The girl finds herself at the mercy of her sex-crazed guests and matters become worse when her mother dies.

[1][4] Barilli admitted to needing the money and took the offer to direct the film.

[5] The film had an unusual setting, which film historian Roberto Curti described as "one-of-a-kind work" that did not fit into the mold of a gothic, giallo, or psychological drama but encompassed elements of all the genres.

[5] Pensione paura was distributed theatrically in Italy by Euro International Films on 16 February 1978.

[6] It was Barelli's last theatrically released film, as the director dedicated himself to painting afterwards.