To answer this question you should know exactly what is themeaning of 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 countryto country: if in the United Kingdom (the homeland of bed andbreakfasts) this type of accommodation has a long tradition andthere are several associations, a ratingsystem, and a quality control, in Italy things are a bitdifferent. The first opened in Rome in 1997,so less than 9 years ago, and since then thousands of B&Bsopened all over Italy. At the beginning it was a solution toanswer the quest for accommodation of the pilgrims coming forthe Jubilee (year 2000).
The state rules concerning the standards andpolicies are demanded to the regions, and in each region thingswork differently. The result is that nowadays we still don'thave a general rating system and a quality control. If bed andbreakfasts are checked by the official tourist boards at thevery beginning (when they open), no other control is doneafterwards.
In this situation the control effort is demanded to the privatecompanies which promotes bed and breakfasts, and seriouscompanies check constantly the service quality and the overallstandard offered. In good you find extremelyhigh quality standards at a relatively cheap price. Usually theyare very well located and rooms are comparable to 3 stars hotelrooms (sometimes even better!).
Anyway if you are looking for a in Rome don'tthink about finding a house or a cottage, but a big apartmentwell organized with 3 to 6 rooms for guests, many times withen-suite bathrooms (to be sure ask for it!) and a breakfasthall. If you are concerned about breakfast, don't think aboutthe English one: we have strict rules in the Lazio region aboutthe food manipulation. That's why if a sticksto the rules you won't find hand made cakes, pizza, freshcroissants: everything you are going to get has to be singularlypacked.
Explain exactly and clearly your needs and you will surely spenda nice and relaxing holiday!
About the author:He is the founder of Italia Lodging, a portal promoting smallcharming accommodation in Italy.
Website http://www.italialodging.com
He writes about Italy and his articles are good suggetions andtips on how to find a good accommodation in Italy
