Accommodation

The range of accommodation in Britain is vast, from first class hotels to camping and caravan sites. You can book accommodation in advance from your own country through your travel agent or directly with the establishment you want to stay in. You can also book in advance when you’ve arrived in Britain through certain Tourist Information Centres (TICs). If you are travelling to the more popular places in Britain during the peak holiday season, May-October, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.

The national tourist boards for England, Scotland and Wales publish accommodation guides called Where to Stay. They are available from bookshops and TICs.

Hotels

Hotels in Britain are not cheap, by comparison with some countries. The prices they quote are normally per person, not per room. It is usual for breakfast to be included in the price of a night’s accommodation. Some hotels offer ‘half board’, accommodation, breakfast and one other meal; or ‘full board’, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hotels, in general, like guests to check in before 18:00. If you are likely to arrive late in the evening it is advisable to let the hotel know. Check-out time is usually 11:00 or 12:00 on the day of departure, although arrangements can be made to check out later.

Guest houses

Guest houses are smaller and cheaper than hotels. They will probably have fewer facilities than most hotels: there may not be a bar, nor private bathrooms. In addition to the bedrooms there will be a living room for the use of guests and a dining room. Some guest houses offer bed and breakfast only, others offer lunch and dinner.

The tourist boards inspect hotels and guest houses throughout Britain every year and classify them according to the facilities and services they provide. There are six classifications: ‘listed’ (included in a list, catalog, or directory) and one to five crowns. The more crowns a hotel or guest house has, the wider its range of facilities and services is. ‘Approved’, ‘commended’ or ‘highly commended’ alongside the crowns means that the standards are particularly high. A leaflet explaining the classifications is available free from TICs.

Bed and breakfast

Bed and breakfast, often shortened to ‘B and B’, is the name for establishments which offer bed and breakfast but not usually any other meals. B and Bs are generally cheaper than hotels and guest houses and are found all over Britain. Some are private houses run by the families who live there; others are pubs; and some are farm houses on working farms. B and Bs generally give you a chance to meet British people at home and to practise your English.

Some B and Bs offer an evening meal; you should check in advance if you require this.

Youth hostels

The Youth Hostel Association has over 400 hostels in Britain. They are very cheap and are often in buildings of special or historic interest. Although there is no age restriction, youth hostels are mainly used by students and the under 30s. In order to stay in a youth hostel you must be a member. You can use British hostels by joining the International Youth Hostel Association in your own country, or you can apply for an International Guest card when you arrive in Britain. Everyone staying at a youth hostel is expected to help with the housework. Simple meals and/or self-catering facilities are provided at some hostels. Many hostels close for part of the year. You can find out more information by writing to:

The Youth Hostel Association

Trevelyan House

8 St Stephen’s Hill

St Albans

Hertfordshire

ALI 2DY, Tel: 0727 55215