Page 174 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

172  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

Visitors are spoiled for choice with the variety area has plenty of cozy rural inns with
of accommodation on offer across England’s excellent restaurants, luxurious country
South Coast. This section suggests places to houses, as well as chic seaside hotels and
stay throughout the area and across a range ones geared to families on bucket-and-
of prices, from a hotel filled with Regency spade holidays. Whatever the price bracket,
splendour in the centre of Bath to a quirky base these hotels are among the best of their
in Brighton, a slick London hotel, a modest kind, selected for their distinctive character,
B&B in Kent, a pub deep in cider country, or their exceptional hospitality, facilities,
a family hotel on the Cornish Riviera. The great location or value for money.
Country-House Hotels or inns also offer comfort able
Quintessentially English, accommodation and good food;
country-house hotels occupy many are family friendly. The
buildings of architect ural or best offer facilities and services
historic interest. They usually that rival most hotels.
have extensive grounds, classic
decoration and antique furniture,
and many have first-rate dining Guesthouses and B&Bs
rooms, spas and gym facilities. The seaside guesthouse may
Comfort, even luxury, is assured. have been consigned to history,
Service is often outstand ing, but but the B&B (bed-and-breakfast)
rates tend to be high. Some of is a popular form of low-cost
these hotels are still privately accommodation in England.
owned and personally managed; Seating area in the lobby at The Goring, There are two types: small
others belong to groups. a luxury hotel in London hotels with no restaurant and
few communal amenities, and
and often have reduced rates in family-owned private homes.
Boutique Hotels
low season. Budget chains with Regional tourist offices have
Luxurious but cutting-edge, no-frills accommodation include lists of local registered B&Bs.
design-conscious hotels revel Ibis, Mercure, Travelodge and The VisitBritain (see p202) and
in ground-breaking architecture Premier Inn; among the mid- London Bed and Breakfast
with minimalist decoration and market chains are Holiday Inn, Agency websites are also
high-tech gadgets. Some of Novotel, Marriott and Hilton. good resources.
them have excellent restaurants. Independently owned franchise
Chains such as ABode, Hotel hotels are also found in the
du Vin, Pig Hotels and hub by South Coast, including Best Rates and Bookings
Premier Inn are included in this Western and Pride of Britain. Check whether the advertised
category. Popular with budget- rate includes just the room, B&B
conscious travellers, the boutique or half-board (dinner and bed-
B&B is a spin-off of the trend. Inns and Pubs with Rooms and-breakfast) per person. Rates
Coaching inns, dating from the generally include Value Added
17th and 18th centuries, are a Tax (VAT) and service charges,
Historic and familiar sight in the south of but most hotels charge hefty
Character Hotels
England. Most have traditional single-person supplements.
Historic hotels have a connection decor and a warm and friendly Prices in London are elevated,
with the history of their area, atmosphere. Other types of pubs while those in the rural areas
while character hotels have
charm and appeal. Character
hotels may have cozy rooms,
exposed beams and open fires,
though they may also be more
striking and contemporary.
Hotel Groups
Although chain hotels lack
individuality, they are almost
always efficiently run and
conveniently placed. They
represent good value for money, Picturesque setting of the Art Deco-inspired Burgh Island Hotel in Devon
Pots and plants for sale at the flower market on Columbia Road in London

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