Where to stay in UK?

So you’re travelling to the United Kingdom and will be staying there some days. But you haven’t figured out what kind of accommodation would suit you and your budget. Not to worry. The purpose of this site is to arm you with all the information you need before you pick your bags and set out for the UK.

We will list out all the various types of accommodation that UK offers, what they are called locally, and what to expect from each kind, just so you don’t talk yourself into a luxury suite when you could as easily get inexpensive accommodation elsewhere.

Hotels
Hotels are the standard choice for the urban businessman, that is if he hasn’t been to the UK before. Or if he has and is quite comfortable with the kind of impersonal professionalism of hotels. UK is home to some of the world’s best hotels in the world. The range is also very accommodating for all kinds of travelers. You would have a choice ranging from discounted rooms to luxury apartments. Hotels are most conveniently located and offer every facility you might need. Some hotels even provide business facilities like conference rooms and Internet service.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
These are more popular among those who travel more frequently to this part of Europe. As the name suggests a guest is offered a room as well as breakfast. There are some which offer evening meals as well. But generally guests have to arrange their own evening meals or eat out at restaurants. And should you wish to carry a packed lunch with you, most of these B&Bs will happily oblige, with prior notice of course.

As you may have already guessed, B&Bs are usually cheaper than hotels, plus they offer personal services. They can afford to be cheaper because they are located in private homes and run by the owner, who would be called a host. If the host is particularly good, you can expect a very high standard of service. But you still cannot compare these with the comprehensive range of services in a hotel.

But check them out before you check in at one of these B&Bs, because many do not have wc/bath facilities. Another disadvantage, though not always, could be a lack of privacy.

Guest houses
Similar to B&Bs, these also offer private rooms and breakfast, which perhaps is the reason they are also referred to as B&Bs. And also why they can be found all over the U.K. The similarities don’t end there. Guesthouses are the cheaper option to hotels, include personal service and yes the disadvantages are the same as with B&Bs.

Self catering
If you ‘re planning to stay awhile in the UK, say, for a month or two, then the best option for you would be a self catering accommodation, especially if you’re traveling with the family or in a group and someone knows how to cook. Self catering accommodations are a broad range of flats, apartments, houses or cottages. You would be provided sleeping and cooking facilities.

As you must have figured out, staying at these places would cost you much less. But then that is the reason why they are so difficult to get, particularly for short term stays.

Hostels
If a local recommends you stay at a ‘youth hostel’, don’t point to your balding pate and protruding belly. Instead thank him for he has suggested a great money saver. In the UK hostels are referred to as youth hostels, because they are quite popular among students. They however accept guests of any age. Hostels have large rooms, with multiple beds to a room, much like a dormitory.

They are ideal for larger groups of travelers or families, particularly those who are traveling on a tight budget. They are reasonably comfortable if one is not too fussy. Hostels offer a communal cooking area where you cook your own meals. The downside is they do not include shower facility or private bathroom. Another disadvantage is the lack of privacy.

Travel inn
If you’re looking for something more comfortable than hostels, yet as cheap, and more convenient, then the best option for you is a ‘travel inn’. Cheap, no frill accommodation that offers king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, remote control TV, blackout curtains, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, family rooms, etc. Non-smoking rooms are also available. All very comfortable, very pocket-friendly.

There are three types of travel inns: ‘Metro Travel Inns’ which are located within the city centres and main UK airports. ‘Capital Travel Inns’ which are situated in central London and ‘Ordinary Travel Inns’ which have no specific location advantage. Rooms per night at most of these would cost you about £44.95, shared between two that would be £22.50 approximately.

Travel inns do not offer fancy frills like wake-up calls, no breakfast even. But then most of these would have eateries and cheap restaurants nearby. A moderately priced breakfast would set you back by £6.50. If you are coming unprepared and without advance reservations you’ll have a better chance staying at these travel inns. There are around 252 Ordinary ravel Inns, 39 Metro Inns and 5 Capital Travel Inns.

Caravanning and camping
If you are a nomadic person and go where your whim takes you then you probably travel with bag, baggage and tent or caravan. Before you pick on a location to camp out at, you would be best advised to check out the rates of Caravanning and Camping from the British graded Holiday Parks Scheme. It allows some facilities (very few), is very cheap but you can’t be choosy about the location. Make sure you carry a sleeping bag or have arrangements like blankets, because.