To answer this question you should know exactly what is the meaning of bed and breakfast in Rome, and in general in Italy - since you are supposed to know what to expect from a Hotel.
This type of accommodation is very much different from country to country: if in the United Kingdom (the homeland of bed and breakfasts) this type of accommodation has a long tradition and there are several bed and breakfast associations, a rating system, and a quality control, in Italy things are a bit different. The first bed and breakfast opened in Rome in 1997, so less than 9 years ago, and since then thousands of B&Bs opened all over Italy. At the beginning it was a solution to answer the quest for accommodation of the pilgrims coming for the Jubilee (year 2000).
The state rules concerning the bed and breakfast standards and policies are demanded to the regions, and in each region things work differently. The result is that nowadays we still dont have a general rating system and a quality control. If bed and breakfasts are checked by the official tourist boards at the very beginning (when they open), no other control is done afterwards.
In this situation the control effort is demanded to the private companies which promotes bed and breakfasts, and serious companies check constantly the service quality and the overall standard offered. In good bed and breakfast you find extremely high quality standards at a relatively cheap price. Usually they are very well located and rooms are comparable to 3 stars hotel rooms (sometimes even better!).
Anyway if you are looking for a bed and breakfast in Rome dont think about finding a house or a cottage, but a big apartment well organized with 3 to 6 rooms for guests, many times with en-suite bathrooms (to be sure ask for it!) and a breakfast hall. If you are concerned about breakfast, dont think about the English one: we have strict rules in the Lazio region about the food manipulation. Thats why if a bed and breakfast sticks to the rules you wont find hand made cakes, pizza, fresh croissants: everything you are going to get has to be singularly packed.
Explain exactly and clearly your needs and you will surely spend a nice and relaxing holiday!
By: Gianluca Martini
He is the founder of Italia Lodging, a portal promoting small charming accommodation in Italy.
Website http://www.italialodging.com
He writes about Italy and his articles are good suggetions and tips on how to find a good accommodation in Italy
