Where to Stay 23
Below far left Cosy room at the Abbotsbury
Hotel, Dorset Below left Four-poster bed in the
hotel at Amberley Castle, Sussex Below centre
Ees Wyke Country House hotel in the Lakes
Below right Camp site by Glencoe, ScotlandAbove left Traditional inn, Chipping Campden, made out of the local stone Above right Smart interior of a Chipping Campden hotel
DIRECTORYPRICE BANDS IN THE BOOK
Hotels
For a double room for 1 night,
breakfast and all taxes included.
Inexpensive – under £80
Moderate – £80–150
Expensive – over £150BOOKING A HOTEL
Distinction Hotels
http://www.distinctionhotels.com
Great Inns of Britain
01423 770 152: http://www.greatinns.co.uk
Scotland’s Hotels of Distinction
http://www.hotels-of-distinction.com
Welsh Rarebits
01686 668 030: http://www.rarebits.co.uk
CAMPING
Camping and Caravanning Club
0845 130 7632 or 024 7647 5448;
http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.
co.ukFacilities and Prices
British hotel rooms usually have a
double or twin beds; if you need a cot
or child’s bed, request it when booking.
Coffee- and tea-making facilities are a
welcome standard. Most places serve a
full “English” breakfast with eggs,
bacon, sausage and all the trimmings,
although “Continental” breakfasts are
usually also available.
All types of accommodation, from
camping parks to luxury hotels, are
rated from one to five stars in their
respective categories. The rating
system has finally been standardized
across the various tourist boards and
other rating agencies, such as the AA.
Properties are visited and assessed
every year. Be aware that many
establishments with lower star ratings
still offer excellent quality, but simply
have fewer facilities and services.
Generally, the higher the star rating,
the more expensive the room, but
prices also vary seasonally. Check for
special offers, and remember that
some of the lowest rates are offered
online through the hotel website.Camping
Camping and caravanning are popular
activities in Great Britain, and there is
a broad network of sites throughout
the country. These are graded for their
quality and facilities, similar to other
types of accommodation. The
Camping and Caravanning Club is
a good source of information. Wild
camping (outside of designated
camp sites and caravan parks) is
not legal in England and Wales. It
is permitted in Scotland, but you
should always obtain permission
from the landowner before parking
your caravan or pitching your tent.the establishment, using a credit card.
Or take advantage of the service
offered by tourist boards (see p15).
Some local tourist offices in Scotland
will book accommodation ahead at
your next night’s destination for a
deposit and small service charge. You
can also find properties of character
and luxury through organizations
such as Great Inns of Britain, Welsh
Rarebits, Scotland’s Hotels of
Distinction and Distinction Hotels.
Be sure to check if the rate quoted
is per person or per room – B&Bs and
guest houses are almost always per
person, as are many hotels. Rates in
Britain generally include VAT (tax), but
double-check in the pricier city hotels.