Accommodation
One of our pet hates when we travel is hotel accommodation that, once you are inside, could be anywhere in the World! We seek out the smaller establishments that offer personal service and character. Our aim is to book you into the best accommodation available, within the constraints of your budget. Obviously the more notice we have the better, particularly in the more remote regions and during the peak seasons e.g. Christmas, Easter and the school holidays (from mid July to the end of August).
Types of Accommodation:
Guest Houses or Bed & Breakfast (B&Bs)
These are private homes with a small number of guest rooms. The properties can be anything from small town houses to rambling farm houses or even manor houses. The price varies according to type of establishment, position and luxury of accommodation. Bear in mind that these are private houses so room dimensions will vary widely. The decor similarly will be a reflection of the taste of the proprietors rather than a professional designer, which can make for an interesting style experience! What they have in common is a warm welcome, a personal service, from someone who truly cares, and a good hearty breakfast. Many also offer an evening meal, which frequently is of a high standard.
Country House Hotels
It is difficult to draw the line between the larger guest houses and those calling themselves ‘Country House Hotel’. By our definition these are large, distinctive houses still privately owned and run, which offer a high class of accommodation, service and meals, typically breakfast and an evening meal.
Inns & Small Hotels
Inns are public houses (Pubs) that have rooms. Pubs are usually owned by a brewery or hotel chain therefore quality can be hit or miss. An old and interesting building is no guarantee of quality. We only use inns that we have seen ourselves or that come with a high recommendation. Establishments calling themselves ‘hotels’ usually have more facilities, such as porterage or room service, which come at a price. We only use characterful hotels where there has been no compromise on personal service and quality of accommodation.
Self catering
If you wish to stay in one place for a period of time, self catering accommodation would be an excellent choice. In the height of Summer rental is usually a week at a time, but shorter stays are sometimes possible out of peak times. We can find you a cosy country cottage or something more unusual, for example a castle, an apartment in a grand country house or even a dovecote, perfect for a romantic retreat!!
Price Guides
To help you plan a budget we have banded the accommodation according to price. You can of course have a mixture. Why not stay in the height of luxury for 1 or 2 nights for a special treat! Prices are an indicator only (London rates, for instance, are often higher) and are per room, per night, based on two people sharing a double room, and include breakfast.
| Band | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | £60-90 | Good quality B&B, with private facilities. |
| B | £90-140 | More interesting or unusual property, more luxuriously appointed rooms, usually offer good quality evening meals. |
| C | £140-200 | Beautiful old buildings, luxury accommodation, fine food! |
| D | £200+ | The height of luxury and personal service. The best Country House and small hotels. |
Convert these prices to different currencies.
Please note that as of the 1st of July 2007 England joined Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in implementing a no smoking law.
Hotels, bed and breakfasts and boarding houses are covered by this law, although the business owner can specify certain bedrooms where the occupants are allowed to smoke. These rooms however, must be clearly marked as smoking ones and any communal areas such as lounges or breakfast rooms must be kept smoke free. Many hotels, bed and breakfasts and boarding houses will therefore now operate a total no-smoking policy.
