let’s take a look at the main types of non-hotel accommodations and how they differ from each other.
Hotels and non-hotel accommodation: what’s the difference?
The definition of hotel and non-hotel accommodation is regulated by individual countries. In Italy, for example, Legislative Decree No. 79 of May 23, 2011 regulates the tourism market and provides a classification of the different categories of accommodation available in the country: hotels and similar establishments; non-hotel accommodations; outdoor accommodations (such as campsites, tourist villages, and holiday parks); and, finally, accommodation facilities providing mere support (areas available for independent stays, with tents).
In general, however, we can divide the sector into two macro types: hotels and non-hotel accommodations.
Hotel tourist facilities
This category includes hotels (including scattered hotels), resorts, and motels. In many cases, hotels receive a classification, or stars, and must follow strict procedures to obtain licenses and permits. For this reason, they are often managed by companies or chains.
Another important difference concerns the services offered: hotels and similar establishments must provide guests with certain ancillary services such as a reception desk (open for a minimum number of hours), room cleaning, linen change, luggage storage, laundry service, and so on. These services are usually required in order to maintain the hotel’s quality level or star rating.
Non-hotel tourist accommodations
Non-hotel accommodations are generally less expensive than hotels and are subject to more flexible regulations. They are usually privately owned or managed by small family businesses, which are able to respond to customer requests in a more personalized and timely manner.
This flexibility is, in most cases, also reflected in the services offered: the requirements for non-hotel accommodations are often less strict. For example, a B&B is required to provide breakfast but may not have a reception.
What types of non-hotel accommodations are there?
So, what types of non-hotel accommodations are there? Among the most common are:
- Bed & Breakfast
- Holiday homes
- Residences
- Farmhouses
- Mountain huts
- Youth hostels
- Guesthouses for tourists
- Historic residences
And other similar establishments. But let’s go into detail, keeping in mind that rules, obligations, and characteristics may vary from country to country.
Bed & Breakfast
As the name suggests, a B&B is an accommodation that provides overnight lodging and breakfast, which is mandatory. Breakfast can be provided in areas shared by all guests or in private spaces.
The property may be family-run or managed by an agency, and the number of rooms and beds available for rent may vary, but the business covers the entire building.
Holiday homes
Holiday homes also involve the entire property, which must be provided in its entirety (in other words, it is not possible to rent individual rooms to different people). It can be managed either as a business or privately – with different tax implications – and include optional additional services such as linen, cleaning, and even a welcome kit.
Residences
Similar to vacation homes, residences include multiple real estate units and tourist solutions within the same complex. They may include extra services such as meals – typically in common areas – and cleaning, but also swimming pools, private beaches, and ski slopes. This type of accommodation is very popular with those who prefer long stays dedicated to relaxation or entertainment.
Agritourisms
Often run by farmers, these structures (also known as country houses) are located in rural settings and offer guests an authentic experience of country life. The offer may include home-cooked meals prepared with produce from the garden, visits to the local area, and regenerative tourism initiatives, which have become very popular in recent years.
Alpine refuges
Alpine refuges, located at high altitudes, are only open at certain times of the year, during the high season, and provide shelter, refreshments, and mountain rescue. When closed, they must still provide a room open to anyone in need of temporary shelter.
Youth hostels
Usually “spartan” and low-cost, hostels are designed for short stays. They are equipped with shared spaces, such as dormitories, bathrooms, and kitchens, and are therefore particularly popular with young people. They are generally run by organizations or associations.
Guesthouses for tourists
Guesthouses for tourists include colleges, boarding schools, and guesthouses belonging to organizations operating in the social and youth sector for cultural, welfare, religious, and sporting purposes. They are mainly aimed at individuals or small groups, guarantee a bed, and may also offer other additional services.
Historic residences
Finally, historic residences are distinguished by the historicity or value of the structure and interiors, often furnished with valuable furniture and objects. As a result, prices and rates are higher than other solutions, but the experience is unique.
The right tools for every type of facility
This is just a brief overview of the different types of non-hotel accommodation available on the tourism market, which also includes campsites, glamping, and similar options. However, they all have similar management requirements, from bookings to check-out. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with the right tools to facilitate front and back office work and make your guests’ stay worthy of the best reviews.
Among the tools that are essential for everything to run smoothly are: PMS, a comprehensive management system for all tourism activities; channel manager, software dedicated to sales on external portals such as OTAs; booking engine, to attract, record, and organize direct bookings.
But you don’t need to purchase them all separately: Zak is the all-in-one PMS from WuBook equipped with all the features necessary for those who manage an accommodation facility, whether a hotel or otherwise. This allows property managers and hoteliers to focus fully on their work by exploiting the full potential of the tool and relying on extensive technical support in their own language. Technical support is essential for those working in the sector, so why not find out more now?