There are various types of hotels in the United Kingdom. From dormitory-style hostels with bunk beds (such as youth hostels) to presidential suites in ultra-luxurious hotels that were once reserved for Arab royalty, visitors have plenty of options to choose from. In fact, hotels are scattered all over the British Isles, with a large number available for tourists to stay in.
There are a few points to pay attention to regarding accommodation:
1. Regarding room reservations. In the United Kingdom, it is generally not necessary to book rooms in advance, except for during the Edinburgh Festival and at some ancient castle hotels. In the towns you wish to visit, you can find hotels that suit your preferences and pay a price you can accept for accommodation.
2. Regarding accommodation fees. Tourists can negotiate on their own or ask the consulting office for assistance, but it is essential to resolve this issue before checking in. First, make sure to clarify what type of room you want to stay in; after knowing the room rate, inquire whether breakfast is included in that price (excluding B&Bs). Additionally, especially in urban hotels, it is common for the establishment to require an additional VTA (which is a 17.5% consumption tax) when checking out, so verify whether the accommodation fee includes the VTA. Generally, hotels do not charge extra fees for amenities such as showers, televisions, or heating, but it is wise to ask for clarification.
In large cities like London, guests often need to pay for the room upfront after checking in. In the countryside, payment is usually made at checkout. It seems that larger cities are less trusting. Remember to ask for a receipt when making payment upon check-in!
Now, let’s introduce the main types of accommodations:
Inn
When "coach" referred to horse-drawn carriages, this type of inn, with a tavern on the first floor and accommodations on the second, was once widespread throughout England, but can now only be found in the countryside. Additionally, "Inn" specifically refers to certain historic buildings with special meanings, rather than just any inn.
Times are tough, and many inns still retain the original appearance of their buildings but have undergone luxurious renovations to survive, transforming into high-end hotels. Although these inns tend to be pricier, they are well-suited for fully experiencing the unique atmosphere of England.
Guesthouse
This type of guesthouse is also known as a Private Hotel, often run by families who rent out rooms after vacating their children's rooms. The number of rooms is usually limited, but the service is attentive and warm. Most guesthouses include breakfast in the accommodation fee, and generally, the conditions are better than those of B&Bs, with similar pricing.
Bed & Breakfast (B&B)
B&Bs are a unique accommodation option in the United Kingdom and are very popular among tourists. If you love British traditions and culture and want to learn more about the British people, you must stay at a B&B. Although it is becoming increasingly difficult to find B&Bs in London for under $30 per person, the countryside still has many budget-friendly options, generally starting at around $12 per person. It is worth noting that these establishments offer a hearty English breakfast. While many B&Bs in large cities like London often only provide toast and tea or coffee as a continental breakfast, over 90% of B&Bs in the countryside will allow you to enjoy a delicious and plentiful breakfast.
Additionally, some B&Bs do not display any signs, so it is best to inquire at the local consulting office or ask locals directly. Staying in a regular person's home can also be a very interesting experience.
Y.H. (Youth Hostel)
Youth hostels are generally located farther from city centers. To stay in a youth hostel, you need a Y.H. membership card, which can be obtained on-site at some large Y.H. locations. Accommodation fees typically range from £5 to £10 (for those over 18), while in London, it can reach £10 to £20, and some hostels do not include breakfast in the accommodation fee. Additionally, many youth hostels have large rooms shared by multiple guests, so be sure to take care of your belongings.
Moreover, many youth hostels are situated in scenic suburban areas, and some hostels are even castles or other historic buildings. Collecting information about Y.H. and planning your accommodation along with B&Bs will surely lead to an economical and comfortable experience.
