Travellers to the UK must possess the knowledge of how to make an online hotel reservation, as failing to plan ahead may result in a lack of suitable accommodations. Furthermore, the cost of checking in on the day of arrival could be significantly higher compared to booking in advance. A satisfactory lodging experience not only allows you to recharge but also enhances your overall trip experience. Due to cultural disparities, many individuals are unfamiliar with the check-in procedures at UK hotels. This blog aims to introduce the process of hotel reservation, check-in, and check-out in the UK, along with some noteworthy considerations.
Types of Hotels in the UK
In the UK, short-term accommodation is mainly divided into three categories: hotels, hostels and B&B.
Hotel
Hotels are the most common accommodation choice. Most hotels not only provide accommodation but also usually have a restaurant and room service, and depending on the star rating, there are many more extra services added.
Hostel
Hostels have long been a preferred choice among young individuals seeking autonomy and inclusivity. Originating in Germany, they have gained popularity throughout the UK and across Europe. Hostels are distinguished by their affordable rates, typically charged per bed. Accommodations can house anywhere from 4 to 16 occupants, with options available for both mixed-gender and women-only arrangements. Established initially as havens for adolescents from modest backgrounds to reside in while enjoying leisure activities outdoors, hostels have since transformed into cost-effective communal spaces that cater to DIY enthusiasts, social adventurers, as well as hiking and biking enthusiasts.
B&B
The term “Bed and Breakfast,” also known as B&B, is a prevalent form of accommodation in the UK. Initially referring to a small residential inn with limited rooms located in small European cities or rural suburbs, it earned its name due to the inclusive charge for lodging and breakfast. This type of hotel offers essential services without luxurious facilities, catering primarily to budget-conscious travellers such as backpackers and students.
Suggestions for Choosing Hotel Types in the UK
The accommodation options in the UK are rich and diverse, ranging from traditional B&Bs to modern boutique hotels. Here are our suggestions on choosing hotel types in the UK, aiming to help you make the best choice.
- Boutique Hotels: Usually located in the city center, they have unique designs and personalized services, but the prices are relatively high. Suitable for travelers seeking unique experiences.
- Budget Chains: such as Premier Inn and Travelodge. The prices are reasonable and the service is standardized, but usually no additional facilities such as a mini bar or room service are provided. Suitable for travelers with limited budgets.
- B&B-Bed and Breakfast: Commonly found in rural and seaside towns, they are family-run and offer warm accommodation and a sumptuous English breakfast. It is suitable for tourists who seek local experiences and human warmth.
- Serviced Apartments (Serviced apartments): equipped with kitchen and laundry facilities, suitable for long stays or family trips.
When making a choice, please weigh the convenience of location, the completeness of facilities and the price based on your travel purpose and budget.
British Hotel Booking Website Recommendation
Booking.com: The world’s largest online platform for booking accommodations, offering a wide selection of over 540,000 hotels in more than 200 countries. Our services include commission-free bookings, multilingual customer support, extensive room options, competitive prices, reliable customer reviews, and comprehensive information.
Expedia: The world’s largest online travel company holds a significant market share of approximately one-third of the global online travel industry. With over 3000 locations worldwide, it offers exclusive hotel deals and competitive prices. Detailed information about hotels can also be accessed online. Travellers can effortlessly obtain immediate and accurate quotations by simply inputting their desired price range and preferred region.
Airbnb: A renowned online platform that facilitates the connection between travellers and hosts who offer spare rooms for rent. It has gained significant popularity in Europe and has been referred to as the housing equivalent of eBay by Time magazine. The website offers accommodations, including vacation rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals.
Agoda: A hotel booking platform that was developed in Asia, with a primary focus on China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Australia. This website is highly favoured by many tourists visiting Southeast Asia.
Common Hotel Charges and Policies in the UK
The following table summarizes the most common additional charges and policies when staying at hotels in the UK, apart from room rates, to help travelers plan their budgets in advance and avoid “hidden expenses”.
| Fee/Policy | Common Range | Policy Explanation | Avoid/Save Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit/Pre-auth | £50 – £200 per night | The amount frozen by the hotel during Check-in is used to pay for miscellaneous charges (such as the mini bar and room service). The items are usually unfrozen within 3 to 10 working days after check-out. | Use credit card pre-authorization instead of debit card to avoid actual deduction of funds. |
| Breakfast | £10 – £30 per person | Many hotels do not include breakfast. A Full English breakfast is more expensive. | When making a reservation, choose the “breakfast included” package or look for a cheaper cafe near the hotel. |
| Parking Fee | £15 – £40 per night | Hotels in the city center are usually very expensive. It may be free in suburban or chain hotels. | Confirm the parking policy and fees in advance on the hotel’s official website or booking platform. |
| Late Check-out | £10 – £20 per hour; or half a day |
The standard check-out time for most hotels is 10:00 or 11:00. Late check-out requires advance application and additional payment. | Ask in advance if there is a free “preferential check-out time” (such as an extra hour) or if you can use the luggage storage service. |
| Wi-Fi | Free (Basic); £5 – £10 per day (high-speed) |
Most hotels offer free basic Wi-Fi, but high-speed or multi-device connections may be charged. | Confirm the Wi-Fi policy in advance or use your own mobile hotspot. |
Operation Mechanism of Deposit and Pre-Authorization
When checking into a hotel in the UK, the front desk usually asks you to provide a credit card or debit card for Pre-authorization, which is often mistaken for a Deposit. Understanding the difference between the two is of vital importance, as it directly affects your capital liquidity.
Pre-authorization is when the hotel freezes a sum of money (usually £50 to £200 in addition to the room rate) on your card to cover any additional expenses you may incur during your stay, such as mini-bar consumption, room service or damages. This amount was not actually deducted but was temporarily retained by the bank. When checking out, if no additional charges are incurred, the hotel will notify the bank to lift the freeze. Depending on the bank’s processing speed, this fund usually returns to your available credit limit within 3 to 10 working days.
The Deposit is the actual amount deducted and is usually refunded in cash or by bank transfer upon check-out. In the UK, large chain hotels tend to use pre-authorization because it is faster and safer. It is recommended that travelers use credit cards for pre-authorization. This can prevent debit card funds from being frozen and affect short-term consumption budgets.
Hotel Reservation, Check-in and Check-out in the UK
Reservation
- Once you have selected a suitable hotel, you can proceed with placing your order either by phone or online.
- Upon receiving the booking information, the hotel will promptly confirm it in advance.
- After receiving the confirmation, simply provide your name at the front desk during check-in.
- During check-in, please ensure to bring along your passport and other necessary documents. Additionally, a certain deposit may be required (depending on the hotel).
Check-in
- Upon arrival at the hotel reception desk and presenting the confirmation slip, the service staff may provide you with a registration form. This comprehensive form includes essential details such as the traveller’s name, gender, passport number, credit card type and number, and the duration of your stay. Once you have completed this form accurately, kindly return it to our attentive service staff along with your passport. After verifying and arranging your room reservation accordingly, they will promptly hand over both the room key and your passport to you. With these in hand, you are then able to proceed smoothly to check in to your designated accommodation.
- When you arrive at your room, the bellman will promptly deliver your luggage. Upon verifying that everything is in order, it is customary to express gratitude and offer a gratuity.
- Hotel rooms are typically equipped with telephones, televisions, refrigerators, minibars, safes and other amenities for guest convenience. Upon arrival in your room, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the operation of these facilities.
Check-out
- When checking out, please ensure that you remove all of your luggage from the hotel.
- Please proceed to the front desk to return your room card or key and inform them about your check-out.
- The receptionist will notify the bellman to conduct a thorough room inspection and provide a detailed report to the receptionist. Any hotel-provided items utilized will incur additional charges, while any damaged items will be subject to compensation.
- If all conditions are met, you may check out of the hotel once the front desk has refunded your deposit.
Strategies of Early Check-in and Late Check-out
The standard check-in time in British hotels is usually between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and the check-out time is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you need to adjust these times, please be sure to plan ahead.
Early check-in usually depends on the cleanliness of the hotel rooms and the occupancy rate. If you arrive in the morning, you can politely ask the front desk if you can check in early for free. If the room is not yet ready, hotels usually offer free luggage storage services. Some hotels offer a paid guaranteed early check-in service, which may cost £10 per hour or half a day’s room rate.
Late check-out is even stricter because the hotel needs time to prepare a room for the next guest. If you need to delay check-out, please confirm with the front desk at least upon check-in or one night before check-out. Late check-out usually incurs additional charges, ranging from £10 per hour to half a day’s room rate. For passengers who need to take a late flight, instead of paying a high late check-out fee, it is better to check out at the standard time, store their luggage at the hotel and spend the rest of the time at a nearby cafe or attraction.
Tips for Living in A Hotel in the UK
- Disposable toiletries: Including toothpaste, toothbrushes, slippers, and other amenities, are not typically provided by most hotels in the UK. There is no availability of toothpaste and toothbrushes for purchase either. While some hotels do offer basic shower gel and shampoo, it is advisable for travellers to bring their own.
- WiFi：In the UK, many hotels either charge for Wifi or restrict its availability to the lobby area.
- Check-In and Check-Out time: In the UK, the standard Check-In time is typically 3 pm, while Check-Out is scheduled for 12 pm. However, during non-peak seasons, it may be possible to arrange an earlier check-in.
- Breakfast: Kindly verify availability before making a reservation, as some hotels may not offer complimentary breakfast.
- Parking: Downtown hotels generally do not offer on-site parking facilities; therefore, guests are required to find alternative parking spaces. However, some hotels may provide discounted cards for nearby parking options.
- Deposit: It is generally not required when booking a hotel on the above websites.
- Price: The price of British hotels is divided into off-peak season and peak season, and the price varies greatly. In summer and Bank Holiday, the hotel is generally more expensive, so it is recommended to book in advance.
- Identification: Many hotels check passport information upon check-in, so be sure to have your identification with you before you travel.
- Tipping: In British hotels, you should tip the bellman about £2. If you think the room was cleaned well, you can leave a tip of £1-£2 at the end of the bed. But most hotels have a service charge included in the room price.
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FAQ
Premier Inn is often considered to be the largest hotel chain in the UK. With over 800 properties across the country, Premier Inn has become synonymous with reliable comfort and value.
The “Big Four” hotel chains encompass Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, IHG, and Wyndham Worldwide. Each of these industry leaders offers a distinctive portfolio of properties catering to the diverse needs of various types of travellers, ranging from those in pursuit of opulent experiences to those seeking efficiency and practicality.
The design of hotels in the UK is tailored for short-term stays, resulting in pricing that accurately reflects the range of amenities and services provided. In terms of cost-effectiveness, hotels may not be the most economical choice as youth hostels, and B&Bs offer a more favourable price point.
If you are interested in more UK living tips. Please check following blogs!
