Guest Houses in Australia

Guest Houses

Guest houses occupy a unique accommodation position nestled between bed and breakfasts and hotels. They are usually owner-operated, similar to B&Bs, yet usually maintain a service staff similar to hotels. Most, however, do not offer full service and some functions, such as carrying your bags to your rooms, may be self-service.

A guest house also differs from a hostel because it does not necessarily require travelers to share amenities and facilities. It is unlike a serviced apartment, because it does not usually offer live-in services like laundry, kitchen, chauffeur, etc.

Guest houses may be part of the house, or detached from the main house. Detached units may have separate entrances and enhanced privacy, while guest houses within the main house may have more shared options, such as a shared dining hall.

A typical guest house may offer some or all of the following facilities:

• Fully furnished apartment
• Single, twin, and double bed rooms
• Self-contained rooms
• Servicing and maintenance of rooms
• Rooms with a view (mountain, ocean, etc)
• Options for children and pets
• Options for disabled people

Before choosing a guest house to stay in check that:

• Its location meets your travel needs
• The owners accept your payment method (online booking, credit card, etc)
• The rooms and en suite facilities are what you require (en suite bathroom, etc)
• The rooms are regularly serviced and maintained (clean sheets, regular room service)
• The ancillary services offered suit your travel needs (internet, communication, travel needs, etc)
• The guest house has been given some great reviews online by previous people who've stayed there. You can find reviews and recommendations like this at websites like Start Local.