A Simple Guide to UK Accommodation
options Hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfast, self-catering
- how to select the type of accommodation that is right for your stay
in the UK
The UK offers quite a variety of accommodation options for visitors
from abroad (or within the UK itself!). This mini-tutorial is intended
to give a brief overview of the types of accommodation available so
that you can make an informed decision about the type of accommodation
that is right for you.
Serviced facilities offering accommodation in individual rooms.
Hotels may offer private wc/bath facilities, but many older or budget
hotels do not. Some hotels also offer breakfast as part of the price.
Hotels may also have business facilities, such as conference rooms,
or Internet hookups available. Some hotels have their own restaurants
and bars.
Advantages: Wide variety to chose
from, privacy, located all over the UK Disadvantages: may be more expensive
than other options
Britain Express specialises in historic hotels, hand-rated for heritage interest. Use the
search form below or browse
hotels here
Self-catering
The term "self-catering" applies to a broad range of
flats, houses, cottages and serviced apartments. These establishments
provide cooking facilities in addition to sleeping facilities. This
type of accommodation is most suitable when you will be staying in
an area for an extended period (i.e. one week or more). Most self-catering
facilities are rented by the week, though shorter rentals may be
available in the low season. Self-catering establishments are rated
from 1 to 5 stars, with the higher star ratings awarded on the basis
of progressively higher levels of quality and customer care. Make
sure to note that 'start' day for weekly rentals. This is usually
Saturday, but Friday is also common.
Advantages: Generally cheaper than
hotels or B&B of a similar quality. Good for families or larger
groups traveling together. Private cooking facilities available. Disadvantages: You must provide
for your own meals. Harder to get short-term rentals.
The term guesthouse is sometimes used interchangeably with "B&B"
(see below). Guesthouses generally offer rooms in a private home,
often with a cooked breakfast included in the price, Guesthouse accommodation
is available all over the UK, and is rated from 1 to 5 Diamonds on
the basis of progressively higher levels of quality and customer care.
Advantages: Often cheaper than hotels,
personal service. Disadvantages:As for Bed and breakfasts;
possible lack of privacy, visitors generally have to arrange their own
evening meals.
Sometimes called "Youth Hostels" these facilities are
suitable for larger groups or people traveling on a tight budget.
Accommodation is generally in large rooms, with multiple beds to a
room. Hostels are popular with students, though they are open to anyone
of any age. Some hostels have separate family rooms, but most offer
dormitory style accommodation, with males and females occupying separate
rooms. Most hostels offer a communal cooking area for preparing meals.
No private bath or shower facilities are provided. Hostels are rated
from 1 to 5 stars, with the higher star ratings awarded on the basis
of progressively higher levels of quality and customer care.
There are several categories of hostels available, including youth
hostels, camping barns, and bunkhouses. Bunkhouses are similar to
hostels, but offer only limited service and facilities, usually on
a self-catering basis. Bunkhouses are not Star rated, but must meet
basic minimum quality standards. Camping Barns (also known as ‘stone
tents’) provide very simple self-catering accommodation. Camping
Barns are not Star rated, but must meet minimum quality standards.
Advantages: cheap, opportunity to
socialize with others. Good for groups. Disadvantages: lack of privacy.
Britain Express can highly recommend membership in the British YHA - other good places to book hostels include BookHostels and HostelWorld
Caravanning and Camping
This type of accommodation is for travelers who intend to use tents
or caravans (campers). The British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme rates
campgrounds and caravan parks, using a star rating system to identify
the level of facilities available.
Advantages: cheap. Disadvantages: limited choice of location,
must provide your own sleeping facility. CAMPING AND
CARAVANNING RESOURCES >>
B&Bs
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) offer rooms and breakfast. Some people
prefer B&Bs because many are located in private homes, and the
personal service of a good B&B host can be a real highlight of
a visit. Facilities are not as comprehensive as those offered in some
hotels, but the standard of accommodation and personal service can
be quite high. Many B&Bs do not have private WC/bath facilities.
Some offer an evening meal in addition to breakfast, and most will
pack a lunch for you by prior arrangement. Bed and breakfast accommodation
is available all over the UK, and is rated from 1 to 5 Diamonds on
the basis of progressively higher levels of quality and customer care.
Advantages: Often cheaper than hotels,
personal service. Disadvantages: Possible lack of privacy.
Visitors generally have to arrange their own evening meals.
Browse our directory of UK
Bed and Breakfasts or do a quick search for availability with
the form below:
