Hotels, Bed and Breakfast and Holiday Accommodation

Guest House and B and B are really the same - you pay for a room and breakfast, other meals may be served but are optional. The standards at Bed and Breakfast are generally much higher than before, thanks to a national rating system. Most now offer bedrooms with ensuite showers or bathrooms. Hotels can range from the largest most opulent five star establishment right through to a quaint style of bed and breakfast. The term 'private hotel' is applied in order to obtain a drinks license for hotel residents.

A Restaurant with Rooms is a type of hotel that is becoming more popular in Britain: these are often run by Chef-Proprietors The standard of accommodation is generally luxurious, and of course there is a gourmet restaurant forming part of the hotel. Guests generally are drawn to stay there to sample the cuisine, so they stay for just a few days. These hotels seldom have the facilities that are provided in a chain hotel, such as fitness centres or swimming pools. However they make up for that in the quality of the food, guest rooms and personal service.

'Guest House' is not a fashionable term - you are most likely to find guest houses at large traditional seaside resorts, whereas Bed and Breakfast is now quite trendy. The prices can vary enormously as there are now some luxury B and Bs competing with hotels, especially in London. But you still get the informal atmosphere that is different from a hotel - if you prefer not to talk to the other guests, you might prefer a hotel. At Bed and Breakfast, especially in a farmhouse, there is a good chance of getting home made produce at breakfast.

In the countryside, Bed and Breakfast can consist of one room for rent in a family home, or the owner could have six guest rooms plus a guest lounge and dining room. Lots of farms are now offering farmhouse bed and breakfast, as it is more profitable than their other activities. If you choose a rural Bed and Breakfast, check how far it is from the nearest village so you can go out for a drink or meal in the evening.

Country House Hotels are often luxurious hideaways with an emphasis on outdoor activities in their extensive grounds. There may also be an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre but it is best to check in advance. In a country house hotel the aim is to recreate the atmosphere of a house party in a bygone age so you will be able to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with jam and scones, for example.

You might expect Country House Hotels to be Dog friendly as well, but that is not always the case, so you can follow our recommendations or check with the hotel first.

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